“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
-Benjamin Franklin

Death, taxes, and cheap beer.

As summer begins to wind down in most of the country, it’s still in full force here in Florida. Barbecues and outdoor get-togethers actually become more frequent as we reach this time of the year when cold showers aren’t mandatory after a half-an-hour outdoors.

If there is charcoal in the air, there is a beer in my hand. However, the taste of some hosts leaves much to be desired. At times, I find myself swilling sub-par, mass market, rice lagers served with the mindset that quantity is more important than quality.

But no more!

My fellow beer enthusiasts, I have a solution: Summer Shandy. A little homemade additive that will turn any macro brew into a summertime delight. Mix one ounce of this concoction with twelve ounces of lager and you can eliminate the additional stop for your favorite craft beer before your next cook-out.

Equal parts:
Water
Sugar
Fresh Lime Juice

Bring the water to a boil and then stir in the sugar. Remove from heat and add lime juice.

Chill and bring to any party, add to your beer, and enjoy!

Tristan is a professional craftsman, furniture maker and amateur beer brewer who is currently restoring his mid-century house.