If - like me - you've had to warn your cultured friends that you'll publicly be wearing white (and possibly shorts) for a while longer, then you won't mind extending your shandy drinking past summer as well.
You'll find a shandy-style cocktail at Maïs Arepas - the refajo is a simple beer-and-soda pairing native to Colombia, where Chef David Mantilla is from. Refajo (which translates to "petticoat" or "slip") commonly relies on Colombiana, which is earthier and fizzier than your typical cream soda. It's almond-scented, with a vanilla-orange taste that's more dry than tart.
At Maïs Arepas, they blend one part Colombiana with three parts Budweiser, and you'd be staying within tradition to add a shot of aguardiente, a sugarcane-based, anise-flavored liqueur.
At home, you can make your own refajo with any pale lager; I tried it with a fruity blond ale, which tames the soda's sweetness and is less vibrant.
As for the soda, chef Mantilla directed me to Norma's Bakery in Mid-City, where you can buy a six-pack of Colombiana for $5.
Maïs Arepas, 1200 Carondelet, 523.6247
Norma's Bakery, 2925 Bienville, 309.5401
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