This easy Ginger Pumpkin Shandy is the perfect way to savor the season. Its cozy flavors take a pumpkin brew and ginger beer to the next level that’s perfect for everything from entertaining to tailgates.
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About this Pumpkin Shandy recipe
When it comes to fall, pumpkin is a staple flavor. After all, the PSL (AKA pumpkin spice latte) appears earlier and earlier each year.
But why let coffee have all the fun? The Pumpkin Shandy brings the fall flavor that everyone goes crazy for to a whole new sipper. Pumpkin beer and ginger beer form a duo that’s sweet, spicy and cozy yet refreshing.
Beer is such an underrated ingredient for cocktails. Sure, it’s easy to just pop the top and enjoy as-is, but when you build on its flavors (and harness its bubbles), some magic happens in beer cocktails.
Traditional shandies are made with lemonade and lager, the perfect light drink for hot summer days. But with the more complex flavors of pumpkin beer and the spice of ginger beer, you’re left with something that’s akin to pumpkin pie. It’s just as at home at a tailgate as it is on the Thanksgiving table!
More beer recipes: Beerita • Beermosa • Michelada
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s easy! You just need two ingredients to craft this tasty sipper. (Plus some cinnamon sugar for the rim — optional!)
- Perfect for fall days. From tailgates to Oktoberfest to cocktail hour, this drink is able to be enjoyed anytime.
- Customize it to your tastes. Pick your favorite version of the ingredients to make this drink your own.
Ingredients & equipment
The list of ingredients is pretty short for this sipper. You’ll want your favorite pumpkin beer (keep reading if you need recommendations) and ginger beer.
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Not all ginger beers are created equal. Some are spicier than others, so choose whichever fits your preferences. I’ve tried a lot and have found my favorites, but they change depending on the drink. Don’t be afraid to use some trial and error!
Add a little more spice (and some sweetness) with a cinnamon sugar rim. You could also use apple cider spice mix — use honey to help it stick to your rim.
Just because this is a beer cocktail, doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve a fancy glass! I love using can glasses, especially with an extra detail on them, but you could use a collins glass * or rocks glass too. Outside of glassware, you don’t need any special tools.
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Best pumpkin beer
Since this is a Pumpkin Shandy, I recommend using a pumpkin beer. With only ginger beer in the mix, the beer is where all of the pumpkin flavor, as well as other spices, come from. If you have a favorite pumpkin beer already, go with that! I lean toward more local brews and my preference is one packed with plenty of pumpkin.
A pumpkin lager offers a lighter drink, with crisp, spiced flavors. A pumpkin porter will give you a deeper drink, with notes of coffee and caramel. You can use other harvest ales and Oktoberfest festbiers, though they may not taste very pumpkin-y. Just like with the ginger beer, this could take some tasty trial and error to determine what beer you like best.
For a non-alcoholic version, use a non-alcoholic pumpkin beer. Athletic Brewing is one of my favorite non-alcoholic beer brands and their Dark & Gourdy pumpkin spice “beer” would be perfect. Their Oktoberfest fest brew would also be great.
For my fellow North Carolinians: I used the Pumpkin Coffee Blonde from Cabarrus Brewing Co. in these photos. I also like the Pumpkin Latte Blonde from Sycamore Brewing, Harvest Time by Big Boss Brewing Company and Gordgeous from NoDa Brewing Co.
Instructions
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to sit back, sip and enjoy!
First, prep your glass. Pour some honey (simple syrup works too) onto a plate and your cinnamon sugar onto a separate plate. Roll the edge of the glass in the honey to coat it, then roll your glass in the cinnamon sugar to coat the rim.
Next, fill your glass halfway with ginger beer. Finally, top with your preferred pumpkin beer and start sipping!
Tips & tricks
- With so many bubbles at play, make sure to pour slowly! You don’t want to overflow the glass and wreck your rim.
- Play with the ratio of ginger beer and pumpkin beer to find what you prefer.
Food pairings
Mix up the menu depending on when you’re serving this shandy. For a low-key gathering, like game day, try air fryer chicken wings and baked jalapeño poppers.
If it’s a more sophisticated setting, like Thanksgiving dinner, a recipe like puff pastry pinwheels are a great option. You also can’t go wrong with a classic charcuterie board.
Sweeten the deal with seasonal sweets like pumpkin bread or some pumpkin spice syrup drizzled over ice cream. Yum!
FAQ
You can use your favorite pumpkin beer for this recipe. Each one will create a slightly different drink, so experiment to find your favorite.
You can, and you should! This fall-ready shandy uses ginger beer instead of lemonade for a spicy fall sipper.
Not quite. While they’re both ginger-flavored carbonated beverages, ginger ale is a sweet, mild soda, and ginger beer is a spicier drink traditionally made by fermentation. You could use either one in this recipe, but ginger beer is going to have more spice.
More fall recipes
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Ginger Pumpkin Shandy
ingredients
For the cinnamon sugar rim
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 wedge lemon
For the Ginger Pumpkin Beer Shandy
- 4 ounces pumpkin ale
- 4 ounces ginger beer
instructions
- In a bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon. Pour onto a large plate.
- Use a lemon wedge to moisten the outer rim of a glass. Roll the rim in the cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Holding the glass at a 45-degree angle, fill the glass halfway with pumpkin ale, aiming at the side of the glass not the bottom. Top with ginger beer. Serve immediately.
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nutrition information
amount per serving:
Note from the author
2025 update: This fall recipe was originally published in 2016. It’s been refreshed with new images and easier steps — because great recipes should keep getting better. Hope you love it!
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
Love the Ginger Beer Shandy! I think adding cocktails is a super fun way to celebrate!
Mimi says
This looks and sounds way better than the regular shandy! Can’t wait to try it!
Nur hayati says
Bagaimana membuat bir labu nya?
Susannah says
Hi Nur! I used Google to translate your comment. It sounds like you are asking how to make pumpkin beer. Where I live, pumpkin-flavored beer is common to find in the autumn months. I’m not a home brewer or beer expert, but from what I know, pumpkin beer is usually brewed with a little bit of pumpkin and fall spices. If you can’t find pumpkin beer near you, you could probably use a 2:1:1 of a regular beer (a lager-style or ale) to pumpkin juice and ginger beer. You might have to play with the recipe a bit to get something similar! Good luck and let me know how it goes.