E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Smiler,
the name of a drink, is a mixture of bitter beer and lemonade. In the United States, a drink of liquor is called a “smile,” and the act of treating one at the bar is giving one a “smile.” Of course this is metaphorical. (See SHANDY-GAFF.)
