Drafts Recipe

Chill glass

Place the pint glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes, or fill it with ice and cold water while you prepare. Chilling helps preserve carbonation and keeps head tight.

If you used ice water to chill, dump the ice and rinse the glass with 1–2 tablespoons of filtered cold water; this removes residual ice shards and prevents excessive dilution while leaving the glass cold.

Angle and initial pour

Hold the chilled glass at a 45-degree angle under the tap or bottle opening. Begin pouring with the beer hitting the side of the glass to reduce turbulence. Pour steadily until the glass is about three-quarters full.

Finish upright

When the glass reaches about three-quarters full, straighten it to an upright position and pour into the center to create a 1–1.5 inch head (foam). This final head releases the beer’s aroma and creates a pleasant mouthfeel.

If the tapped beer has adjustable pressure, ensure the regulator is set to manufacturer recommendations (usually 10–12 psi for ales, 12–14 psi for lagers depending on system) to maintain proper carbonation and prevent excessive foaming.

Classic garnish

Place a fresh lemon or lime wedge on the rim if desired. Squeeze lightly into the beer for citrus character, then drop in or discard according to preference.

Rimmed glass

Wipe a lemon wedge around the rim and dip in cocktail salt to create a salted rim (works well with certain lagers and light ales).

Shandy (beer + lemonade)

For a shandy, pour 1/2 cup chilled lemonade into the bottom of the chilled glass, then slowly top with 1 pint beer using the same 45-degree then upright pouring technique to maintain carbonation and create a balanced head. Adjust ratio to taste.

Aromatic bitters or mint

Add 1–2 dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the head for complexity, or slap a mint sprig between your palms and rest on the rim or float for a fresh aroma.

Serve immediately while cold and carbonated. Hold the glass by the base or handle (if present) to avoid warming. Encourage short, savoury sips to appreciate aroma and carbonation.

If serving multiple drafts, pour each glass individually to maintain head quality and carbonation; avoid leaving beer in open pitchers or jugs for extended periods.