Snakebite (drink)
Alcoholic drink made with equal parts of lager and cider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A snakebite is an alcoholic drink made with equal parts lager and cider.[1] If a dash of blackcurrant cordial is added, it is known as a "Snakebite and Black", or rarely, a "Diesel". It was first popularised in the UK in the 1980s.[citation needed]
| |
| Ingredients | One part lager/one part cider
|
|---|---|
| Standard drinkware | Pint glass |
| Served | Without ice (no rocks) |
| Preparation | Mix in a standard pint glass equal parts lager and cider |
Availability in the UK
A snakebite is typically served in a pint glass.[1] Serving a snakebite from separate cider and lager taps or bottles is legal in the UK, despite sources that suggest otherwise, however many pubs have their own policies against serving them as the rules are still seen as unclear. In 2001, former US President Bill Clinton was refused a snakebite when he ordered one at the Old Bell Tavern in Harrogate, North Yorkshire as a consequence of this misconception.[2]
This misconception stems from the Weights and Measures Acts 1985 dictating alcoholic drinks to be served in exact measurements (thirds, halves, two-thirds of a pint and multiples of half a pint) for lager and cider, making it incredibly hard for bar staff to accurately pour these measurements in a standard pint glass. An easier workaround is to serve the customer half a pint of lager and half a pint of cider then hand them an empty pint glass to complete the drink themselves.
