Beer and Grapefruit Radler

A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Beer with this Grapefruit Radler Recipe

Nothing says warm weather like a crisp, refreshing beer on a hot day. And while classic beers are always a go-to, sometimes it's fun to mix things up and try something new. That's where this delicious beer grapefruit radler recipe comes in! With a combination of your favorite pale ale beer, fresh grapefruit juice, a touch of sugar, and grapefruit sparkling water, this radler is sure to become a new summer favorite.

What is a Radler?

For those who might be new to the world of beer radlers, a radler is a refreshing drink that is typically made by mixing beer with a non-alcoholic drink, like lemonade or grapefruit juice. The result is a lighter, fruitier version of your favorite beer that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Radlers can also be referred to as a “shandy” and have origins in Germany as a classic summer beverage.  I love the classic version of this with lemonade, but the grapefruit really takes it to the next level.  It’s a bit bitter, but balanced with the addition of a bit of sugar dissolved into the drink.

Tips for Making the Perfect Beer Grapefruit Radler

If you want to take your beer grapefruit radler to the next level, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor. You can juice them yourselves or check your grocery store for fresh-pressed juices.
• If you don’t prefer too bitter of a cocktail, you can balance it with additional sugar, but don’t go overboard.  Remember, you can add more but you can’t take any away!
• Choose a pale ale beer with a mild flavor. This will allow the grapefruit flavors to shine through without being overpowered by the beer. That said, pick one you’d enjoy on its own!
• Make sure all of your ingredients are cold before mixing up this cocktail.  I’ve opted to not serve this over ice, as I did not want to dilute the flavor, but that does mean all of your ingredients should be chilled before serving.

How to Make a Beer Grapefruit Radler

Now that we know what a radler is, let's get into the recipe for this beer grapefruit radler. In a glass of your choice, first mix grapefruit juice and sugar until the sugar begins to dissolve, about 10 seconds or so.  Pop open your favorite light-colored beer, such as a pale ale or wheat beer and pour over the grapefruit juice.

Give the beer a quick stir and top off with grapefruit flavored sparkling water and a slice of citrus to garnish.  Serve right away while it’s cold and enjoy!

If you're looking for a refreshing new summer drink, give this beer grapefruit radler recipe a try. With a combination of your favorite pale ale beer, fresh grapefruit juice, sugar, and grapefruit sparkling water, it's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Cheers to a delicious summer!