No Wiffle Today, So Let's Talk Ale

There are two nouns in this club name, after all, and it is only right that someone blog about the "A" in OWAC. We have many experts, aficionados and savants of beer here in the League, but since none of them are here to write it, I'll share my recipe for

SHANDY!!!

As you are all aware, I know, the shandy is a beer-juice mixed drink, typically made with lemonade.  Other variants include use of apple juice or cider, or even carbonated sodas. These have alternative names as well, such as the Biermischgetränke, the Potsdammer, your Whizz Peach, a Berliner Weisse mit Schuss, or the Radler. Broadly known in the industry as "shandies" here in the States, these are the fastest growing segment of the beer market in both the large commercial segment as well as the "craft" brews genre.

1. Choose your ingredients.  And choose wisely. You're looking for a lighter beer - a wheat beer, a lager, or even a pilsner for a more complex shandy. As for your mixer, tradition says lemonade, but many prefer a carbonated lemon drink, such as a San Pellegrino. You can choose according to your taste, but if you want a carbonated lemon drink and your only choice is Sprite or 7-Up, I recommend you go with ordinary lemonade.

2. Mix. The correct proportions are 1:1, and it is proper to pour the lemonade first and then the beer, so as to make sure the drink has a "head." Shandies get presentation points, beyond their refreshing palette.

3. (Optional) Ice.  Some add ice to the beverage and then stir to blend the flavors. A vigorous pour and create a sufficient blending, however.

4. Enjoy!

Remember: Wiffle Season is also Shandy Season! Here-Here!