Radler
Radler is bright, bubbly, and deeply refreshing, combining crisp lager with sweet-tart sparkling lemonade. The result is a light, easy-drinking shandy with gentle bitterness, citrus lift, and a cooling finish.
Ingredients
For the drink
- 330 mllager beer, well chilled
- 330 mlsparkling lemonade, well chilled
- 120 gice cubes
- 2 sliceslemon slices
Instructions
- 1
Chill 2 tall glasses in the freezer for 2-3 minutes if you have time. Keeping everything very cold helps the Radler stay lively and foamy without going flat too quickly.
- 2
Divide the ice cubes between the glasses, then add 1 lemon slice to each glass.
- 3
Pour the sparkling lemonade evenly into the glasses first. Pouring the sweeter, fizzy mixer in first helps the beer blend gently with less aggressive foaming.
- 4
Slowly top each glass with the chilled lager beer, pouring down the inside of the glass to preserve carbonation and create a light head. Stir once very gently only if needed.
- 5
Serve immediately while cold and sparkling.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •Use a clean, crisp German-style lager such as Helles or Pils for the most classic flavor.
- •If your lemonade is very sweet, add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice to sharpen the finish.
- •For the best balance, both the beer and lemonade should be equally cold before mixing.
- •Traditionally, Radler is mixed roughly 1:1, but you can adjust slightly toward more beer or more lemonade to taste.
Background
Radler is a classic German beer mixed drink made from lager and lemonade, especially associated with Bavaria. Its name means 'cyclist,' and popular lore says it was created as a refreshing, lower-alcohol drink for thirsty bike riders. It remains a staple in beer gardens and summer gatherings across Germany.
Love this recipe?
Get personalised AI-curated recipes, meal plans and smart shopping lists — free.
Download Gourmate – Free