Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy is a refreshing wheat beer that blends crisp lemonade flavor with Leinenkugel’s traditional wheat beer. It was first brewed by the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and has become one of their most popular seasonal releases. The combination of wheat beer and natural lemonade creates a light and easy-drinking beer perfect for warm weather. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that give Leinenkugel Summer Shandy its iconic taste.
The Base Wheat Beer
The base of Leinenkugel Summer Shandy starts with a traditional American-style Weissbeer or Hefeweizen. This beer style originated in Germany but has become popular in the United States as an approachable and refreshing wheat beer. The main ingredients in the wheat beer base are:
- Wheat malt – Typically makes up 50-70% of the malt bill. Wheat malt gives the beer a hazy appearance and provides notes of bread and grain.
- Barley malt – Usually pilsner or pale malt. Makes up 20-30% of malt bill. Adds body and sweetness.
- Yeast – A specialized Bavarian-style yeast is used which gives the beer its signature banana and clove aromas.
- Hops – Traditional noble German hops like Hallertau, Tettnang, or Hersbrucker. Provides mild bitterness and spicy, floral aromas.
- Water – Soft water lets the flavors of wheat and yeast shine through.
By starting with a classic wheat beer base, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy has a solid foundation of crisp, refreshing wheat flavors before the lemonade is added.
The Signature Lemonade
The addition of lemonade is what makes Leinenkugel Summer Shandy so unique. The company uses natural lemonade flavor rather than artificial sweeteners or concentrates. According to Leinenkugel, the lemonade contains four simple ingredients:
- Filtered water
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
The interplay between the zesty lemon flavors and underlying wheat beer notes is what gives Summer Shandy its balance. The lemon adds strong citrus aroma and a crisp, thirst-quenching taste without overpowering the subtler malt and yeast notes.
Final Recipe and Brewing Process
While Leinenkugel keeps their exact recipe proprietary, we know Summer Shandy contains the following general ingredients and process:
Malts:
- Wheat malt (about 60% of total)
- Pale malt
- A small amount of carapils malt for head retention
Hops:
- German noble hops like Tettnang and Hallertau
Yeast:
- Bavarian-style Hefeweizen yeast
Fruit additions:
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Natural lemon flavors
Brewing process overview:
- Mill grains and mash
- Boil wort with hops
- Cool and transfer to fermenter
- Pitch yeast and allow to ferment and condition
- Add natural lemonade flavoring
- Filter and carbonate
- Package finished beer
This combination of high-quality ingredients and traditional wheat beer brewing techniques allows Leinenkugel to produce an exceptionally tasty and refreshing summer beer.
Nutrition Facts
Understanding the nutrition information for Leinenkugel Summer Shandy can help consumers make informed choices.
| Nutrition Facts | Per 12 oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 132 |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
As you can see, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy is relatively low in calories, carbs, fat, and protein compared to some other beer styles. The addition of lemonade cuts the carbohydrate content almost in half compared to a traditional wheat beer.
Comparison to Other Shandy-Style Beers
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy has spawned many imitators and competitors in the shandy or ‘radler’ beer market. How does Leinenkugel’s original recipe compare to other major brands?
Leinenkugel Summer Shandy
- 4.2% ABV
- Crisp lemonade flavor
- Subtle wheat beer base
- Very carbonated
- Light, sweet finish
Blue Moon Lemonade Shandy
- 4.0% ABV
- Prominent lemon notes
- Wheat beer flavor overpowered
- Less carbonation
- Sweeter finish
Sam Adams Porch Rocker
- 4.5% ABV
- Real lemon juice adds tartness
- Bolder wheat flavors
- Moderate carbonation
- Balanced sweet-tart finish
While the general combination is similar across brands, the subtle differences in ABV, carbonation, sweetness, and lemon flavor intensity change the overall drinking experience.
Serving Recommendations
To get the most enjoyment out of Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, here are some recommended serving tips:
- Serve extra cold, around 38-40°F for maximum refreshment
- Pour into a chilled pint glass or beer mug to prevent foaming
- Add a citrus wedge like lemon or lime for extra zip
- Pair with light summer foods like salads, grilled chicken, or fish
- Enjoy outdoors on a hot day for the ultimate refreshment
Drinking Leinenkugel’s ice-cold from a frosty glass accentuates the crisp, effervescent lemonade flavors to perfection.
Seasonal Availability
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy is released as a seasonal beer every year between May and September. The exact dates vary by location, but you can generally expect to find it on shelves and taps during the warmer summer months. It is produced in limited quantities so it sells quickly – be sure to stock up when you see it.
Here is an approximate timeline of Summer Shandy’s availability throughout the year:
- May – Original summer shandy season begins
- June-July – Peak shandy season
- August – Shandy season starts winding down
- September – Last call for summer shandy
- October – Winter/Fall seasonal beers begin release
- November – March – Summer Shandy not available
Be sure to get your Leinenkugel Summer Shandy fix before it goes away each fall! It will re-emerge the following May just as the weather starts warming up again.
History of the Summer Shandy
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy first hit the market in 2007 and has grown into one of their most popular beers. Here is a brief history:
- 1866 – Jacob Leinenkugel establishes the brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI
- 1988 – Miller Brewing Co. purchases the Leinenkugel brewery
- 2001 – The brewery introduces their first seasonal summer wheat beer, Honey Weiss
- 2007 – Summer Shandy makes its debut
- 2010 – National distribution expands across the U.S.
- 2020 – Summer Shandy celebrates its 100th anniversary
In just over a decade, Summer Shandy has become one of top-selling seasonal craft beers and an iconic summer drink. Its immense popularity demonstrates the appeal of fruit-infused wheat beers.
FAQs
What does Shandy mean?
A shandy is beer mixed with a non-alcoholic beverage, usually lemonade or ginger beer. It originated in England in the late 1800s as a lower alcohol option. Leinenkugel brought the concept to America with the creation of Summer Shandy.
Is Leinenkugel Summer Shandy gluten-free?
No, Summer Shandy contains wheat and barley malt so it does contain gluten. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it.
What is the difference between Summer Shandy and Summer Shandy Light?
Summer Shandy Light has a slightly lower 4.2% ABV. It has a lighter body and flavor profile while still featuring lemonade flavors. The original Summer Shandy is 4.6% ABV.
What food should I pair with Summer Shandy?
Its light citrus flavor pairs well with salads, seafood, chicken, desserts, and fruit. The wheat beer base also complements spicy foods like tacos or Indian curries.
Conclusion
With its combination of crisp American wheat beer and refreshing lemonade, Leinenkugel Summer Shandy has become a beloved warm-weather tradition for good reason. Its balance of subtle malted wheat and zesty lemon flavors makes it the perfect beer for summertime sipping. Though imitators have followed, Leinenkugel’s original summer shandy still sets the standard. Those looking for a light and lively beer to toast the summer should definitely grab a six-pack of this Wisconsin-born classic.