Lemon Beer Shandy With Grapefruit

Name: Lemon Beer Shandy With Grapefruit
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 lemons; 2 C Sugar; 1 C Grapefruit Juice; 2 oz Cans chilled lager beer; lemon wheels [Garnish]

Lemon Beer Shandy With Grapefruit is a light, citrus-forward cocktail that blends chilled lager with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and grapefruit juice, sweetened with simple syrup and garnished with lemon wheels. It's an ideal refreshing drink for outdoor gatherings and warm days.

🏷️Equipment: punch cup

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

8 lemons
2 C Sugar

1 C Grapefruit Juice

2 oz Cans chilled lager beer

lemon wheels [Garnish]

5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Remove zest from 6 lemons with vegetable peeler and reserve.
2
Juice lemons; you should have 2 cups Bring 2 cups water and sugar to a boil in large nonreactive saucepan.
3
Add lemon zest and remove from heat.
4
Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
5
Add lemon juice and grapefruit juice.
6
Strain into large pitcher, cover, and refrigerate until chilled.
7
Just before serving, add beer.
8
Serve in punch cups, garnished with lemon wheels.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill all ingredients beforehand, especially the lager, to prevent the shandy from becoming diluted or losing carbonation.
Balance the citrus: taste as you mix and adjust lemon-to-grapefruit ratio based on the tartness of your fruit.
Add the lager last and stir gently to preserve bubbles and carbonation.
Serve immediately after mixing in individual glasses over ice with fresh lemon wheel garnish for visual appeal and extra flavor.

Substitutions

Lager → blonde ale or wheat beer (will add subtle sweetness and complexity)
Fresh lemon juice → lime juice (creates a tropical variation)
Grapefruit juice → orange juice (sweeter, more mellow citrus profile)
Sugar syrup → honey syrup (adds floral notes and smoother sweetness)

Storage & make-ahead

This shandy is best consumed immediately after mixing. If you prepare the juice base ahead, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then add chilled lager just before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make this shandy ahead of time?

Mix the lemon, grapefruit, and sugar base in advance and chill. Add chilled lager just before serving to preserve carbonation and prevent the beer from going flat.

What type of lager works best?

A light, crisp lager is ideal. Pilsner or pale lager works well and won't overpower the citrus flavors.

How much does this recipe serve?

With 2 oz cans of lager, this recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings depending on desired drink strength and glassware size.

Can I use bottled or canned lemon juice?

Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is preferred for better flavor and brightness, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Avoid lemon juice concentrate if possible.