Radler vs Shandy: What’s the Difference?

The pub at the end of the Sunday dog walk or bike ride is pretty much the whole point of the walk, isn’t it? Fresh air? Nah. We’re here for the post-walk beer. But sometimes a plain beer doesn’t hit the spot (shock horror, we know). In times like that, when you’re hot and sweaty and looking for something lighter to quench the thirst, a shandy or Radler might be the answer – two different but very similar beer cocktails. Beer cocktails? Whoever heard of such a thing? Well, it turns out our grandads were onto something. Both shandies and Radlers are types of cocktails that use beer. And they’re super refreshing. Thirsty for more? Read on. 

First things first… how are they similar?

They both feature a lager

Both Radlers and shandies are made with a lager. You can use any lager you like, but blonde lager is most common. Lager gives that crisp beer flavour without overpowering the taste of the mixer. 

They both have a 50/50 mix

When it comes to the ratio, Radlers and shandies are the same. They’re both made using equal parts lager (you can even use alcohol-free and low alcohol beer if you like) and some kind of citrus soft drink. This can be lemonade, lemon-lime soda, or citrus juice. We don’t advise mixing 50/50 beer and straight lime juice, though. 

What are the differences between a radler and a shandy?

The mixer

When whipping up a shandy, you will always use lemonade or lemon-limeade. A Radler can also use these mixers, but will also be mixed with any citrus-based soft drink. Think grapefruit juice or blood orange soda.

The history

As with any good brew, there’s some history behind shandies and Radlers. The shandy was invented in 1850s England. It was originally called a Shandygaff and was mixed with ginger ale or ginger beer. Eventually, the ‘gaff’ was dropped (thank goodness) along with the ginger ale. It began being mixed with lemonade, and the name Shandy has stuck around ever since. Radlers were invented about 70 years later in Bavaria, Germany, when a group of cyclists stopped off at a pub. The owner, who saw them coming, realised he was running out of beer, so he decided to stretch the small amount he had left by mixing it with fruit juice. Clearly, the cyclists loved it and it’s stuck around ever since. 

What if I don’t like citrus?

Not a lemon fan, huh? That’s fine. We’re not mad, just disappointed (jokes). Fun fact: the terms Radler and shandy are pretty much interchangeably used to refer to beers that are mixed with any kind of fruit juice. So if you don’t like mixing your beer with lemon, grapefruit, or any other citrus fruit, you’re in luck. There’s a great alternative – Cosmic Drop. These are our out-of-this-world fruit punch beers. Instead of lemonade, we’ve mixed these beers with mixed berry and watermelon juices. So you can still enjoy a lighter, fruity beer without the citrus kick. Yum! 

Whether you’re calling it a shandy or a Radler, either way, you’re enjoying a refreshing drink at a much lower ABV than your regular beer. Great for that responsible drinking we’re always on about. And great for quenching the thirst on a hot day. Why not make the ABV even lower by mixing your lemonade or fruit juice with an alcohol free beer? Does alcohol free beer taste the same? Time to find out.