The apparent decline in popularity of an iconic British drink has left many baffled. The fizzy beverage, enjoyed by children and adults alike, peaked between the 1970s and 1990s but is now much less common in pubs and supermarkets.
What Is Shandy?
Shandy typically consists of a 50/50 mix of beer and lemonade, though a stronger version known as a lager top—a pint of lager with a dash of lemonade—also exists. It was a popular choice for older kids and adults during its heyday.
One Reddit user in the AskBrits community asked, "In the 90s it was one of the most popular drinks for older kids and adults, so why don't people drink shandy so much anymore?"
Reasons for Decline
Responses varied. One person suggested, "Probably coincides with the decline of traditional bitters and the increase in popularity of lagers. A bitter shandy is a nice drink, especially on a warm summer's day, but a lager shandy is horrible to me."
A pub worker noted, "The older generation scoff at shandies. The view is that it's a waste of good beer. If I'm thirsty, I'd sooner get a pint and a half of lemonade to quench my thirst rather than ruin the flavour of my beer."
Nostalgic Memories
Others recalled fond memories. One user said, "Used to drink it as a kid. I remember vending machines at our local pool sold them, and me and my mates would pretend we were drunk walking home!" Another asked, "Anyone remember Panda shandy back in the 90s?"
Shandy Still Has Fans
Despite the decline, some still enjoy shandy. One Reddit user shared, "I always get a shandy and my wife mocks me! Says it's a waste of good beer, and to be fair it's the same price as a pint." Another said, "My husband only drinks shandy. At the pub, always, and he buys mini bottles from Morrisons for £2.40 for 10."
A third exclaimed, "Always drink an ice cold one in the summer. Has to be ice cold though, to the point of almost frozen." Another declared, "Oh I love a shandy! Neither my husband or I are big drinkers, so we'll sometimes get a bottle of beer and a glass of lemonade and make shandies when we go for something to eat."
