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Best Easy Apple Cider Beer Shandy: Perfect Fall Drink

apple cider beer shandy - featured image

This Crisp Apple Cider Beer Shandy Recipe is a quick and easy fall drink made with fresh apple cider and light beer. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces light beer or lager (e.g., Coors Banquet, Miller High Life, Modelo, Corona)
  • 6 ounces fresh apple cider (unfiltered, refrigerated)
  • Ice cubes (as needed)
  • Apple slices or cinnamon stick (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 ounce bourbon or apple brandy (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chill your pint glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (optional but recommended).
  2. Fill the chilled glass with ice cubes almost to the top.
  3. Pour 6 ounces of fresh apple cider over the ice.
  4. Slowly pour 12 ounces of ice-cold lager or light beer over the cider, tilting the glass to minimize foam.
  5. Gently stir the mixture once or twice with a bar spoon to blend.
  6. Garnish with a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider and a light, crisp lager. Avoid heavy beers like stouts or IPAs. The 2:1 ratio of beer to cider is key. If making for a crowd, scale up in a pitcher: 3 cups cider to 6 cups beer. This drink is best served immediately and cannot be stored.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider shandy, beer shandy, fall drink, easy cocktail, apple cider beer