shandy

When selecting a beverage to pair with a sporting event, like a basketball tournament, beer is the first thing that comes to mind. However, I know some of the Sugar girls dislike beer, so I'm going to serve shandys.

A shandy is a British beer cocktail that combines brew with lemonade. This recipe from the current issue of Food & Wine magazine jazzes up the traditional shandy by adding in ginger. Refreshing and sparkling, this drink looks perfect for Spring.

In case guests prefer to sip something else, I'll also have chilled white wine and sparkling water. To learn how to make the ginger shandies, read more

While Yum was into Tyler Florence's kitchen essentials, I was more interested in the cocktail — or should I say mocktail, it was nonalcoholic he was pouring. The refreshing beverage was a mixture of cranberry juice, ice, and sparkling apple cider. This cool and delicious concoction is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Although you do need a blender, it's so easy to make that you could even get the kids involved. To get the technique for Tyler's festive slushie-like mocktail, read more

When one hears the words "tailgate" and "drinks," the first thing that comes to mind is beer. And lots of it. At my tailgate, I'll supply guests with a selection of cold brews and an updated version of the shandy, a classic beer cocktail. Tailgates always get a little rowdy, so I won't serve hard alcohol.

It's a good idea to have sodas, water, and a couple bottles of chilled white wine on hand. Before heading to the stadium, don't forget to stock up on ice. There's nothing worse than warm beer on a hot afternoon. To look at the refreshing recipe for the beer cocktail — at my party it will be poured into Cal cups! — read more

I used to live in England for a little while, and let me just say, it's pretty different from the US. For example cookies are called biscuits, dessert is called pudding and their bartenders mix beer with lemonade. Yes, beer with lemonade, and surprisingly, it's really good. If you ask most Americans what a shandy is they wouldn't be able to tell you, but it's essentially just a mix of lemonade and beer. I found it to be a great refresher on a sunny afternoon or after a round of badminton (which, in case you're wondering, I'm terrible at).

You can mix up your own, or go for a very low-alcohol version by Fentimans. I tasted this product the other day and it had a great flavor, definitely a good alternative for the designated driver.

To learn how to mix up your own shandy (you could just take beer and sparkling lemonade and pour them together, but this recipe is more fun), read more