What is a Radler? 10 Radlers To Try on National Radler Day
Radler, a.k.a. Shandy, is one of the most thirst quenching, summery beer styles around. Celebrate National Radler Day by picking up a case of Radlers, or make your own! Continue reading to learn how to make a Radler/Shandy at home and ten of our favourite Radlers!
By The Beer Community on Jun. 21, 2019
What is a Radler?
A Radler is simply 2 parts beer (usually a lager or another type of lighter beer) mixed with 1 part lemonade or a lemon-lime soda. Many breweries have come up with their own concoctions and chose to mix beer with grapefruit soda, ginger ale, and other types of fruit juices.
Who invented Radlers?
Radler means “cyclists” in German. There are many different tales on how the Radler came to be and the history is a little shaky, but here is our favourite theory: In June 1922 the owner of the Kugleralm pub in Germany was visited by thousands of cyclists on a new bike trail that led directly to his bar. The publican didn’t have enough beer for all the cyclists so he mixed a 50/50 concoction of Lager and Lemon Juice, and Radler was born.
Radler vs. Shandy: What’s the difference?
While many believe that a Radler and a Shandy are completely different drinks, we’re not so sure about the truth behind that. Like stated above, a Radler is a mix between a beer and lemonade or citrus soda. We like to think a Shandy is the British version of a German Radler and is usually made with beer, lemonade (or lemon-lime soda), ginger ale, or fruit juice.
When is National Radler Day?
National Radler Day is celebrated on June 22.
Known as “The Most Refreshing Day of the Year”, Radler Day is a day to commemorate the easiest drinking beer style around.
Help spread the word by telling your friends and posting #radlerday or #nationalradler day to your social media accounts. Cheers!
Must-Try Radlers for National Radler Day
Ginger Lemon Radler – Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Ginger-Lemon Radler is a zesty, refreshing take on the tradition of mixing beer with soda or lemonade to create a light, thirst-quenching beverage ideal for warm weather. Radler (literally “cyclist,”) takes its name from active German sportsmen of a hundred years ago, but this version tastes just as good even if you do nothing more strenuous than lifting it to your lips.
ABV%: 4.1 | IBU: 12
Grapefruit Radler – Waterloo Brewing
Waterloo’s Radler blends real grapefruit juice and craft lager for crisp refreshment with an ever-so-slightly bitter finish. Hallertau hops and traditional small-batch brewing combine to make this the perfect decision on a hot day. Simply put, crisp and uber refreshing!
ABV%: 3.1
Hopping Mad Cider Radler – Central City Brewers & 
Distillers
Hopping Mad Cider Radler is Canada’s first Radler made with cider. Blending craft brewed apple cider with ruby red grapefruit juice the result is an extremely refreshing that is light on alcohol and gluten-free. The combination of sweetness, bitterness and a light sour tone makes this the perfect summer refreshment. Get hopping with Hopping Mad Cider Radler.
ABV%: 4.2
Moose Light Radler – Moosehead
Moosehead’s take on a traditional Radler – a recipe developed using their award-winning light lager infused with a hint of natural grapefruit, grape and lemon juices that deliver a truly unique taste profile. Developed with 15% real juice and brewed to 4% alcohol by volume, when poured from the iconic green bottle, Moose Light Radler has a natural cloudiness that creates an amazing presentation. It’s the perfect drink for a long, hot Maritime summer!
ABV%: 4
Red Racer Radler – Central City Brewers & Distillers
“Radler” is German for “cyclists” and the Red Racer Radler was created with beer and juice for bikers. This beer is a blend of refreshing malt flavour and a balance of grapefruit notes. Being passionate about all things biking, this is Red Racer’s take on a traditional beer Radler.
ABV%: 3.5 | IBU: 16
Shiner Ruby Redbird – Spoetzl Brewery
An easy drinking lager fused with tart ruby red grapefruit and a ginger kick, this tasty Texan treat is available year-round. It’s available in cans, bottles or on draft and weighs in a bit heavier than your average Shandy or Radler at 4%.
ABV%: 4 | IBU: 13
Stiegl Radler Grapefruit – Stiegl Brewing
The Stiegl Radler Grapefruit is a mix of Stiegl-Goldbräu and fruit juice that is invariably natural and has no artificial sweeteners added to it. The grapefruit juice lends this a naturally cloudy appearance and a tangy fruit flavour, creating a succulent and fruity taste sensation with a refreshing finish.
ABV%: 2
Swill – 10 Barrel Brewing Company
Swill from 10 Barrel Brewing is a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavours. With a lemon tartness and bright grapefruit notes, this Radler pairs best with sunshine, good friends and backyards.
ABV%: 4.5 | IBU: 6
Totally Radler – Hopworks Urban Brewery
A 50/50 blend of Hopworks’ award-winning Organic HUB Lager and organic lemon soda. Refreshing and thirst-quenching lemon soda complements HUB Lager’s delicate honey flavours and herbal hop aroma while maintaining its crisp malt backbone. At just 2.6% ABV, Totally Radler is a low-alcohol drink that keeps you cool.
ABV%: 2.6
Tricycle Radler – Parallel 49 Brewing
A refreshing lager blended with ruby red grapefruit juice to create a thirst quenching beer. Fresh grapefruit flavour and aroma supported by a lager background. Brewed by Parallel 49 Brewing in Vancouver, BC.
ABV%: 3.5 | IBU: 11
How to Make a Radler / Shandy at Home:
Making a Radler, or Shandy, at home is very easy! Take any cold, light beer and add about 1/3 of your favourite lemon-lime, grapefruit, or fruit flavoured soda.
Shandy & Radler Recipes You Need To Try:
Fresh Grapefruit Shandy Recipe
Lemon-Lime Radler Recipe
Traditional Bavarian Radler Recipe
Southern Peach Shandy Recipe