Is there such a thing as the perfect summer beer? 

Of course there is. Where it gets sticky depends on who you ask. But the general consensus seems to be that the beverage in question must be:

• Crushable
• Light
• Refreshing
• Tasty

Whether you favor a hop-forward ale or your taste buds lean toward lagers, a bright, light, and crisp beer is generally top of the list for either getting through, or ending, a hot summer day. That being said, maybe you might be interested in wrapping your head (and your tastebuds) around a radler? 

Forgive us, but we just can’t resist — in our opinion, radlers are simply rad, Yeah, we said it. But it was just sitting there, wanting to be used. 

So what is a radler? Technically, it’s a beer blended with, or topped off, with a lemon soda, lemonade, ginger beer/ale or juice. Now, we know you’re thinking. And yes, it basically is a shandy. The difference is only in the origins of the concoction. 

The Story as We Know It

The shandy — first referred to as a shandygaff — hails from England, where the Radler — or Radlermass (meaning cyclist liter) — was born in the Belgium region of Germany in the 1920s. The legend has it that an innkeeper, by the name of Franz Kugler, wanted to draw in more patrons to his drinking establishment outside of Munich, so he carved a bicycling trail through the woods. The joint grew uber-popular, uber-quickly. 

One hot summer day in June of 1922, about 13,000 cyclists showed up to indulge and Franz quickly found his kegs of beer running low. So, in an effort to extend his inventory, he cut it with some lemon soda that, on its own, wasn’t all that popular. The result, however, was. Popular that is. Still requested as a refreshing break by cyclists all over Germany, the radler still has wheels. 

Our Favorites 

Super light, tasty and undeniably refreshing, radlers and shandys are growing in popularity across the US for good reason. If there is a perfect summer beer, we cast our vote for the radler. Available in a variety of flavors, the beverage is just as at home poolside, riverside, or lakeside, as it is as a lifesaver after that landscaping project you promised your significant other you’d get to this weekend.

Tempted yet? We recommend trying the following: 

Lightshine Radler — Wibby Brewing (Longmont, CO)

Adding a refreshing splash of lemonade to their stand-out helles, their Lightshine Radler pairs an easy-drinking brew with a touch of tangy sweetness. It's downright perfect for summer afternoon drinking sessions where bright, light, and clean refreshment is sought after. Finishing clean with zero bite, this is what summer beer-drinking is all about.

Tart Apple Radler — Boulevard Brewing (Kansas City, MO)

Boulevard describes their newest addition to their Radler line as: 

opening with aromas of tart green apple juice backed by a subtle sweetness from the unfiltered-wheat-beer base. Unsurprisingly, slightly puckering apple and lemon dominate the flavor but give way to a bready malt sweetness and a spritzy finish... Eminently drinkable and refreshing, Tart Apple Radler is the ultimate post-activity beer, even if you’re doing nothing more strenuous than lifting it to your lips.

Grapefruit Radler — Moosehead Breweries (Toronto, ON, CA)

A recipe using their award-winning lager and infused with a hit of natural grapefruit, alongside both grape and lemon juices, Moosehead’s Grapefruit Radler delivers a truly unique taste profile that is as refreshing as it is different. Developed with 15 percent real juice and brewed to four percent ABV, Moosehead’s Radler is noted for its extra kick. 

Summer Shandy — Leinenkugel’s (Chippewa Falls, WI)

Traditional weiss beer with refreshing natural lemonade flavor, making it perfect for summer day-drinking sessions. Though also available in grapefruit, orange, berry, and an autumn “Harvest Patch” edition, their original Summer Shandy won a silver medal in the fruit/wheat beer category at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO.  It pairs well with bare feet and nowhere in particular to go.