What Is a Radler? Stiegl Grapefruit vs Lemon Explained
By Chicago's Best Wine & Spirits Store | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Learn what a radler is, how it differs from a shandy, and compare Stiegl's grapefruit and lemon radlers to find your perfect low-alcohol refreshment.
Quick Answer
A radler is a low-alcohol beer cocktail that mixes lager with fruit soda or juice. Stiegl's grapefruit radler offers a juicy, slightly tart refreshment, while the lemon radler is crisper and more citrus-forward—choose based on your preferred fruit profile.
Radler vs Shandy: What's the Difference?
Both radlers and shandies mix beer with a soft drink, but the terms hint at different traditions. Radler, German for 'cyclist,' originated in Bavaria as a refreshing drink for bike riders. It typically uses a lager and a citrus soda or juice. Shandy, common in the UK, often uses bitter or ale with lemonade or ginger ale. In practice, the names are used interchangeably, but if you see 'radler' on a can, expect a fruitier, more beer-forward blend.
What Makes Stiegl Radlers Special?
Stiegl, Austria's largest private brewery, uses real fruit juice in its radlers, giving them natural cloudiness and a fresh, authentic taste. The base is Stiegl Goldbräu, a full-bodied lager, which provides a solid malt backbone without overwhelming the fruit. With a low ABV (the lemon version is 2% ABV), these are sessionable drinks meant for casual sipping.
Grapefruit vs Lemon: Which Should You Choose?
The grapefruit radler is juicier and slightly more tart, with a natural cloudiness from real grapefruit juice. It's a great pick if you want a fruit-forward drink that still tastes like beer. The lemon radler is crisper and more citrusy, with a distinct tartness and revitalizing sparkle. If you prefer a sharper, more refreshing citrus kick, go lemon; if you want something rounder and more mellow, go grapefruit.
Stiegl Radler FAQ
- What is a radler?
- A radler is a low-alcohol beer cocktail made by mixing lager with fruit soda or juice. It originated in Germany as a refreshing drink for cyclists.
- How is a radler different from a shandy?
- Radler traditionally uses lager with citrus soda or juice, while shandy often uses ale with lemonade or ginger ale. In practice, the terms overlap, but radler tends to be fruitier and more beer-forward.
- Which Stiegl radler is best for me?
- Choose grapefruit if you want a juicy, slightly tart drink with a rounder fruit profile. Choose lemon if you prefer a crisper, more citrus-forward kick with a sharper finish. If you're new to radlers, try the lemon first for a classic citrus taste, then move to grapefruit for a fruitier twist.
- How should I serve Stiegl radlers?
- Serve well chilled in a tall glass. For an extra refreshing touch, pour over ice with a slice of the matching fruit.
Stiegl Radlers at a Glance
- STIEGL GRAPEFRUIT RADLER 16oz 4PK CANS: The grapefruit radler uses real grapefruit juice for a fresh note and natural cloudiness, mixed with full-bodied Stiegl Goldbräu. Real juice means a more authentic, less artificial fruit flavor that stands up to the beer.
STIEGL GRAPEFRUIT RADLER 16oz 4PK CANS - STIEGL LEMON RADLER ZITRO 16oz 4PK CANS: The lemon radler is 2% ABV and blends Stiegl's Goldbrau Lager with real lemon juice, offering a distinct citrusy aroma and tart flavor with no artificial sweeteners. At just 2% ABV, it's a super low-alcohol option that's easy to enjoy over a long afternoon.
STIEGL LEMON RADLER ZITRO 16oz 4PK CANS
