Radler
germanbeerlemonvegansummerquickdrink

Radler

Radler is bright, fizzy, and exceptionally refreshing, combining the soft fruity notes of wheat beer with sharp homemade lemonade. This quick version uses fresh lemon juice and a fast infused syrup for a cleaner, more vibrant taste than pre-made soda.

10 min
2 servings
188 kcal
German

Ingredients

Lemon syrup

  • 40 gcaster sugar
  • 40 mlhot water
  • zest of 1 lemonlemon zest

Lemonade base

  • 120 mlfresh lemon juice
  • 240 mlsparkling water, well chilled
  • 4 sliceslemon slices

To finish

  • 500 mlwheat beer, well chilled
  • 120 gice cubes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make a quick lemon syrup: in a measuring jug or small bowl, stir the caster sugar with the hot water until fully dissolved, then add the lemon zest. Let it stand for 2 minutes so the zest lightly infuses the syrup; this gives more lemon aroma without needing to cook anything.

  2. 2

    In another jug, combine the fresh lemon juice with the sparkling water and the infused syrup. Stir gently so you keep as much carbonation as possible. Taste: it should be bright and slightly sweeter than you want to drink on its own, because the beer will balance it.

  3. 3

    Divide the ice cubes and lemon slices between 2 tall glasses. Chilling the glasses first is ideal for a crisper, foamier Radler.

  4. 4

    Pour the wheat beer slowly into the glasses, tilting each glass to control the foam. Top each glass with an equal amount of the homemade lemonade. Give each drink one gentle stir only, just enough to combine without knocking out the fizz.

  5. 5

    Serve immediately while icy cold and sparkling. A finished Radler should taste refreshing, citrusy, lightly sweet, and lower in alcohol than straight beer.

Nutrition per serving

188 kcal
Calories
1g
Protein
21g
Carbs
0g
Fat
0g
Fiber

Notes

Background

Radler is a classic German beer mixed drink whose name means “cyclist.” According to popular tradition, it became associated with serving beer lengthened with lemonade to thirsty cyclists, creating a lighter, more refreshing drink. Versions are enjoyed across German-speaking regions, especially in warm weather and beer gardens.

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