Snakebite (drink)

For other uses, see Snakebite (disambiguation).

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]}

Snakebite

Cocktail
Type	Mixed drink
Served	Without ice (no rocks)
Standard drinkware	Pint glass
Commonly used ingredients	One part lager/one part cider
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 myth.^[2]

This myth 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.

See also

• Drink portal

• Queen Mary (beer cocktail)
• Shandy
• Black and tan