Sheboygan County-based sausage powerhouse Johnsonville is lighting up grills across America this summer with the nationwide return of its popular Summer Shandy Beer Brats.
After a limited regional release in 2024 that left consumers hungry for more, Johnsonville has officially expanded distribution of the citrus-infused bratwurst to retailers coast to coast. A bold collaboration with Leinenkugel’s—a beloved beer brand rooted in Midwestern tradition—the Summer Shandy Beer Brats are back to deliver a unique flavor twist that’s made for warm-weather cookouts.
“We knew this was going to be a Midwest hit,” said one Johnsonville representative, “but the national enthusiasm caught even us by surprise. That’s why we’re back—and bigger.”
The brats are infused with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, a refreshing weiss beer blended with natural lemonade flavor. Combined with Johnsonville’s premium pork sausage, the result is a juicy brat with a bright citrus finish, tailor-made for backyard grilling season.
Retailers now carrying the Summer Shandy brats include national giants like Kroger, Walmart, Meijer, Hy-Vee, and more. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ or a quick weekday meal, the bratwurst offers a seasonal twist that brings together two iconic Wisconsin flavors: beer and bratwurst.
This launch not only satisfies consumer demand but also reinforces Johnsonville’s commitment to innovation in the sausage space—fusing bold flavor with tradition and elevating the eating experience.
Swine Web Take:
As pork producers continue to focus on quality, consistency, and market expansion, partnerships like this show the potential for pork-based products to carve out space in consumer trends. Unique flavor pairings and strategic co-branding opportunities represent a bright future for value-added pork products.
Brats, beer, and backyard grills—summer just got a little tastier.
