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 "Diesel" or a "Snakebite and Black". 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. 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, halfs, 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.
