Shandies (shandy is short for shandygaff) date back to the 19^th century, and are a blend of beer and soda—such as ginger ale—lemonade, or another flavor.  Think of them, perhaps, as the original beer cocktail. The generally lower alcohol content and the addition of flavor makes them really refreshing alternatives for the summer.

Recently arrived: Leinenkugal's Summer Shandy, a lemonade-flavored beer that will be a hit for your tastebuds. It's brewed with wheat and malted barley, then the brew masters mix in lemonade and citrus flavors. The result is a creamy yellow shandy with lemon/citrusy aromas interwoven with malt and hop notes. The aromas and flavors balance malt sweetness with the tartness of the lemon and citrus for a refreshing twist on beer.

Team it up with summer foods like lightly seasoned seafood, chicken, and Tex-Mex (mild salsas), fairly mild cheeses like mild-to-medium cheddar or baby Swiss, or salads.