Calories In A Grapefruit Shandy Beer: A Nutritional Overview

Grapefruit shandy is a refreshing cocktail made with beer and grapefruit juice or grapefruit-flavoured soda. The cocktail is a variation of the traditional British shandy, which is made with beer and ginger ale or lemon soda. The grapefruit shandy is a great summer drink and can be made with a variety of beers, from lagers to wheat beers. The cocktail can also be customised with the addition of spirits like tequila or vodka, and garnishes like fresh mint or grapefruit slices. The calories in a grapefruit shandy will depend on the specific ingredients used, but a 12 fl. oz can or bottle of Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy Fruit Beer (4.2% alc.) contains 130 calories.

Grapefruit shandy cocktail recipes

The grapefruit shandy is a spin on the traditional shandy, which is a European cocktail invented in Britain in the mid-1800s. A traditional shandy or shandygaff uses ginger beer or ginger ale, whereas the grapefruit shandy uses grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda. The grapefruit shandy is an American invention, so you won't be able to order it in the UK!

Grapefruit Shandy with Grapefruit IPA

This recipe takes around 5 minutes to make and serves 1.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz IPA with grapefruit notes
• 12 oz grapefruit soda
• Fresh grapefruit slices, for garnish
• Fresh mint, for garnish

Instructions:

• Place a slice of grapefruit in a tall glass, wedging it to follow the curvature of the glass bottom to prevent it from floating to the top.
• First pour the IPA. Fill half to three-quarters of the glass with IPA, depending on your preference for sweetness.
• Fill the rest of the glass with grapefruit soda.
• Garnish with fresh mint and add an ice cube or two for a sparkly effect.

Grapefruit Shandy with Simple Syrup

This recipe takes around 2 minutes to make and serves 1.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• 6 oz craft wheat beer (or light beer)
• Grapefruit wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• In a beer glass, stir the simple syrup and grapefruit juice.
• Add the soda water and beer and stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and serve.

Spicy Grapefruit Shandy

This recipe takes around 2 minutes to make and serves multiple people.

Ingredients:

• Cups of grapefruit juice, preferably fresh
• Cup of finely chopped pickled ginger
• Cup (or more) of pickled ginger juice
• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
• Beer, preferably light lager (for serving)

Instructions:

• Vigorously stir grapefruit juice, pickled ginger, pickled ginger juice, a small pinch of salt, and a good 20 cranks of pepper in a large pitcher.
• Taste and add more ginger juice, salt, and pepper if needed.
• Divide beer among ice-filled glasses and add a splash of grapefruit-ginger juice to taste.

Calories in Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy

Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy is a fruit beer with an alcohol content of 4.2% ABV. A 12 fl. oz can or bottle of this beer contains 130 calories. This is also equivalent to 136 calories.

The % Daily Value (DV) tells how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs. These values are recommended by a government body and are not specific recommendations.

Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy also contains 15.1g of total carbohydrates, 13g of net carbs, 0g of fat, and 1.3g of protein.

To burn off the calories from this drink, a 35-year-old female who is 5'7" tall and weighs 144 lbs would need to engage in moderate physical activities such as walking, weight training, cycling, running stairs, or running. For example, it would take her 36 minutes of walking to burn off the 130 calories in Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy.

History of the shandy

The shandy, a refreshing mix of beer and lemonade or any other citrus beverage, is said to have originated in Victorian England in the 1850s, where it was known as the "shandygaff". It was initially a mix of ale or beer with ginger beer or ginger ale, which was replaced by lemonade or lemon soda by the late 19th century. The name was also shortened to "shandy" around this time.

The earliest written record of the word "shandygaff" dates back to 1853, in Cuthbert M. Bede's novel "The Adventures of Mr. Verdant Green", where a character states that a friend taught him "to make shandy-gaff and sherry-cobbler …: oh, it's capital!". The drink was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1855, and "shandy" was added in 1876.

The origin of the term "shandygaff" is obscure, but it is speculated that the word "gaff" could be a portmanteau of "ginger" and "half". Another theory suggests that "gaff", meaning a "place of lower-class amusement", was blended with the adjective "shandy", which was used in dialectal English to refer to people who were wild or boisterous. This could have been influenced by the behaviour of people drinking shandygaffs in lower-class establishments.

