50 Best Radler Beers and Shandies to Drink in 2026
Radler is what happens when beer stops pretending refreshment needs to be serious. The classic formula blends a pale lager or wheat beer with citrus soda or lemonade, lowering the alcohol while turning up fruit, fizz, and warm-weather drinkability.
This Top 50 covers benchmark Austrian and German radlers, American shandies, grapefruit favorites, zero-proof options, and playful berry, peach, lime, and pineapple variations. It includes year-round staples alongside seasonal and regional releases worth recognizing.
50 Best Radler Beers and Shandies to Drink in 2026
The ranking rewards real beer character, bright fruit, clean carbonation, and balance. Availability changes by season and market, so treat the list as both a shopping guide and a map of the category.
Stiegl Grapefruit Radler
Brewed by Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg
pink grapefruit, lemon, pale malt, and brisk carbonation
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Stiegl Grapefruit Radler brings pink grapefruit, lemon, pale malt, and brisk carbonation. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fish tacos, pretzels, or a sunny brunch for an easy warm-weather match.
Gösser NaturRadler
Brewed by Brauerei Göss
fresh lemon, soft grain, herbs, and clean sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Gösser NaturRadler brings fresh lemon, soft grain, herbs, and clean sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with grilled chicken, schnitzel, or potato salad for an easy warm-weather match.
Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy
Brewed by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
lemonade, wheat, pale malt, and lively fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy brings lemonade, wheat, pale malt, and lively fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, grilled corn, or fried fish for an easy warm-weather match.
Bitburger Radler
Brewed by Bitburger Braugruppe
lemon, cracker malt, light herbs, and a dry snap
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Bitburger Radler brings lemon, cracker malt, light herbs, and a dry snap. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with sausages, fries, or grilled vegetables for an easy warm-weather match.
Krombacher Radler
Brewed by Krombacher Brauerei
lemon, pale grain, floral hops, and gentle sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Krombacher Radler brings lemon, pale grain, floral hops, and gentle sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with picnic sandwiches, pretzels, or roast chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
Moosehead Radler
Brewed by Moosehead Breweries
grapefruit, grape, lemon, light malt, and crisp fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Moosehead Radler brings grapefruit, grape, lemon, light malt, and crisp fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with lobster rolls, grilled salmon, or chips for an easy warm-weather match.
Boulevard Ginger-Lemon Radler
Brewed by Boulevard Brewing Company
lemon, ginger, pale malt, and peppery lift
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Boulevard Ginger-Lemon Radler brings lemon, ginger, pale malt, and peppery lift. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with barbecue chicken, curry, or fish tacos for an easy warm-weather match.
Schell's Shocked Grapefruit Radler
Brewed by August Schell Brewing Company
ruby grapefruit, cracker malt, lemon, and mild bitterness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Schell's Shocked Grapefruit Radler brings ruby grapefruit, cracker malt, lemon, and mild bitterness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, smoked fish, or spicy tacos for an easy warm-weather match.
Amstel Radler
Brewed by Amstel Brouwerij
lemonade, pale malt, light herbs, and high fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Amstel Radler brings lemonade, pale malt, light herbs, and high fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fries, grilled shrimp, or mild cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Paulaner Weizen-Radler Alkoholfrei
Brewed by Paulaner Brauerei
lemon, banana, wheat, soft spice, and lively fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Paulaner Weizen-Radler Alkoholfrei brings lemon, banana, wheat, soft spice, and lively fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with salads, roast chicken, or soft pretzels for an easy warm-weather match.
Victory Cage Radler
Brewed by Victory Brewing Company
lemon, pale grain, light herbs, and a dry finish
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Victory Cage Radler brings lemon, pale grain, light herbs, and a dry finish. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with crab cakes, grilled chicken, or fries for an easy warm-weather match.
Karbach Lemon & Ginger Radler
Brewed by Karbach Brewing Company
lemon, ginger, light malt, and sparkling sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Karbach Lemon & Ginger Radler brings lemon, ginger, light malt, and sparkling sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with tacos, grilled shrimp, or spicy wings for an easy warm-weather match.
Narragansett Del's Shandy
Brewed by Narragansett Brewing Company
lemon ice, pale malt, light corn, and clean fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Narragansett Del's Shandy brings lemon ice, pale malt, light corn, and clean fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with clam cakes, hot dogs, or fried seafood for an easy warm-weather match.
