Calamansi Ginger Beer Shandy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing beer cocktail combining tangy calamansi juice with spicy ginger beer for a lively, citrusy finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together fresh calamansi juice, ginger beer, light lager beer for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing glass, lightly muddle 4 fresh mint leaves with 1/2 oz honey syrup.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 oz fresh calamansi juice and stir gently to combine.
  3. Step 3: Fill a highball glass halfway with ice cubes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the calamansi-mint mixture, then add 4 oz light lager beer.
  5. Step 5: Top with 5 oz ginger beer and stir gently once to integrate.
  6. Step 6: Garnish by slapping a sprig of fresh mint between your hands to release aroma and placing it upright in the glass.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Calamansi Ginger Beer Shandy take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Calamansi Ginger Beer Shandy?

Refrigerate any leftover calamansi ginger beer shandy in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Calamansi Ginger Beer Shandy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Calamansi Ginger Beer Shandy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Calamansi Ginger Beer Shandy?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.