The shandygaff was considered a "delightful beverage" and was also known as the "poor man's champagne". It was particularly popular in warm weather, and Charles Dickens wrote that "no honest man drinks anything but shandy-gaff" during hot weather. The drink was also enjoyed by Etonians and drinkers in Windsor, and was mentioned by authors such as H.G. Wells and Christopher Morley.

By the 1930s, however, the popularity of the shandygaff seemed to be waning, with the Nottingham Evening Post reporting that "we hear very little nowadays of 'shandy-gaff' – that fizzing concoction of beer and ginger-beer which youths loved 40 years ago".

The shandy, as it is known today, typically refers to a blend of beer with any non-alcoholic beverage, usually poured as a 50:50 mixture. It is a popular drink in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada. The low alcohol content of shandies often exempts them from laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

Best beers to use for a grapefruit shandy

A grapefruit shandy is a refreshing cocktail that combines the crisp taste of beer with the tangy flavour of grapefruit. While you can buy pre-made grapefruit shandy, many people prefer to make their own at home, allowing them to customise the drink to their taste.

Wheat beers

Wheat beers are a popular choice for a grapefruit shandy, as their crisp, bright flavour complements the grapefruit well. Examples of wheat beers that can be used include Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale and Blue Moon.

Pilsners

Pilsners are another type of beer that can be used to make a grapefruit shandy. They have a lighter flavour that can help to balance the sweetness of the grapefruit.

Pale ales

Pale ales are a good option for those who want a stronger beer flavour in their shandy. They have a more robust flavour that can stand up to the grapefruit juice.

IPAs

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a type of pale ale that can also be used in a grapefruit shandy. The piney, bitter flavour of an IPA can be a great contrast to the sweetness of the grapefruit.

Lagers

Lagers are a popular choice for those who want a lighter, more refreshing shandy. They have a crisp, clean flavour that can be enhanced by the addition of grapefruit juice.

Choosing the right beer

When selecting a beer for a grapefruit shandy, it is important to consider the flavour profile of the beer and how it will complement the grapefruit. A more complex, hoppy beer may overpower the grapefruit, while a lighter, crisper beer may be too mild. The best option is to experiment with different beers and find the one that suits your taste preferences.

Best garnishes for a grapefruit shandy

A grapefruit shandy is a refreshing drink that combines the sweetness of grapefruit with the bitterness of beer. It is a perfect drink for a hot summer day and can be easily made at home. While the drink itself is delicious, the right garnish can elevate it to the next level. Here are some of the best garnishes to use for a grapefruit shandy:

Grapefruit Slice

A thinly sliced grapefruit circle placed inside the glass is a visually appealing garnish that adds a burst of citrus flavour to the drink. To prevent the slice from floating to the top, wedge it along the inside curvature of the glass before pouring in the liquid. If using a standard-sized beer glass, cut the grapefruit slice into quarters, as a full slice may be too large.

Fresh Mint

A sprig of fresh mint adds a splash of contrasting colour and a pleasant aroma that complements the hoppy notes of the beer. It also enhances the drink's overall freshness.

Ice Cubes

While ice cubes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of garnishes, adding one or two to a grapefruit shandy creates a sparkling effect that is visually appealing. Just remember not to add too many, as they can dilute the flavour and affect the carbonation of the drink.

Cocktail Bitters

Cocktail bitters, such as Angostura, are spirits infused with herbs and spices. Adding a few drops to your grapefruit shandy can provide depth and complexity to the flavour, creating a unique drinking experience. However, remember that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Lemon or Orange Slice

For a classic citrus twist, a lemon or orange slice is a simple yet effective garnish. It adds a burst of freshness to the drink and is especially suitable if your shandy already has lemon or orange notes.

When garnishing your grapefruit shandy, feel free to get creative and experiment with different options. You can even combine multiple garnishes to create a more complex and visually appealing drink. Remember, the right garnish can enhance the flavours and elevate the overall drinking experience.

Frequently asked questions