Europe

Classic German Radler

Jump to recipe ↓
A chilled German radler made with pale lager and sparkling lemonade with lemon wedges.

A radler is Germany’s refreshing beer-and-lemonade blend, prized for its low bitterness, gentle sweetness, and easy summer character.

Use a crisp pale lager and a bright sparkling lemonade, then combine them gently so the drink stays lively without losing its foam.

Chill both ingredients thoroughly before mixing. A cold radler needs less ice and keeps its carbonation longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a tall glass with a lemon wheel alongside grilled sausages, pretzels, potato salad, or a sunny picnic spread.

Close-up German radler with pale golden beer, bubbles, foam, lemon, and condensation.

Recipe Notes

Mix each radler just before serving. Once combined, the lemonade and beer gradually lose their sparkle.

A chilled German radler made with pale lager and sparkling lemonade with lemon wedges.

Classic German Radler

No ratings yet
A refreshing German beer cocktail made with pale lager, sparkling lemonade, and lemon.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: German
Calories: 155

Ingredients
 
 

Radler
  • 12 oz pale lager well chilled
  • 12 oz sparkling lemonade well chilled
  • 1/2 lemon cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Tall beer glass
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon

Method
 

Mix:
  1. Pour the chilled lager into a tall glass. Slowly add the sparkling lemonade to preserve the carbonation.
  2. Stir once gently with a bar spoon and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Serve:
  1. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gSodium: 10mgSugar: 15g

Notes

  • A 1:1 ratio is traditional, but adjust the lemonade for a lighter or more beer-forward drink.
  • Use non-alcoholic lager for an alcohol-free radler.