Snakebite is a mixture of beer and cider. Several authentic versions of the drink are conflicting accounts as to what kind of beer should be used. Some recipes call for beer, a type of beer made with bottom fermenting yeast that has a long fermentation time. Others insist that dark beers such as porter or strong, are traditional for use in the drink. The component of apple cider is an alcoholic beverage or pear with a fruity character popular throughout Europe and the United States. In the United States, the drink is commonly known as cider, so as not to be confused with soft drinks juice. Demand for a different recipes or brand as the best cider snakebite, with popular choices are the harp, Strongbow and Magners.
Many laws of the local spirits categories have separate licenses for beer or wine and mixed drinks. As the drink is technically a cocktail, some pubs may be unable to do so. Of course, there can be no law that says you can not ask for a pint of beer and a glass of cider and mix your own. To make a snake bite, fill a glass halfway with a pint of beer, cider and then add slowly pouring in the back of a spoon to create a layered effect. Many recipes that with a drink this basis, layers may seem a bit presumptuous and should be discarded. If you agree, you can also just pour the beer and cider both at the same time.
Variations in the drink are almost endless, often with added ingredients. Venomous snake bites, also called shark bites, add a extra shot of alcohol. A tarantula Jack Daniels whiskey addedto Coca Cola, while is a red witch contains a shot of Pernod, ananise flavored liqueur, and a shot of vodka. A bite of champagnereplaces champagne cider, may also contain a touch of black currant liqueur.
The Irish version of the snake bite, using Guinness and Irish ciderBulmer or Magner, makes a great St. Patricks Drinking Day. You may also want to serve beer cocktails like the black and tan. This drink, named for the uniforms of military force during the war of Irish independence, is a robust mix of Guinness and a pale ale orlager. A black and tan can be a good way to introduce people to cocktails of beer, as a snake bite may sound a bit unusual for beginners cocktail.