Warka Radler Lemon
Brewed by Browar Warka
lemon, cracker malt, mild herbs, and sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Warka Radler Lemon brings lemon, cracker malt, mild herbs, and sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with pierogi, sausages, or grilled chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
Odd Side Citra Pale Ale Radler
Brewed by Odd Side Ales
orange, grapefruit, tropical hops, and light grain
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Odd Side Citra Pale Ale Radler brings orange, grapefruit, tropical hops, and light grain. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fish tacos, curry, or grilled shrimp for an easy warm-weather match.
Waterloo Grapefruit Radler
Brewed by Waterloo Brewing
grapefruit, lemon, pale malt, and clean carbonation
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Waterloo Grapefruit Radler brings grapefruit, lemon, pale malt, and clean carbonation. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with salmon, salads, or salty chips for an easy warm-weather match.
Sprecher Grapefruit Radler
Brewed by Sprecher Brewing Company
grapefruit, orange, pale malt, and soft sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Sprecher Grapefruit Radler brings grapefruit, orange, pale malt, and soft sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, barbecue chicken, or sharp cheddar for an easy warm-weather match.
Grieskirchner Lemon Radler
Brewed by Brauerei Grieskirchen
lemon, pale grain, herbs, and brisk carbonation
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Grieskirchner Lemon Radler brings lemon, pale grain, herbs, and brisk carbonation. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with schnitzel, pretzels, or grilled trout for an easy warm-weather match.
Peach Beerllini Radler
Brewed by Left Hand Brewing Company
peach, citrus, pale malt, and sparkling sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Peach Beerllini Radler brings peach, citrus, pale malt, and sparkling sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brunch, grilled chicken, or fruit salad for an easy warm-weather match.
Karbach Blood Orange Radler
Brewed by Karbach Brewing Company
blood orange, lemon, pale malt, and light sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Karbach Blood Orange Radler brings blood orange, lemon, pale malt, and light sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with tacos al pastor, shrimp, or goat cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Boulevard Cranberry Orange Radler
Brewed by Boulevard Brewing Company
cranberry, orange peel, pale malt, and lively acidity
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Boulevard Cranberry Orange Radler brings cranberry, orange peel, pale malt, and lively acidity. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with turkey sandwiches, pork, or soft cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Leinenkugel's Grapefruit Shandy
Brewed by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
pink grapefruit, wheat, pale malt, and clean fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Leinenkugel's Grapefruit Shandy brings pink grapefruit, wheat, pale malt, and clean fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or summer salads for an easy warm-weather match.
Shock Top Lemon Shandy
Brewed by Anheuser-Busch
lemon, wheat, coriander, and soft sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Shock Top Lemon Shandy brings lemon, wheat, coriander, and soft sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with grilled chicken, pretzels, or fish sandwiches for an easy warm-weather match.
Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy
Brewed by Goose Island Beer Company
lemonade, wheat, pale malt, and crisp fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Goose Island 312 Lemonade Shandy brings lemonade, wheat, pale malt, and crisp fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with Chicago dogs, grilled corn, or fried chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
Potosi Riverside Radler
Brewed by Potosi Brewing Company
lemon, orange, cracker malt, and gentle sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Potosi Riverside Radler brings lemon, orange, cracker malt, and gentle sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, cheese curds, or roast chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
Hirter Herbal Radler
Brewed by Privatbrauerei Hirt
lemon, mountain herbs, pale malt, and dry spice
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Hirter Herbal Radler brings lemon, mountain herbs, pale malt, and dry spice. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with sausages, herb chicken, or alpine cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Astra Kiezmische
Brewed by Astra St. Pauli Brauerei
grapefruit, lemon, pale grain, and light bitterness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Astra Kiezmische brings grapefruit, lemon, pale grain, and light bitterness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with currywurst, fries, or fish sandwiches for an easy warm-weather match.
Warka Radler Apple
Brewed by Browar Warka
green apple, pale malt, lemon, and bright fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Warka Radler Apple brings green apple, pale malt, lemon, and bright fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with pork chops, cheddar, or potato pancakes for an easy warm-weather match.
