Shandygaff

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (7 ratings)

Serve in a Pint glass

Ingredients:
23 fill glass with Pilsner lager
Top up with Thomas Henry Ginger Ale
× 1 1 serving
Read about cocktail measures and measuring

How to make:

POUR ale into glass, TOP with ginger ale.

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

Review:

Tastier than your average 'lager shandy'.

View readers' comments

AKA: Sandygaff

History:

This drink and its name originated in England and dates back to at least the late 19th century. The name comes from the London slang for a pint of beer, 'shant of gatter' (shanty being a public house, gatter meaning water). The ginger ale serves as a flavoursome way to water down the strength of the beer, thus the literal translation, 'pub water'.

In the first chapter of The History of Mr. Polly, H. G. Wells describes a shandygaff as being, "two pints of beer and two bottles of ginger beer foaming in a huge round-bellied jug." In London the beer is now usually diluted with lemonade and this drink is now simply known as a shandy. When ordering in a pub you are expected to call for 'lager shandy' or 'bitter shandy', the latter specifying the drink should be based on traditional real ale.

Today the term 'Shandygaff' is forgotten in London but popular in the Caribbean where this drink is made with beer and ginger ale or ginger beer.

Difford’s Guide remains free-to-use thanks to the support of the brands in green above. Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

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G. M. Genovese’s Avatar G. M. Genovese
4th February 2024 at 15:43
Salva Vida (Honduran amber lager) and Fever Tree Ginger Beer was a great combo. Tasted like a lengthened ginger beer.
Marek Vranka’s Avatar Marek Vranka
27th April 2023 at 16:01
had this in a hotel restaurant in Hiroshima and it was very drinkable, I wont't be afraid to try another one...
Myxo Gastrid’s Avatar Myxo Gastrid
13th October 2022 at 19:56
A good way to ruin a nice pilsner (and the ginger ale, really). Might be my fault for using Canada Dry - will try again with either a better ginger ale or good ginger beer
John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
23rd March 2021 at 21:07
Perfect. Have always found the Shandy to be too sweet. This is a great balance.
Christian  S.’s Avatar Christian S.
16th November 2020 at 22:26
The proportions with this recipe are perfect. Refreshing but not overly sweet.