Radler – The Refreshing German Beer Mix

Introduction

Welcome to DrHans Brewery! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Radler, a refreshing German beer mix perfect for those warm summer days. As a passionate homebrewer and beer enthusiast, I’m excited to share both the fascinating history and a simple way to create your own Radler at home. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or just starting out, this post is for you!

What is a Radler?

Radler, a popular German beverage, is essentially a mix of beer and soda. Though you can find pre-made versions in stores, there’s something special about crafting your own. For our experiment, we’ll use a store-bought beer, but feel free to substitute with your favorite homebrew.

The Story of Radler

The tale of Radler begins on a warm afternoon in 1922 with Franz Xaver Kügler, an innkeeper in Dysonhofen, near Munich. With a beer garden accommodating thousands and a newly built cycling route to his inn, Kügler found himself swamped by 13,000 thirsty cyclists one day. Realizing he didn’t have enough beer, he ingeniously mixed his remaining beer with lemon soda, dubbing the creation ‘Radler Mass’ – German for ‘cyclist liter’. While some debate the authenticity of this story, it undeniably adds to the charm of the drink.

Making Your Own Radler

For our version, we’ll explore two variations: one with lemon and another with blood orange soda. Traditional Radler is a 50/50 mix of beer and soda, but we’ll aim for a more beer-dominant flavor, using a ratio of two parts beer to one part soda. A Pilsner is ideal for this mix due to its subtle bitterness, balancing the sweetness of the soda.

The Experiment

We start with a lemon-flavored Italian limonato soda, mixing it with a quality Pilsner. Then, we shift to a blood orange soda variant, intrigued by its unique flavor profile. Both versions offer a refreshing twist, though they distinctly differ from traditional beer.

German cyclist at the Kugler Alm drinking Radler