A maraschino snakebite drink is a fun beer and cider beverage with a twist! Maraschino cherries (and some of their liquid) are added for an extra layer of flavor. It's a great lower-alcohol option for sipping in the summer heat -- or anytime.
I'm motioning we rename 'Friday' to 'Fri-yay', and I suspect I'd get a lot of support given the sheer number of Instagram posts and Facebook memes that surface this time of week.
I'm not a huge fan of going out on Friday nights as I tend to be pretty tired, but I'll muster a 'Fri-yay!' as I pour myself a drink and settle on into the couch to watch Netflix.
Speaking of Netflix, we (finally) finished Mad Men and I'm getting agita thinking about the lack of shows we're in the midst of. I would love your suggestions!
It's only fitting that I share this maraschino snakebite drink on a Friday, because the odds are good that this will be what I'm sipping on tonight while I convince my husband to watch all the true crime documentaries. It's a simple fancied up beer beverage that's taken to the next level with those homemade maraschino cherries I posted a few weeks ago.
What is a snakebite?
A snakebite drink has UK origins, and is traditionally comprised at its base of equal parts lager beer and hard cider.
Some variations include something extra such as a splash of liqueur for sweetness and a bit of flavor. Blackcurrant liqueur (otherwise known as crème de cassis) is a popular liqueur for this purpose, which turns snakebites into a darker, slightly pinky color.
Fun! But I'll be real with you. I don't have many liqueurs on hand as we have zero room in our small kitchen, so I decided to take some liberties with this version and make this snakebite drink with an easy store-bought (or homemade!) staple.
Drink ingredients
The first part of this drink is a lager beer. Lagers come in a wide range of colors, but my personal preference is to use a lager that's on the lighter (in color) side. Some favorite varieties of mine are Yuengling Lager, Heineken, and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
That said, it's also not uncommon to see darker lagers used in snakebite drinks. I totally enjoy sipping on black lagers from craft breweries by themselves, but I'm not so much a fan of them here in a snakebite.
Now for the hard cider. I like to use a hard cider that's fairly moderate in terms of sweetness. If you've sipped them before, you know that some have a higher sugar content than others.
Use whichever kind you like, but some less sweet varieties I like to use here are Strongbow and Crispin.
Once those two lovelies are added to a glass, stir in about one tablespoon of maraschino cherry liquid from the jar of cherries and garnish with a cherry or two.
While I love using homemade maraschino cherries here, store-bought totally works, too. The maraschino cherry ingredients add a subtle flavor that complements the beer and cider combo nicely! While this snakebite drink is slightly unconventional, it's a version made easier with an extra ingredient you may just as well have in your refrigerator already.
Maraschino Snakebite Drink
Ingredients
- 6 oz. lager beer
- 6 oz. hard cider
- ½ oz maraschino cherry liquid (1 tbsp)
- 1-2 maraschino cherries or to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a glass and stir to combine. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
Desarae says
Hi! I'm interested in where you purchased the glasses that the drink is in? The ones with the dogs on them. I love a good mason jar and dogs.... And these combine both! Thanks!!
Alyssa says
Hi Desarae! I love those glasses, too. They're from Lagunitas Brewing Company but I randomly got them from a liquor store in southern California a few years ago. I just looked at the Lagunitas website though and they're available for sale through there (and pretty affordable!). Here's the link: http://store.lagunitas.com/store/CUSTOM%21FTF/Mason+Jar 🙂
NAncy says
I'm responding to your request for a show recommendation. You can't go wrong with "Bloodline" on Netflix. 2 seasons so far. It's brilliant!
Alyssa says
Thanks so much for the suggestion, Nancy! I just read a description and it's intriguing! Definitely up my alley. 🙂
marcie says
I just bought some expensive natural maraschino cherries yesterday and then I remembered your recipe that I've got to try! This snakebite looks like a delicious cocktail that's perfect for summer!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
The name of this cocktail made me smile. How clever is that?? 😀 And seriously, it sounds like the BEST combo of flavors ever! Perfect for a chillaxing-on-the-couch kinda Friday! Or Monday?? 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So now I really need to get on making those cherries 😉
Alyssa says
Haha I've been enjoying sneaking them into different things! I mean, they're just sitting there. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh it's definitely Fri-yay with this pretty drink! I'm the exact same as you once Friday night hits, I'd rather relax on the couch with a drink. I love the name of this, Alyssa! And how easy is this to make?! Sounds perfect!
Alyssa says
Thanks Gayle!!