Fanschop is Chile’s most popular summer cocktail — a refreshing mix of cold lager beer and orange Fanta soda, ready in 5 minutes and served without ice to preserve carbonation. The name blends “Fanta” and “shop” (from the German Schoppen, meaning draught beer). This recipe yields 4 glasses at a 2:1 beer-to-soda ratio.
Contents
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of Chilean Fanschop contains approximately 160 kcal, 23 g of carbohydrates (including 15 g of sugar), 0 g of fat, 1 g of protein, and 15 mg of sodium. (*)
(*) Estimated values based on a 12 oz (350 ml) serving with a 2:1 beer-to-soda ratio.
How to Make a Fanschop Cocktail
It’s a great option for an aperitif, where the alcohol content can be adjusted to taste. The proportions usually vary from 50% beer and 50% soda to 75% beer and 25% soda, as in this recipe, but it’s all a matter of preference.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 liter of lager beer
- 500 ml of orange soda
Preparation
- Pour the cold beer into a tall glass, filling it up to ¾ of its capacity, being careful not to create too much foam.
- Top up the glass with cold orange soda.
- Serve the fanshop immediately on its own or accompanied, for example, with almonds seasoned with merkén.
Additional Tips
The Arctic Rule – No Ice
A Fanschop is served without ice to prevent dilution. Place your glasses in a clean freezer for 15 minutes before serving for an extra-frosty touch.
The Perfect Pour
Tilt the glass at 45 degrees when pouring the beer to maintain carbonation. Add the soda slowly afterward — one gentle fold is enough. Do not stir vigorously or you will kill the bubbles.
Adjust the Ratio to Your Taste
The classic ratio is 2:1 beer-to-soda, but the Fanschop is a personal drink. A stronger pour goes 3:1; a sweeter version goes 1:1.
Beer-to-Soda Ratio Guide
| Ratio (Beer:Soda) | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3:1 | Predominantly beer, subtle sweetness | Beer lovers, aperitif |
| 2:1 (classic) | Balanced and refreshing | Barbecues, hot days |
| 1:1 | Sweet, lower alcohol | Casual gatherings |
| 1:1 with Fanta Zero | Low-calorie, same refreshment | Fanschop Zero variation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is it called fanchop?
It is a drink specific to Chilean culture, and its name is a fusion of the words “Fanta,” the orange soda commonly used in its preparation, and “shop,” a Chilean adaptation of the English word “schop,” which refers to a beer mug or glass.
2. What is the best type of beer to use?
Stick to light lagers or pilsners. In the US, brands like Stella Artois, Heineken, or even a classic Budweiser work well. Avoid IPAs or stouts, as their bitterness and heavy malt profiles clash with the sweetness of the orange soda.
3. Can I make a “Fanschop Zero”?
Yes! This is a very common variation in Chile. Simply use a sugar-free orange soda (like Fanta Zero) to significantly reduce the calorie and sugar content while keeping the same refreshing flavor.
4. Is there a version with other soda flavors?
While orange is the classic “Fanschop,” there is also the “Bilz-chop” (made with Bilz, a red Chilean soda) or variations with lemon-lime soda (similar to a British Shandy). However, the orange version remains the undisputed favorite at Chilean barbecues.
5. What should I serve with a Fanschop?
Because of its sweetness and carbonation, it pairs perfectly with salty, spicy snacks. In Chile, it is traditionally enjoyed with merkén-seasoned almonds, salty peanuts, or even a classic chorrillana.
Fanschop History
The Fanshop’s name is a unique Chilean linguistic blend of the “Fanta” soda brand and the German word “Schoppen” (draught beer), reflecting the country’s 19th-century brewing heritage and the mid-20th-century rise of soda fountains.
Did you know?
A few years ago, Montacerdos Publishing House released a comprehensive compilation of Chilean cocktails written by Camila Saez Ibañez, titled “Coctelería criolla / Chilean drinks. The first guide to Chilean cocktails.”
