Radler Cocktail Recipe
Radler Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:2.5%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Radler cocktail has its origins in Germany and is a popular summer drink. The name 'Radler' translates to 'cyclist' in German, and the drink was supposedly created by an innkeeper who needed to serve a large group of thirsty cyclists. He didn't have enough beer to go around, so he mixed it with lemon soda to make it last longer. The result was a refreshing, low-alcohol beverage that was perfect for the cyclists.
- Who would like it: The Radler is perfect for those who enjoy light, refreshing drinks. It's also a great choice for beer lovers looking for a twist on their usual pint.
How Radler Tastes?
The Radler has a light, refreshing taste. It's a bit sweet from the lemon soda, with a slight bitterness from the beer. The citrus notes from the lemon make it tangy and zesty, while the carbonation gives it a nice fizz.
Interesting facts about Radler
-
The Radler is a popular drink in Germany, especially during the summer months.
-
The drink is traditionally made with a 50/50 mix of beer and lemon soda, but the ratio can be adjusted to taste.
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Despite its low alcohol content, the Radler is still considered a beer in Germany and is subject to the country's beer purity laws.
Ingredients
- Beer: 12 oz(360ml)
- Lemon soda: 12 oz(360ml)
- Lemon slice: 1
Beer
The base of this cocktail is a 12 oz beer which provides a malty canvas to which the rest of the ingredients add their magic. Choosing a lager or a pilsner works best as their lighter, crisper taste won't overpower the soda's citrus notes. If you're thinking 'What if I skip the beer?', well, then you'd just have a lonely lemon soda looking for its soulmate.
Emma Rose
Lemon Soda
Adding 12 oz of lemon soda sweetens the deal, literally, adding a refreshing zing and effervescence that pairs beautifully with the beer. Skimp on this, and your Radler might just be too broody with all that beer seriousness. Want a twist? Swap it with grapefruit soda for a bittersweet symphony.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Slice
Finally, that charming lemon slice isn't just there for the good looks. It's a hint of fresh citrus aroma that invites the first sip and whispers of summer days. Leave it out, and you've missed out on that final garnish that brings everything together in a cheerful, 'let's have another' kind of way.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Radler Drink
Fill a large glass halfway with cold beer.
Top up the glass with lemon soda.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
For the best taste, make sure both the beer and the lemon soda are well chilled before mixing.
- If you're making this for a party, you can mix up a large batch in a pitcher or punch bowl.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels complements the refreshing nature of a Radler.
- Crudités: Fresh vegetables dipped in a light hummus can balance the sweetness of the Radler.
Main Courses
- Grilled Sausages: The hearty, savory flavors of sausages are a classic match with the beer component.
- Fish Tacos: A light and tangy Radler can go well with the zestiness of fish tacos.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, lemon sorbet echoes the citrus notes in the Radler.
- Strawberry Shortcake: The sweetness of the shortcake and the tartness of the strawberries can be amplified by the Radler's crispness.
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What you could change in Radler
You can use any type of beer you like, but a light lager or pilsner works best.
- If you don't have lemon soda, you can use a mix of lemon juice and soda water instead.
Explore all drinks starting with R here
And of course - twists🍹
Citrus Burst Radler
Add a splash of orange juice to the classic Radler for an extra citrus punch. This'll turn your sip into a fruity fiesta!
Ginger Radler
Infuse a zesty kick by adding a hint of ginger ale to the mix. Ideal for those who enjoy a spicy twist to their refreshments.
Radler Shandy
Combine the Radler with a shot of limoncello for an even more lemon-forward drink. It's like a sunshine in a glass, with an extra layer of boozy lemon!
In case you forgot basics how to make Radler
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Radler
What type of lemon soda should I use for the Radler cocktail?
You can use any type of lemon soda, but a clear, carbonated lemon soda will give the best result.
Why is Radler called 'cyclist'?
The drink was made to quench the thirst of cyclists in summer and was made less alcoholic so that they could drink it without getting overly intoxicated.
Can I use lime instead of lemon for this cocktail?
Yes, lime can be an alternative to lemon. However, it will give a slightly different taste.
Can I prepare this cocktail in advance for a party?
Yes, you can. Just ensure that the beer and lemon soda are well chilled before serving.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer for making this cocktail?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer works as well. However, it will alter the taste and alcohol content of the Radler.
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