The Snakebite is a libation that has a satisfying sting.
Summer is on its way out. There’s no greater reminder to me of that fact than waiting for my flight home to Los Angeles. Sure, once I land in Burbank and walk out onto the tarmac, I’ll be met with sweltering temperatures upwards of 90 degrees or more. Right now, the city is facing a heatwave, and honestly, I’m kinda looking forward to it. I’ll still get to wear my linens and camp collar shirts, which I’m not looking forward to stowing away until next year.
When the air is still hot and the pool is cool, I sometimes think back to memorable summers of the past, and oftentimes a libation will help. Tonight’s drink is called the Snakebite, which swept me away to the end of my senior year in college. My buddy became obsessed with a movie called The Beach, about a young American touring Southeast Asia and getting into all manner of life-changing adventures. We went to see that movie a lot, and one of the standout scenes was the main character, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, being dared to drink a shot of snake blood.
Now, thankfully, the recipe we’ll be making tonight doesn’t involve any kind of blood or snakes, despite its name. Combining a stout, dark beer with a fruity and tart cider, the Snakebite beverage will indeed have a bit of a bite, but one that’s smooth and tasty as opposed to venomous. And it’s perfect for when the weather still makes you sweat a little.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Snakebite drink?
We used a reliable and popular Guinness for the stout and some Strongbow for the cider. If you have a preference for either drink, by all means use them. If you’re unsure or just curious about using other brands, see what they have at the store. When I recently made a Snakebite for myself, I used a Guinness draught and Magners Irish cider.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces hard cider 1/2 pint
- 10 ounces stout beer 1/2 pint
Instructions
- Fill a chilled beer glass halfway with the hard cider.
- Slowly top with the beer. You can pour over the back of a spoon placed against the inside edge of the glass to help layer.
- Allow the drink to settle for a moment before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a pint glass in your freezer for around 30 minutes before serving and drinking this mixture. No garnish is needed, just sip slowly and enjoy.
How do you layer this mixture?
Gently pour the stout atop the cider over the back of a bar spoon. This will make the dark beer fan out over the amber-colored cider, causing it to sit on top, giving it a layered presentation. And as you drink, the cider will cut through the stout, giving you a balanced mouthful of flavors.
Similar drinks to the Snakebite
If you’re in the mood for something a little more complicated than just a bottle of beer, but not as strong as a classic spirit-based mixture, you can easily discover some of the cold and bubbly beverages you’re searching for right here at Twist & Toast.
- Beer Paloma – Sour and refreshing, this bubbly mixture is a satisfying one.
- Shandy Beer – One of my favorite warm-weather libations.
- Beer Margarita – Here’s a combination of two summertime favorites.
- Summer Beer – Lemonade, vodka and some suds craft this thirst-quenching beverage.
Leave a Comment