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.