Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack – Summer's Most Refreshing Chicago Craft Beer Experience

Updated → August 2025

Discover Chicago's iconic Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack featuring three citrus-forward flavors at 4.2% ABV. This 12-pack delivers classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Grapefruit Lemonade shandies perfect for warm weather celebrations and casual gatherings.

The Chicago Shandy Renaissance

Chicago's craft beer scene has evolved dramatically since the 1980s, transforming from a landscape dominated by mass-produced lagers to a vibrant ecosystem of innovative breweries. At the forefront of this revolution stands Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack, representing the perfect marriage of traditional German beer culture and contemporary American craft innovation.

The shandy tradition dates back centuries to European beer gardens where thirsty workers mixed beer with lemonade to create a refreshing, lower-alcohol beverage perfect for hot summer days. Goose Island has masterfully adapted this concept for modern palates, creating a variety pack that showcases three distinct interpretations of the classic shandy formula.

Goose Island's Chicago Legacy

Founded in 1988 on Chicago's North Side, Goose Island Beer Company emerged from John Hall's vision to bring European-style craft beers to the Windy City. Named after the only island in the Chicago River, the brewery quickly became synonymous with quality and innovation in American craft brewing.

The brewery's flagship 312 Urban Wheat Ale, named after Chicago's area code, laid the foundation for what would become their shandy line. By combining their expertise in wheat beer production with the refreshing appeal of citrus, Goose Island created the Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack to meet growing consumer demand for sessionable, fruit-forward beers.

What's Inside the Variety Pack

The Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack offers an expertly curated selection of three complementary flavors, each bringing its own unique character to your tasting experience. This 12-pack contains:

• 6 cans of Original Lemonade Shandy - The flagship flavor that started it all, featuring a perfectly balanced blend of wheat beer and fresh lemonade notes
• 3 cans of Strawberry Lemonade Shandy - A fruit-forward variation that adds ripe strawberry sweetness to the classic shandy formula
• 3 cans of Grapefruit Lemonade Shandy - A citrus lover's dream with bright grapefruit tartness cutting through the wheat beer base

Each 12-ounce can delivers a sessionable 4.2% alcohol by volume, making this variety pack perfect for extended gatherings, outdoor events, or casual weeknight enjoyment without overwhelming your palate or your plans for tomorrow.

Flavor Profiles Breakdown

Original Lemonade Shandy

The cornerstone of the variety pack, Goose Island's Original Lemonade Shandy combines their signature 312 Urban Wheat Ale with natural lemon flavors reminiscent of Italian lemon ice. The initial sip greets you with bright citrus notes that dance across your palate, followed by the smooth, creamy texture of wheat beer. The finish is clean and refreshing with just enough sweetness to balance the lemon acidity.

Strawberry Lemonade Shandy

Building on the original formula, the Strawberry Lemonade variant introduces fresh strawberry notes that complement rather than overpower the base beer. The aroma immediately evokes memories of summer strawberry patches, while the taste delivers authentic fruit flavors without artificial sweetness. This variant particularly shines when paired with light salads or grilled chicken.

Grapefruit Lemonade Shandy

The most adventurous of the trio, Grapefruit Lemonade Shandy adds sophisticated bitter notes that beer enthusiasts will appreciate. The grapefruit's natural tartness plays beautifully against the wheat beer's smoothness, creating a more complex flavor profile that bridges the gap between traditional shandies and modern craft beer innovations.

Perfect Shandy Occasions

The versatility of the Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack makes it an ideal choice for numerous occasions throughout the warm weather months and beyond:

Beach and Pool Parties: The lower alcohol content and refreshing citrus flavors make these shandies perfect for day drinking in the sun without the worry of overindulgence. The aluminum cans are also pool-friendly and easily packable in coolers.

Backyard BBQs: These shandies pair exceptionally well with grilled foods, from burgers and hot dogs to more sophisticated fare like grilled seafood or vegetable skewers. The citrus notes help cut through rich, smoky flavors.

Music Festivals and Outdoor Concerts: When you need something refreshing that won't weigh you down during a long day of entertainment, these sessionable shandies hit the spot perfectly.

Brunch Gatherings: Move beyond mimosas with these breakfast-friendly beers that complement everything from eggs Benedict to fresh fruit platters.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To maximize your enjoyment of these craft shandies, proper serving and pairing can elevate the experience from good to exceptional. Start by chilling the cans to between 38-45°F for optimal flavor expression. While these beers are designed to be enjoyed straight from the can, pouring into a wheat beer glass allows you to appreciate the golden color and slight haze characteristic of quality wheat beers.

For garnishing, consider adding a fresh lemon wheel to the Original, a strawberry slice to the Strawberry variant, or a grapefruit wedge to the Grapefruit version. These simple additions enhance both the visual appeal and aromatic experience.

Food pairings for the Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack are virtually limitless, but some standout combinations include:

• Original Lemonade with grilled fish tacos or ceviche
• Strawberry Lemonade with spinach and goat cheese salad
• Grapefruit Lemonade with spicy Thai or Vietnamese cuisine

The Competitive Landscape

While numerous breweries have entered the shandy market, Goose Island distinguishes itself through Chicago authenticity, flavor variety within a single pack, and the use of their award-winning 312 Urban Wheat Ale as the base beer. This foundation provides a more complex, satisfying drinking experience compared to competitors using lighter lager bases.

