Snakebite
Collins GlassBuild
Origin
British and Irish pub drink with no documented inventor; emerged in late-20th-century UK pub culture. The addition of blackcurrant cordial creates a 'Snakebite & Black' or 'Diesel'
Variations
- Snakebite & BlackAdd ½ oz crème de cassis or blackcurrant cordial
- DieselBritish variant — same drink, blackcurrant added, sometimes with a measure of cola
Lager and cider in equal measure: a British pub staple with a fearsome reputation.
Ingredients
- 6 oz cold Lager
- 6 oz Hard Cider (dry)
Instructions
- Pour the lager into a chilled pint glass, filling it halfway.
- Top with the hard cider.
- Serve immediately. Optionally add a dash of blackcurrant cordial for a "Snakebite & Black."
Tips
- Use dry cider. Sweet cider becomes cloying when combined with the malt of the lager.
- Half-and-half is the canonical ratio; adjust to taste.
- For "Snakebite & Black," float ½ oz of crème de cassis or blackcurrant cordial on top.
Notes
Some British pubs historically refused to serve Snakebites, citing folk beliefs about their strength (in reality, the ABV is unremarkable, usually around 5%). This is largely a piece of pub folklore now rather than a current practice. The drink emerged in late-20th-century UK pub culture and has no documented inventor.