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Snakebite (drink)

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Snakebite
Cocktail
TypeMixed drink
ServedWithout ice (no rocks)
Standard drinkware
Pint glass
Commonly used ingredientsOne part lager/one part cider
PreparationMix in a standard pint glass equal parts lager and cider

A snakebite is an alcoholic drink made with equal parts lager and cider.[1] If a dash of blackcurrant cordial is added, it is known as a "Diesel" or a "Snakebite and Black". It was first popularised in the UK in the 1980s.[citation needed]

Availability in the UK

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A snakebite is typically served in a pint glass.[1] Serving a snakebite from separate cider and lager taps or bottles is legal in the UK, despite sources that suggest otherwise. In 2001, former US President Bill Clinton was refused a snakebite when he ordered one at the Old Bell Tavern in Harrogate, North Yorkshire as a consequence of this myth.[2]

This myth stems from the Weights and Measures Acts 1985 dictating alcoholic drinks to be served in exact measurements (thirds, halfs, two-thirds of a pint and multiples of half a pint) for lager and cider, making it incredibly hard for bar staff to accurately pour these measurements in a standard pint glass. An easier 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.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Snakebite". Thrillist. Archived from the original on 2021-10-08. Retrieved 2021-10-08.
  2. ^ "Clinton in Harrogate (Harrogate Advertiser, 15 June 2001)". Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)