Snakebite

Snakebite: cider, lager and a splash of blackcurrant

A Snakebite is a British pub drink rather than a cocktail: equal parts cider and lager in a pint glass, often with a splash of blackcurrant cordial, which turns it deep purple-red and earns it the name Snakebite and Black.

What the three components do

• Half a pint, 284 ml / 9.5 oz, cider — a dry English cider. Sweet cider makes the pint cloying.
• Half a pint, 284 ml / 9.5 oz, lager — a clean, crisp pilsner. A hoppy IPA fights the apple.
• A splash, 15-20 ml, blackcurrant cordial — the “black”. Berry sweetness, colour and about 20 kcal.

Measures for a pint

A dry, tannic cider needs more lager to stay drinkable; a soft, sweet cider needs less, or the pint turns into dessert.

How strong is a Snakebite?

Typical cider runs 4.5-6% ABV and a standard lager around 4-5%, so a 1:1 pint lands at roughly 5% ABV, with about 28 ml of pure alcohol. A dry cider gives a total near 250 kcal; a sweet cider can push a pint past 350 kcal.

Technique: cold, tilted and slow

Chill both cans for at least four hours. Pour the cider into a clean pint glass first, holding the glass at an angle, then pour the lager down the side of the glass as slowly as you can. Add the cordial last and stir once with a long spoon. Pouring the two together hard knocks out the carbonation.

Common mistakes and their fixes

• It separates and looks spoiled — cider is less dense than lager, so they partly separate. Stir once before drinking.
• Far too sweet — a sweet cider plus cordial. Move to the 1:2 build and cut the cordial to 10 ml.

Variations and FAQ

• Snakebite and Red — the same pint finished with raspberry cordial instead of blackcurrant.

Is a Snakebite actually a cocktail?

Not in the technical sense — it is a mixed beer drink, or a “beer cocktail” in modern bar language.

Can I make a Snakebite in a jug?

It works, but the carbonation fades fast. Mix in the jug with the cordial, pour each glass down the side and serve quickly.