The refreshing twins: knowing Shandy and Radler
The confusion between Shandy and Radler is more common than you imagine, and here we are here to clarify the minds of true beer fans. At first glance, both are cocktails that combine beer with something fresh, but a deeper analysis reveals nuances that could offer you surprises.
Origins stories: from England and Germany with love
Shandy: British dandy
Imagine in Victorian England, where the elite mixed champagne with Ale, but the others should settle for something less luxurious. Thus Shandy appeared: an innovative mixture of beer and lemon juice, creating a refreshing experience that survived the centuries. Although the term ‘Shandygaff’ may sound outdated, its essence endures in each sip.
Radler: The German cycling star
We return to the 20s in Germany, where the passion for cycling led a noble Tabernero to create a drink that kept fresh and happy cyclists. Specifically, the story of Franz Xaver Kugler, who mixed beer with lemon to satisfy the thirst of 13,000 cyclists, is the spark that ignited the popularity of the radler. Who was going to imagine that a hot day could change the story of a drink!
Unraveling differences: Shandy vs Radler
Although Shandy and Radler can be considered ‘brothers with different mothers’, there is a series of differences that are worth exploring. Let’s go to it.
Shandy: A flavors cocktail
This British drink mixes beer – generally a Pale Ale with a fun touch of citrus juices such as lemon or grapefruit. Alcoholic graduation varies, but tends to move between 4.2% and 4.5% of ABV, so it is perfect to avoid those ‘I have not eaten anything’ moments.
Radler: The refreshing adventure
The radler, on the other hand, is direct and without complications, created for immediate consumption. With a usual mixture of beer and lemonade, this drink usually has a lower ABV range than its British cousin, entertaining thirst cyclists with an alcoholic graduation of between 2% and 4.5%.
Prepare your own soda: recipes for Shandy and Radler
Classic lemon shandy
Ready to experiment in your kitchen? This classic Shandy is a real pleasure.
Ingredients
– 12 oz of beer pale ale
– 4 lemon zest strips
– 3 cups of water
– 2 twigs of fresh mint
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
Preparation
Derrit the sugar in hot water, add the zest and cool. Mix everything, add the beer and ready! To serve with mint.
Radler de Pomelo
For beer lovers with a citrus touch, this radler is ideal.
Ingredients
– 14 Oz San Pellegrino Limonata
– 9 oz of IPA type beer
– 4 Pincas of bitter liquor
– ½ squeezed grapefruit
Preparation
Mix everything in a glass, add grapefruit slices for the presentation and enjoy while imagining in a German Biergarten!
Bubbling conclusions
The next time you face the choice between Shandy and Radler, you will remember their stories and secrets. Both are frost, refreshing, and certainly perfect to accompany you in those hot summer days. So, which one will you choose for your next beer adventure?