Rochester Mills Raspberry Radler
Brewed by Rochester Mills Beer Co.
raspberry, lemon, light malt, and brisk acidity
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Rochester Mills Raspberry Radler brings raspberry, lemon, light malt, and brisk acidity. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with goat cheese, grilled chicken, or fruit salad for an easy warm-weather match.
Flying Dog Summer Rental Radler
Brewed by Flying Dog Brewery
lemon, pale malt, herbs, and clean sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Flying Dog Summer Rental Radler brings lemon, pale malt, herbs, and clean sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with crab cakes, grilled sausage, or tacos for an easy warm-weather match.
Flying Dog Grapefruit Summer Rental
Brewed by Flying Dog Brewery
grapefruit, lemon, cracker malt, and soft bitterness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Flying Dog Grapefruit Summer Rental brings grapefruit, lemon, cracker malt, and soft bitterness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fish tacos, grilled shrimp, or sharp cheddar for an easy warm-weather match.
Coors Light Citrus Radler
Brewed by Coors Brewing Company
orange, lemon, light grain, and high carbonation
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Coors Light Citrus Radler brings orange, lemon, light grain, and high carbonation. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with burgers, nachos, or salty chips for an easy warm-weather match.
Point Coast Radler
Brewed by Stevens Point Brewery
lemon, grapefruit, pale grain, and soft sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Point Coast Radler brings lemon, grapefruit, pale grain, and soft sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, fried fish, or picnic sandwiches for an easy warm-weather match.
Rhinegeist Randy Radler
Brewed by Rhinegeist Brewery
lemon, light grain, herbs, and brisk fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Rhinegeist Randy Radler brings lemon, light grain, herbs, and brisk fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with soft pretzels, grilled chicken, or salads for an easy warm-weather match.
Retrofit Radler
Brewed by Burnt City Brewing
lemon, pale malt, light herbs, and clean sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Retrofit Radler brings lemon, pale malt, light herbs, and clean sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with hot dogs, fries, or grilled corn for an easy warm-weather match.
Retrofit Lime Radler
Brewed by Burnt City Brewing
lime, pale grain, herbs, and a tart finish
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Retrofit Lime Radler brings lime, pale grain, herbs, and a tart finish. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with tacos, ceviche, or grilled shrimp for an easy warm-weather match.
The Radler
Brewed by Warped Wing Brewing Company
lemon, orange, light malt, and sparkling sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: The Radler brings lemon, orange, light malt, and sparkling sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, salads, or grilled chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
Petite Sour Grapefruit Radler
Brewed by Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
grapefruit, lemon, oak, soft funk, and tart wheat
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Petite Sour Grapefruit Radler brings grapefruit, lemon, oak, soft funk, and tart wheat. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with goat cheese, ceviche, or roast chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
312 Urban Radler
Brewed by Goose Island Beer Company
lemon, orange, wheat, and lively carbonation
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: 312 Urban Radler brings lemon, orange, wheat, and lively carbonation. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with Chicago dogs, grilled corn, or fried fish for an easy warm-weather match.
Leinenkugel's Orange Shandy
Brewed by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
orange, wheat, vanilla-like sweetness, and soft fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Leinenkugel's Orange Shandy brings orange, wheat, vanilla-like sweetness, and soft fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brunch, grilled pork, or mild cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Saugatuck Blueberry Lemonade Shandy
Brewed by Saugatuck Brewing Company
blueberry, lemon, wheat, and clean sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Saugatuck Blueberry Lemonade Shandy brings blueberry, lemon, wheat, and clean sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with pancakes, grilled chicken, or goat cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Short's Soft Parade Shandy
Brewed by Short's Brewing Company
blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, and grain
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Short's Soft Parade Shandy brings blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, and grain. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with picnic desserts, grilled pork, or soft cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Leinenkugel's Watermelon Shandy
Brewed by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
watermelon, lemon, wheat, and candy-like sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Leinenkugel's Watermelon Shandy brings watermelon, lemon, wheat, and candy-like sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fruit salad, grilled chicken, or salty chips for an easy warm-weather match.
