Snake Bite (UK)

The Snake Bite is a popular UK cocktail that blends equal parts lager and cider, creating a refreshing and crisp drink with a unique flavor profile.

  • 5 min
  • Easy
  • Pint glass
  • 2 ingredients
Hero bottle: Lager →

Snake Bite (UK)

Ingredients

1
  • Lager½ pint
  • Cider½ pint sweet or dry

Method

  1. Pour ingredients into a pint glass.
  2. Drink.
  3. Fall over.
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What you need

Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.

A double jigger

Marked in oz and ml, with lines inside for the small measures.

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The hero bottle

See 6 Lager drinks

Where it comes from

The Snake Bite is a legendary British pub drink that emerged from the DIY cocktail culture of working-class establishments, traditionally combining cider and lager in equal parts. This humble drink carries significant cultural weight in UK drinking traditions, representing authenticity, accessibility, and the pragmatic creativity of pub culture across generations.

Tips from the bar

  • Use quality cider and lager for best balance
  • combine at the right ratio for flavor harmony
  • serve ice-cold in appropriate glassware
  • adjust sweetness based on cider selection
  • this is a straightforward drink without complex technique

Twists worth trying

Snake Bite Black
A darker version using stout instead of lager
Snakebite Shandy
A lighter rendition with ginger beer
Premium Snake Bite
A premium craft version using artisanal beverages

What to eat with it

  • Fish and chips with malt vinegar
  • meat pies
  • bangers and mash
  • cheese and onion crisps
  • pork pies
  • traditional British ploughman's lunch

The finished drink

Snake Bite (UK)

Questions

What is in a Snake Bite (UK)?

A Snake Bite (UK) is made with lager, cider.

What glass do you use for a Snake Bite (UK)?

Serve a Snake Bite (UK) in a pint glass.

What does a Snake Bite (UK) taste like?

Expect refreshing, crisp, fruity.

What can I make with Lager?

We have 6 drinks built around Lager. See them all on the Lager page.

More with Lager

Every Lager drink →
Green Goblin
Snakebite and Black
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Diesel

One good drink, every Friday.

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