Seasonal Availability & Storage

Although shandies are traditionally associated with summer drinking, the Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack has evolved into a year-round offering in many markets due to popular demand. However, production typically ramps up from March through September to meet peak consumption periods.

For optimal freshness, store your variety pack in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. While these beers won't spoil in the traditional sense, the delicate citrus flavors are best enjoyed within 4-6 months of the packaging date printed on the bottom of each can. Refrigeration isn't necessary for unopened cans, but once chilled, keep them cold to maintain flavor consistency.

Crafting Shandy Cocktails

While these shandies are perfectly delicious on their own, creative mixologists have discovered ways to incorporate them into innovative cocktails. The Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack provides an excellent base for beer cocktails that won't overwhelm your guests with alcohol.

The Chicago Sunrise: Combine Strawberry Lemonade Shandy with a splash of prosecco and fresh strawberry puree for a brunch-worthy cocktail that celebrates local flavors.

Grapefruit Shandy Margarita: Mix Grapefruit Lemonade Shandy with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice over ice for a lower-calorie twist on the classic margarita.

Lemon Shandy Sangria: Use Original Lemonade Shandy as the base for a white sangria with fresh peaches, blueberries, and a touch of elderflower liqueur.

Nutrition & Ingredients

Health-conscious consumers appreciate that Goose Island's shandy line offers a lighter alternative to many craft beers without sacrificing flavor. Each 12-ounce serving contains approximately 130-140 calories, making them a reasonable choice for those watching their caloric intake.

The ingredient list remains refreshingly simple: water, wheat, barley malt, hops, natural flavors, and citric acid. Goose Island commits to using natural fruit flavors rather than artificial alternatives, resulting in a more authentic taste profile that discerning drinkers appreciate. The wheat base also provides a slight protein content, making these shandies marginally more filling than typical light beers.

Chicago Beer Culture Connection

The Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack represents more than just a refreshing beverage choice—it's a connection to Chicago's rich brewing heritage. The 312 area code emblazoned on each can serves as a badge of local pride, instantly recognizable to Chicagoans and visitors alike.

Goose Island's journey from a single brewpub on North Clybourn Avenue to a nationally distributed brand mirrors Chicago's own evolution as a craft beer destination. The brewery's commitment to innovation while respecting tradition perfectly captures the spirit of a city that honors its past while constantly pushing forward.

Local beer enthusiasts particularly appreciate how these shandies have introduced craft beer to audiences who might otherwise stick to mass-market options. By creating approachable, flavorful beers that don't intimidate newcomers, Goose Island has helped expand Chicago's craft beer community exponentially.

Buying Guide & Tips

When shopping for the Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack, several factors can help ensure you get the freshest product at the best value:

Check the Date: Look for the packaging date on the bottom of the cans. Fresher is always better with fruit-forward beers.

Buy from High-Turnover Retailers: Stores that move a lot of product typically have fresher inventory. UnCorkIt Chicago's rapid turnover ensures you're getting recently delivered stock.

Consider Bulk Purchases: During peak season, buying multiple packs can often result in savings, and these shandies store well for several months.

Temperature Matters: While you don't need to buy refrigerated cans, avoid purchasing from stores where beer is stored in hot conditions or direct sunlight.

Sustainability Practices

Environmental consciousness plays an increasingly important role in beverage selection, and Goose Island has responded with several sustainability initiatives. The aluminum cans used for the variety pack are infinitely recyclable and have a lower carbon footprint than glass bottles for shipping.

The brewery has also invested in water conservation technology and sources ingredients from regional suppliers when possible to reduce transportation emissions. These efforts resonate particularly well with Chicago's environmentally aware consumers who want their beverage choices to align with their values.

Customer Experiences

Reviews of the Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack consistently highlight several key strengths that have made it a warm-weather staple in Chicago and beyond:

Customers particularly praise the balance achieved in each flavor—neither too sweet nor too tart, with enough beer character to satisfy craft enthusiasts while remaining approachable for casual drinkers. The variety within a single pack also receives high marks, allowing households with different taste preferences to find something everyone enjoys.

Many reviewers note these shandies have become their go-to choice for introducing friends to craft beer, with the familiar lemonade flavors providing a comfortable entry point. The sessionable ABV also means hosts can offer these at gatherings without worrying about guests overindulging.

Purchase Today at UnCorkIt Chicago

Ready to experience the refreshing taste of Chicago's favorite shandy collection? The Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy Variety Pack is available now at UnCorkIt Chicago, your trusted neighborhood liquor store specializing in craft beer, wine, and spirits.

UnCorkIt Chicago stands out as the city's only liquor store offering true one-hour delivery, perfect for those spontaneous gatherings or when you realize you're running low on your favorite beverages. Their knowledgeable staff can also recommend complementary products to round out your beverage selection.

Whether you're stocking up for a summer party, trying shandies for the first time, or simply want a refreshing option for weeknight relaxation, this variety pack delivers exceptional value and flavor. Order online for convenient delivery or stop by the store to browse their extensive craft beer selection.