Radler

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

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.

   40 g caster sugar40 ml hot waterzest of 1 lemon lemon zest
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.

   120 ml fresh lemon juice240 ml sparkling water, well chilled40 g caster sugar40 ml hot waterzest of 1 lemon lemon zest
3. 3

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

   120 g ice cubes4 slices lemon slices
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.

   500 ml wheat beer, well chilled120 ml fresh lemon juice240 ml sparkling water, well chilled40 g caster sugar40 ml hot waterzest of 1 lemon lemon zest
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.

Origin & History

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.