- What beer should I use?
- A light, neutral Lager or Pilsner is best. Bitter IPAs or dark stouts clash with the lemon acidity.
Homemade Radler (Lemon Beer Shandy)
Also known as a Radler, legend has it a Bavarian innkeeper invented this when running low on beer, diluting it with lemonade for cycling guests. The trick is managing density and carbonation: mixing to keep it bubbly without creating a foam explosion.
Ingredients
1
cup
Light Beer (Lager/Pilsner, cold)
3
tbsp
Fresh Lemon Juice
0.75
cup
Sparkling Lemonade (cold)
1
slice
Lemon (garnish)
4
whole
Ice Cubes
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Pint Glass or Beer Mug
- Bar Spoon or Long Spoon
Allergen Information
Wheat/Gluten (Beer)
Instructions
1
✓
Place ice in the glass, then pour in the lemon juice and sparkling lemonade.
Tip: Ice provides a surface for bubbles. Very cold ingredients keep carbonation (CO2) from escaping too quickly.
2
✓
Tilt the glass at 45 degrees and slowly pour the beer down the side.
Tip: This technique reduces turbulence, preventing a massive, unmanageable head of foam.
3
✓
With a long spoon, gently lift the drink from bottom to top once.
Tip: Don't stir wildly, or you'll knock out the carbonation. One lift mixes the densities sufficiently.
4
✓
Garnish with a lemon wheel and serve immediately.
Tip: Lemon oils from the rind enhance the fresh aroma as you sip.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 cup Light Beer (Lager/Pilsner, cold)
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.75 cup Sparkling Lemonade (cold)
- 1 slice Lemon (garnish)
- 4 whole Ice Cubes