Malawi Shandy Recipe

Malawi Shandy is one of those drinks that instantly takes me back, ginger ale and lemon-lime soda fizzing together with a splash of citrus and a few dashes of bitters, the kind of thing that showed up at every holiday gathering when I was growing up. It's bright and a little spicy from the ginger, sweet and tart from the citrus, and there's something about that first sip over ice that still feels like summer in Southern Africa.

The classic version is simple, just ginger ale, lemonade or lemon-lime soda, and bitters, though every family seems to have their own take. Some add orange cordial, some go heavier on the citrus, and mine leans into fresh orange and lemon juice alongside the Sprite, ginger ale, and Angostura bitters, which gives it a little more depth without losing that nostalgic flavor I grew up on. It's sweet and tart and just bittersweet enough from the Angostura to keep you coming back for another glass.

People are often surprised to learn Malawi Shandy isn't really an alcoholic drink, at least not traditionally. Despite the name, it's the kind of soft drink you'd hand a kid at a family gathering just as easily as an adult, which is probably why it's so tied up in my memory with holidays and celebrations rather than nights out. That said, if you're making it for adults and want to turn it into a cocktail, a splash of vodka or white rum works beautifully, about an ounce to an ounce and a half per serving does the trick. Vodka keeps things clean and lets the ginger and citrus shine, while white rum brings a little more sweetness and tropical warmth. Neither is traditional exactly, they're just an easy way to dress the drink up when the occasion calls for it.

If you love the flavor of a Malawi Shandy as much as I do, you'll want to try my Malawi Shandy Ice Lollies too, same citrus and bitters combination, just frozen into a treat for the hottest days of summer.

A few things I've learned over the years of making this for family and friends: serve it very cold, over plenty of ice, and add the ginger ale and soda right before serving so you don't lose the fizz. If you're making a big batch for a party, you can mix the orange juice, lemon juice, and bitters ahead of time and just add the carbonated ingredients at the last minute. And go easy on the bitters at first, Angostura is concentrated and it doesn't take much before it starts to take over the glass.

malawi shandy, mocktail recipe, malawi shandy recipe

drinks

African, Southern African, Zimbabwean

Yield: 4

Author: Dontmissmyplate

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Malawi Shandy

Refreshing Southern African citrus drink made with orange juice, lemon, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and bitters.

Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup Sprite or other lemon-lime soda
• ½ cup ginger ale
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
• Ice, for serving
• Orange or lemon slices, for garnish

Alcoholic Variation

• Turn your Malawi Shandy into a cocktail by adding 1 to 1½ ounces of vodka or white rum per serving.
• Vodka: Keeps the citrus, ginger, and bitters flavors clean and bright.
• White rum: Adds a slightly sweeter, more tropical flavor.
• The classic-style Malawi Shandy is non-alcoholic; the spirits are an optional variation rather than a traditional requirement.

Variations

• Less sweet: Replace some of the Sprite with sparkling water.
• More citrus: Add an extra squeeze of lemon or a little more fresh orange juice.
• More ginger: Increase the ginger ale slightly for a stronger ginger flavor.
• Classic-style: For a simpler version, use equal parts ginger ale and lemonade or lemon-lime soda with a few dashes of bitters. This style is commonly found in Southern African recipes.
• Frozen: Turn the drink into Malawi Shandy Ice Lollies for a refreshing frozen treat.

Instructions

1. Add the orange juice and lemon juice to a large pitcher.
2. Add the Sprite and ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
3. Add the Angostura bitters and stir gently once more.
4. Fill four glasses with ice and pour the Malawi Shandy over the ice.
5. Garnish with an orange or lemon slice and serve immediately.

Notes

• Add the carbonated drinks shortly before serving to keep the Shandy fizzy.
• Fresh orange juice gives the drink a brighter, fuller flavor.
• Start with the recommended amount of bitters and adjust to taste.
• Serve very cold over plenty of ice.
• If making a large batch, mix the juices and bitters ahead of time and add the carbonated ingredients just before serving.
• For an alcoholic version, add the spirit directly to each serving rather than the whole pitcher so guests can choose whether they want alcohol.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

100

Carbs (grams)

25 g

Sugar (grams)

23 g

Protein (grams)

1 g

Sodium (milligrams)

10 mg

I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.

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White Whiskey Rickey

Yes, this recipe is inspired by an existing drink in the world of cocktails. If you can't get your hands on a white whiskey such as McClintock's White Whiskey, regular bourbon or whiskey will do! Like its cousin, the Whiskey Sour, the Bourbon Rickey typically consists of bourbon and lime juice.

This is a refreshing, classy cocktail perfect for a hot day. The ginger and lime cordial offer a tang and citrus punch that compliments the whiskey— which carries both floral notes and a tequila-like, smooth finish. The basil adds another refreshing element along with the fresh lime slice.

Ingredients

3 ounces white whiskey

3 ounces ginger lime cordial

1 cup club soda

1.5 ounces simple syrup (optional)

Fresh lime

Fresh basil

Ice cubes

Instructions

Add the ice to the glass. Pour in the whiskey, followed by the cordial, lime slice, and soda water; mix well.

Garnish with the fresh basil and lime. Top the drink and stir in the simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter tasting beverage; serve.

Gin Flamingo (Kiwi, Strawberry)

Gin is a huge part of the drinking culture in Zimbabwe, not as popular in the U.S. I would put forward tequila and bourbon first if I had to make a safe bet! The idea of a gin bar with an enormous selection of botanicals, juices, fresh and dried fruits, and herbs may not seem as appealing to some. A gin garden? A gin tasting? If you aren't a gin fan, this cocktail could be a good introduction.

Warm weather always calls for the addition of fresh fruits to the beverages we indulge in.

This drink is a fun medley of fresh kiwis and strawberries with lemon juice and simple syrup, enhanced by a strawberry flavoured gin. I went with Beefeater, but you can use another good quality brand you like.

Both fruits are tart but sweet and blend well together. The cocktail is surprisingly subtle, not too sweet, and very easy to drink. You can be liberal with the gin topping as the final part of your libation if necessary!

Ingredients

6 kiwis + extra to garnish

1 cup strawberries + extra to garnish

1 lemon (sliced in half)

6 ounces strawberry gin (double shot per serving)

3 ounces simple syrup

Ice

Mint leaves

Instructions

Slice the kiwis and quarter and chop the strawberries. Add them to your cocktail shaker and use the muddler to mash the fruits into mostly juice with small chunks. 

Pour the simple syrup into the shaker, then add some ice cubes to start cooling the drink. You can also add some additional ice cubes to the serving glasses. Secure the top and shake the mixer well to ensure the ingredients blend. 

Before pouring the strained mix into each glass, squeeze a little under half a lemon into the glass. Distribute the shaker contents between the glasses, then add a double shot or 3 ounces to each by pouring the gin over the ice.

Garnish the glasses with extra kiwi and strawberry pieces and some fresh mint; serves 2.