Snakebite (drink)
Equal parts lager and cider, popularised in 1980s UK.
A snakebite is an alcoholic beverage consisting of equal parts lager and cider. When a splash of blackcurrant cordial is included, the drink is called a "Snakebite and Black." (Note: despite occasional claims, the term "Diesel" in UK pub tradition refers to a mixture of lager and cola, not lager, cider, and blackcurrant cordial.) Its popularity began in the United Kingdom during the 1980s.
In the UK, a snakebite is usually served in a pint glass. Despite some claims to the contrary, it is legal to prepare the drink using separate taps or bottles for the lager and cider. However, many pubs have their own rules against serving it, as the regulations are still considered ambiguous. This confusion stems from the Weights and Measures Acts of 1985, which require lager and cider to be served in specific exact measurements (such as thirds, halves, two-thirds of a pint, and multiples of half a pint). This makes it difficult for bar staff to accurately pour those measures into a standard pint glass. A common workaround is to serve the customer half a pint of lager and half a pint of cider separately, along with an empty pint glass, so they can mix the drink themselves.
Quick Facts
- Ingredients
- One part lager/one part cider
- Served
- Without ice (no rocks)
- Prep
- Mix in a standard pint glass equal parts lager and cider
- Drinkware
- Pint glass
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
A snakebite is typically served in a pint glass. Serving a snakebite from separate cider and lager taps or bottles is legal in the UK, despite sources that suggest otherwise, however many pubs have their own policies against serving them as the rules are still seen as unclear.
Reader's Guide
The snakebite's significance lies in its status as a simple mixed drink that became a cultural staple in UK pubs during the 1980s. Its legacy is marked by persistent legal confusion: while serving it is legal, many pubs refuse to do so due to unclear rules stemming from the Weights and Measures Acts 1985. These acts require lager and cider to be served in exact measurements (thirds, halves, two-thirds of a pint and multiples of half a pint), making it difficult for bar staff to pour a proper snakebite in a standard pint glass. A common 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. The drink gained notoriety when former US President Bill Clinton was refused one at the Old Bell Tavern in Harrogate in 2001, highlighting the ongoing misconception about its legality. The snakebite remains a popular but sometimes controversial order in British pubs.
Did You Know?
- A snakebite is made with equal parts lager and cider.
- Adding blackcurrant cordial makes it a 'Snakebite and Black' (not a 'Diesel'—in UK pub tradition, a Diesel is lager and cola).
- The Weights and Measures Acts 1985 require lager and cider to be served in exact measurements, complicating the pouring of a snakebite.
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