Beer And Cider: Perfect Pairing Or Poor Mix?

Drinking beer and cider together is a topic that has sparked much debate. Some people claim that drinking them together can cause a negative reaction, with some even coining the term lunatic soup to describe the mixture. Others argue that there is no chemical reaction between the two drinks and that the feeling of getting drunk quicker is purely psychological. Despite the differing opinions, one thing is clear: mixing beer and cider can lead to a faster absorption of alcohol, resulting in a more intense intoxication. Whether you choose to mix beer and cider or not, it is important to drink responsibly and be mindful of your limits.

What is a snakebite drink?

A snakebite is a mixed drink that combines equal parts hard apple cider and lager beer. It is served in a pint glass without ice. The drink is native to the United Kingdom, where it became popular in pubs in the 1980s, particularly among students and youth subcultures such as goths and punks. It is still enjoyed today, mainly by younger patrons.

The drink's name likely comes from its ability to intoxicate quicker and more potently than drinking lager or cider separately. This has led to an urban myth that the drink is illegal in Britain, which is not true. However, some pubs choose not to serve it due to its reputation and its tendency to attract binge drinkers.

There are several variations of the snakebite, some of which are known by alternative names. If a dash of blackcurrant cordial is added to the cider and lager mixture, it is known as a "Snakebite and Black" in the UK or a "Diesel" or "Purple Nasty". In the United States, a snakebite is more commonly made with a heavier, darker beer, such as a stout, instead of lager.

It is important to note that a snakebite shot is different from the mixed drink described above. The shot is made by mixing Yukon Jack, a Canadian whiskey made with honey, with lime juice and is served in a shot glass.

How to make a snakebite drink

A snakebite is a mixed alcoholic drink that combines equal parts lager and cider. It is typically served in a pint glass and is light, refreshing, and easy to drink.

How to Make a Traditional Snakebite

To make a traditional snakebite, you will need the following ingredients:

• Lager
• Cider (preferably hard apple cider)
• Blackcurrant cordial or syrup (optional)

• Get a pint glass or any glass or cup of your choice.
• Fill the glass halfway with cider.
• Top it off with lager, filling the remainder of the glass.
• If desired, add a dash of blackcurrant cordial or syrup to give it an extra kick of flavour.
• Stir the drink with a bar spoon to mix the ingredients evenly.
• Let the mixture settle.
• Top it off with more lager until the glass is full.
• Enjoy your snakebite!

How to Make a Dark Beer Snakebite

For a dark beer snakebite, you will need:

• Hard cider
• Dark beer (stout or porter)

• Get a pint glass or beer flute, or any clear glass.
• Pour the hard cider at an angle into the glass, filling it about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
• Hold a tablespoon upside down over the glass to slow down the flow of dark beer.
• Pour the dark beer over the centre of the spoon and into the glass. Be careful not to pour too slowly, or it will flow alongside the glass.
• Continue pouring until the glass is full.
• Let the foam settle.
• Top it off with more dark beer as needed.
• Your dark beer snakebite is ready to enjoy!

Snakebite variations

A snakebite is a drink made with equal parts lager and cider. It is typically served in a pint glass. The drink is light and refreshing, with a balanced, sweet, or even overly sweet taste. The apple essence of the hard cider is diluted, and the added carbonation from the lager makes the drink taste bright and refreshing.

There are several variations of the snakebite, some of which are known by alternative names. Here are some of the most common variations:

Snakebite & Black, Diesel, or Purple Nasty

To make a Snakebite & Black, also known as Diesel or Purple Nasty, add a dash of blackcurrant liqueur to the cider and lager version of the snakebite. This variation adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant colour to the drink. It is said that because the drink becomes so sweet when the fruit syrup is added, the hangovers associated with it are quite unpleasant.

Cider and Stout Snakebite

The Cider and Stout Snakebite is made by layering stout on top of the hard cider. This variation is popular in the US and is similar to a black velvet or black and tan beer. The Guinness version is richer, with bitter notes from the roasted barley creating a more elegant flavour profile than cider can attain on its own.

Cider Snakebite Twist

For a Cider Snakebite Twist, substitute the apple cider in the classic recipe with pear cider and the blackcurrant liqueur with blackberry liqueur. This variation has a slightly more exotic, berry-infused character, and the pear adds a fresh, autumnal note.

Raspberry Liqueur Variation

For a hoppier, more bitter drink, use an India Pale Ale (IPA) instead of lager and add a splash of raspberry liqueur. This variation will appeal to beer aficionados looking for a vibrant, punchy drink.

Winter Warmer Snakebite

For a wintry feel, opt for a Winter Warmer Snakebite. Use a spiced cider with notes of cinnamon and clove, and add a splash of cassis for depth and richness. This variation is perfect for a chilly evening.

Snakebite shot

The snakebite shot is a simple but potent drink. It is made with just two ingredients: Yukon Jack and lime cordial. Yukon Jack is a Canadian liqueur made from whiskey and honey, giving it a very sweet taste. When mixed with the tartness of the lime cordial, the snakebite shot is a drink that will make you pucker and shake your head.

To make the snakebite shot, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add your Yukon Jack and lime cordial. Shake well and then strain the mixture into a shot glass. It is recommended to serve this shot with a lime wedge, and as it has a high alcohol content, it should be enjoyed responsibly.

The snakebite shot should not be confused with the snakebite drink, which is also sometimes called a snakebite shot. The snakebite drink is made with half lager and half cider and is served in a pint glass. This drink is popular in the UK and has a much milder taste compared to the snakebite shot.

Some bars refuse to serve the snakebite shot due to its high alcohol content. It is not a drink for those who are faint of heart! If you are ordering a snakebite shot at a bar, be prepared that the bartender may refuse to serve it to you.

If you are looking for a strong and memorable shot to serve at a party, the snakebite shot is definitely one to consider. Just be sure to enjoy it responsibly!

Cider and lager vs cider and Guinness

A Snakebite is a popular alcoholic drink that combines equal parts cider and beer. While lager is the popular addition to cider in the UK, dry Irish stouts such as Guinness are more commonly mixed with cider in the US.

Cider and Lager

The combination of cider and lager is a classic Snakebite cocktail. It is made by filling a pint glass halfway with cider and then topping it off with lager. This version of the cocktail is known to be light, refreshing, and easy to drink. The carbonation from the lager adds a bright, refreshing taste to the drink.

Cider and Guinness

The combination of cider and Guinness, also known as a cider and Irish stout, is a variation of the Snakebite cocktail. It is prepared by filling a pint glass halfway with cider and then slowly pouring Guinness over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. The Guinness floats on top of the cider due to its lower density and specific gravity. This version of the cocktail is richer in taste and has a more elegant flavour profile compared to the cider and lager combination. The bitter notes of the roasted barley in the Guinness elevate the flavour of the cider.

Customisations

The cider and lager Snakebite can be customised by adding a dash of blackcurrant cordial, resulting in a drink known as a "Diesel" or a "Snakebite and Black" in the UK. However, it is important to note that the addition of the fruit syrup can make the drink extremely sweet, potentially leading to unpleasant hangovers.

Similarly, the cider and Guinness Snakebite can be customised by using pear cider instead of hard apple cider to add a fun twist to the cocktail.

Frequently asked questions