Traveler Aloha Pineapple Shandy
Brewed by Traveler Beer Company
pineapple, citrus, wheat, and lively sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Traveler Aloha Pineapple Shandy brings pineapple, citrus, wheat, and lively sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fish tacos, jerk chicken, or grilled shrimp for an easy warm-weather match.
Potosi Steamboat Shandy
Brewed by Potosi Brewing Company
lemonade, wheat, pale malt, and brisk fizz
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Potosi Steamboat Shandy brings lemonade, wheat, pale malt, and brisk fizz. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with brats, fish fry, or summer salads for an easy warm-weather match.
Great Lakes Rally Drum Lemon Shandy
Brewed by Great Lakes Brewing Company
lemon, cracker malt, herbs, and clean carbonation
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Great Lakes Rally Drum Lemon Shandy brings lemon, cracker malt, herbs, and clean carbonation. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with perch sandwiches, pretzels, or grilled chicken for an easy warm-weather match.
Widmer Brothers Hefe Shandy
Brewed by Widmer Brothers Brewing
lemon, wheat, soft yeast, and mild sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Widmer Brothers Hefe Shandy brings lemon, wheat, soft yeast, and mild sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with fish tacos, salads, or grilled sausage for an easy warm-weather match.
Curious Traveler Grapefruit Shandy
Brewed by Traveler Beer Company
grapefruit, wheat, lemon, and a dry citrus edge
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Curious Traveler Grapefruit Shandy brings grapefruit, wheat, lemon, and a dry citrus edge. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or goat cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Hoppin' Frog Grapefruit Turbo Shandy
Brewed by Hoppin' Frog Brewery
grapefruit, lemon, pale malt, and warming sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Hoppin' Frog Grapefruit Turbo Shandy brings grapefruit, lemon, pale malt, and warming sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with spicy wings, barbecue pork, or blue cheese for an easy warm-weather match.
Nan & Poppy's Lemon Shandy Kiss
Brewed by Fegley's Brew Works
lemonade, wheat, light malt, and sparkling sweetness
BAR NOTES
Why it earns a place: Nan & Poppy's Lemon Shandy Kiss brings lemonade, wheat, light malt, and sparkling sweetness. The mix succeeds because fruit, sweetness, malt, and carbonation remain distinct instead of collapsing into generic soda.
How to drink it: Serve very cold in a tall glass, with a lemon or grapefruit wheel only if you want one. Pair it with pretzels, grilled chicken, or fried fish for an easy warm-weather match.
What makes a radler different from a shandy?
Both names describe beer mixed with a soft drink, and modern labels often overlap. In German-speaking regions, Radler usually points to lager mixed with citrus lemonade or soda. British shandy traditionally means beer mixed with lemonade, while American shandies often use wheat beer and a broader range of fruit flavors.
The famous story credits Bavarian innkeeper Franz Kugler with serving beer and lemonade to a rush of cyclists in 1922. It is a great origin legend, but the broader family of beer-and-lemonade drinks predates that tale. Treat the cyclist story as folklore, not settled proof of invention.
How to mix a radler at home
- Start 50:50: Equal parts cold pilsner and sparkling lemonade is the classic baseline.
- Keep more beer character: Use two parts beer to one part soda for a drier, stronger glass.
- Choose a lean base: Pilsner, helles, kölsch, blonde ale, or wheat beer leaves room for citrus.
- Control sweetness: Tart grapefruit soda or fresh lemonade usually produces a cleaner finish than a heavy soft drink.
- Pour beer first: Add soda slowly afterward to keep the foam under control, then stir once.
Radler beer FAQ
How much alcohol is in a radler?
Most packaged radlers land around 2% to 4.5% ABV because juice or soda dilutes the beer. Strong craft variations can reach 5% to 7%, while alcohol-free versions stay below 0.5%.
Is a radler sweet?
Usually, but it should not taste syrupy. The best examples balance sweetness with citrus acidity, hop bitterness, dry malt, or lively carbonation. Grapefruit versions tend to feel drier than lemonade versions.
What glass should you use?
A tall pilsner, weizen, or highball glass shows the color and keeps the carbonation active. Serve it refrigerator-cold; this is one beer style that does not need much warming to become expressive.
Keep the citrus pouring after the radler
Move from beer-and-lemonade refreshers into fruit beer, orange beer, summer beer, and an easy blood-orange radler you can mix at home.
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