Short’s Soft Parade Shandy

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | Aug. 14, 2021

We feel downright silly for not mentioning this until now. Short’s Soft Parade — as much a summer tradition for northern Michiganders as Bell’s Oberon is to west Michiganders — got a cousin last Labor Day, and for us, she’s come to define summer of 2021.

A blend of Short’s flagship Fruit Rye Ale, Soft Parade, and Northwoods Soda & Syrup Co.’s Gourmet Lemonade, Soft Parade Shandy is a mellow, light sipper whose perky punch of citrus seems to make Soft Parade’s signature berry flavor, if this is even possible … even better.

A little like liquid candy but never so sweet we’d want to stop at one, this 4.2% ABV beer has proved the perfect accompaniment for our afternoons on the lake, nights at the ballpark (Turtle Creek Stadium, home of the Traverse City Pit Spitters, smartly served it on draft all season), and not just a few backyard BBQs and brunches. Worth noting: Even our friends who prefer wine to beer liked this one.

Don’t let summer slip by without sipping or serving some. Find it in cans and on tap around northern Michigan by visiting www.shortsbrewing.com.