Snakebite – British Cider and Lager
Named for its legendary bite, the Snakebite is a staple of British pub culture. This 50/50 blend of crisp hard cider and refreshing lager is prized for its simplicity and smooth finish. Beyond the standard pour, popular variations include the Diesel, which adds a splash of blackcurrant, and the Turbo Diesel, bolstered by a shot of vodka.
For me, it’s a trip back in time. A bag of crisps (chips) and a British pint, takes me right back to my roots.
I’ve had questions about the Guinness crisps (chips) in the picture below. They are SO GOOD! I have found them in my local BevMo and also at Cost Plus World Market. (not an ad, just for informational purposes).
How to Make a Snakebite Drink
It couldn’t be easier. Using a 16 ounce (pint) glass, half fill with cider and top off with lager.
Snakebite Variations
The standard mix often includes a splash of blackcurrant liqueur or juice, known in the UK as a Snakebite and Black or a Diesel. For those seeking a more potent version, the Turbo Diesel adds a shot of vodka to the blend.
More British Pub Recipes:
- British Fish & Chips: The gold standard of pub fare, featuring a light, crispy batter.
- Traditional Scotch Eggs: A savory, protein-packed snack perfect for any gathering.
- Ploughman’s Lunch: The ultimate cold plate, featuring crusty bread, sharp cheese, and pickles.
Snakebite – British Cider and Lager
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (½ pint) hard cider
- 8 ounces (½ pint) lager or light beer
Instructions
- Pour the cider into a pint size beer glass. Fill the rest of the glass with lager.
Used to drink Snakebite in the late 80″s early 90’s it was reasonably priced on pubs and night clubs. Never had a Red Witch as I don’t like Pernod but it was popular with Goths and Rock/Metal people.
Snakebite got a few lads drunk quickly and fighting back in the day so that probably helped getting it banned.
This is interesting, thank you for the info.
I see your snakebite and raise you a red witch, a pint of snakebite with a 1/4 Gill of pernod and blackcurrant cordial
I’ve never had a red witch, but it sounds really good – and dangerous 🙂
It is its an old goth classic
That’s cool
Not the nicest, try it with guinness instead of lager, thank me later.
I’m interested to try this, thanks for the tip.
Was that a black velvet?
G’day! Sign me up for one of these right now! Pinned! Cheers! Joanne
Drop the pernod an just have diesel! Or another late 80’s one, diamond white(bottled white cider and castawey(bottled fruit coctail), blastaway!
Cheers to the week end! I may have to try this combo of cider and lager. Sounds refreshing.
I wish it was 5 o’clock all the time! Love this British style happy hour!
Me too, thank you so much.
It’s pretty tasty Nancy 🙂
I going to give this a try Janette!