While last summer was a record-setting high season for French Provencal rosé, all signs seem to point to a new European invasion this year; the shandy is having its moment.
The shandy, which originates from Europe in the 17th century, is traditionally beer mixed with lemonade, ginger ale, or citrus soda. The original name was the “Rich Man’s Shandy Gaff,”The drink is a mix of champagne and ale. It was created by the large majority of the public, who couldn’t afford champagne so they replaced it with ginger beer or lemonade.
The deepest roots of the shandy can be found in Britain and Germany, where they are called “a” and “a.” “radler,”German for cyclist. The name refers to a bartender who was overwhelmed by the thirst of a peloton and doubled his beer supply by adding lemonade to it. While shandies, radlers are still a European novelty, they are now mainstream American accepted.
Vermont-based Traveler Beer CompanyThe transatlantic gap is being bridged to reengineer Old World beverages for this side. This will be done with an American craft twist.
“This beer mixes the great old European shandy tradition with good old American ingenuity,”Alan Newman is the founder of The Traveler Beer Company. “Our mission is to introduce a broad audience to the American-craft shandy as a new mode of refreshment.”
The Traveler Beer Company is inspired by an old European pub staple. They take the classic shandy and add American craft beer innovation to it. Traveler’s American wheat beers, which are made from real fruit or juices such as grapefruit and lemonade, don’t mix ale with lemonade or citrus-flavored soda. This makes them refreshingly accessible and versatile.
Curious Traveler, a drink made with lemon and lime is Traveler Beer’s flagship beverage. Illusive Traveler, a brand that has been embraced by grapefruit-based drinks is also a strong contender.
Other craft brewers such as Brooklyn-based Sixpoint and Boulevard, Kansas City, have also introduced shandies, radlers, and beer taps in the United States. They offer unique twists on an age-old tradition.
The Traveler Beer Company does not make Labor Day the last day to drink shandy. Jack-O Traveler, which is made from real pumpkin, will be available in the fall. Jolly Traveler (with pomegranate peel and holiday spices) will arrive in November just in time to enjoy winter entertaining.
