The Shandy (short for 'Shandygaff') is a popular low-alcohol beverage made by mixing beer with a non-alcoholic drink, usually lemonade or ginger ale. It originated in the mid-19th century in Britain. The original Shandygaff was a mixture of beer and ginger beer. The drink was famously mentioned by Charles Dickens and was popular among those who wanted a refreshing, hydrating drink that was less intoxicating than a full-strength ale. In Germany, a similar mixture is called a 'Radler' (meaning 'cyclist'), which was popularized in the 1920s as a drink for bicycle tourists who needed to stay hydrated and sober enough to ride.