We’re almost at the official start of summer and things are heating up!
With all of the outdoor activities and long hangs by the pool come the need for a summer drink that quenches while it relaxes.
The summer Shandy and Radler are the answer to how to take a summer booze break while not requiring a siesta.
What Is A Shandy?
Shandy is a thirst quenching, bittersweet, British drink made from a blend of beer and lemonade. It is popular in all countries that have had any relationship with the British Empire.
Classic British Shandy recipes call for 1 part lemonade (lemon, sugar, water mix) to 4-5 parts beer.
Shandy recipes around the world take advantage of fruit that’s available.
Various citrus are commonly used from tangerine to grapefruit.
Watermelon and strawberry have made their way into the mix over the years, and why not?
If beer and lemonade is delicious, then beer and strawberry lemonade was bound to happen!
What Is A Radler?
Radler is German for cyclist, and the name given to a refreshing drink made from the mix of pale lager and lemon-lime soda like sprite. The popular ratio is 2:1 or 4:1 beer to soda.
Germany had a big cycling craze in the 1920’s and many that took to the summer country roads needed the occasional pit stop.
Innkeeper Franz Kugler paved a path for cyclists from Munich to his inn where he provided the “Radlermass” (Cyclist litres) to quench thirsts.
Records show the recipe existed a decade or so before this chapter in time, but Kugler was responsible for bringing about the Radler’s popularity by way of his Inn in 1922.
What Beers Do You Mix In A Shandy Or Radler?
Light lagers and wheat based ales work well in a Shandy or Radler.
Beer Styles For Shandy And Radlers:
- Kolsch
- Pilsner
- ESB
- Weissbier
- Witbier (White Beer)
- Hefeweizen
Fun Shandy Alternatives:
- Monaco (French) 50% Lager 50% Sparling Lemonade W/ Dash Of Grenadine
- Shandygaff (UK) 50% Beer 50% Ginger Beer/Ale
Have a delicious, thirst-quenching time exploring the Shandy and Radler this summer!
Cheers!
