This past summer, shandies grew in popularity as the beverage of choice for drinkers looking for something refreshing without being too filling, and the newly released Honey Ginger Shandy from Toronto-based brewery Old Tomorrow is continuing that wave. The beer cocktail is being marketed as Ontario's first craft shandy.
As it's name suggests, honey and ginger are the two key ingredients in the craft Honey Ginger Shandy. Beyond the lemon flavor that comes common in shandies, the drink has natural honey flavoring and ginger derived from a nearly 150-year-old recipe. Old Tomorrow uses Muskoka Springs Pale Ginger Ale syrup, a recipe from 1873, for its ginger taste.
At just three percent ABV, the shandy is light enough to drink at a BBQ party without having to think about leaving room for the meal itself.
Sweet Craft Shandies
Old Tomorrow's Honey Ginger Shandy is Sweet and Satisfying
Trend Themes
1. Craft Shandy - The recent popularity of shandies presents an opportunity for breweries to create and market craft shandies with unique flavours that stand out in the market.
2. Honey and Ginger Flavored Drinks - The use of honey and ginger in Old Tomorrow's Honey Ginger Shandy presents a trend for other beverage companies to create drinks with these natural, unique ingredients.
3. Low ABV Beverages - Consumers seeking lighter, refreshing drinks that don't leave them too full or intoxicated presents a trend for the creation of low ABV beverages, such as shandies.
Industry Implications
1. Brewing Industry - Breweries can create and market craft shandies to capitalize on the trend of refreshing and unique summer beverages.
2. Beverage Industry - The trend towards natural, unique ingredients in drinks such as honey and ginger presents an opportunity for the beverage industry to differentiate their products and create new offerings.
3. Restaurant and Bar Industry - Offering low ABV beverages such as shandies can attract consumers looking for lighter, refreshing drinks to restaurants and bars.