A “radler” to Germans is like a shandy to Brits—it’s a part-beer, part-juice (or fruit soda) beverage that’s popular during summer months.
Still a little under-the-radar, but gaining in popularity, is Stiegl Radler, an Austrian-made malt beverage that’s 60 percent grapefruit juice, giving it a low, 2.5 percent ABV. It’s been available in the U.S. for almost four years—you can find it at Whole Foods and some other spots. Given that grapefruit makes for great cocktails (Paloma, Greyhound, Gaze Hound), it makes sense that Stiegl Radler’s been catching on with bartenders.
Here are two Stiegl Radler cocktails to try:
Over at Fairweather, the patio bar above Rare Form by Petco Park, Anthony Schmidt created the Fairweather Paloma, made with blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and Stiegl Radler, served in a glass with a spicy-salted rim.
Eric Johnson, bar manager at Juniper & Ivy and the new-ish Richard Blais project, Crack Shack, came up with the Pregame, which includes pisco—another grapefruit-friendly spirit—and Peychaud’s bitters to pair with the drink’s subtle sweetness.
“Radler has been trending among bartenders for some time now,” Johnson says. “I like using it at Crack Shack because of the demand for beer. I’m trying to ween people into having more cocktails and it plays a nice hybrid.”
Pregame by Eric Johnson
1 oz. pisco
.5 oz. lemon juice
.25 oz. simple syrup
Peychaud’s bitters
âStiegl Radler GrapefruitCombine Pisco, lemon, simple syrup and bitters. Shake with two or three ice cubes. Strain into a Collins glass with three large cubes of ice. Top off with Stiegl Radler and add a grapefruit garnish.
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Try This: Steigl Radler Cocktails
The Pregame Cocktail is made with Stiegl Radler
