Picture this: It’s a blistering hot day. The sun is beating down directly on you to the point where your scalp is itchy. What drink are you craving? As much as you love a cold brewski, you’re probably thinking of a tall glass of lemonade, or even a bottle of ice water. I love a good beer: blonde Hefeweizen, maple-colored Jeremiah Red, easy and cheap Bud Light — as long as it’s not Newcastle, I’m happy. But in the sweltering heat? No thanks! This fun and refreshing drink, however, changes that attitude completely.

I first tried this concoction in Germany and Austria, where they called it a “Radler” or a “Russian.” It’s so simple I couldn’t believe I hadn’t come across it sooner. All it is is beer and lemonade. That’s right, just two ingredients. But it’s amazing how the two complement each other. The drink retains the fizziness and “hoppiness” of the beer, but laced with notes of sweet and sour from the lemonade. Use as much beer or as much lemonade as you’d like. Cheers!

Ingredients
3/4 to 1 bottle of Miller Genuine Draft (or a medium-bodied beer)
1/4 cup Newman’s Own lemonade

1. Pour beer into a pilsner. Fill with lemonade. You can use more or less lemonade, depending on how you prefer the taste.

My Notes:
Does it have to be Miller Genuine Draft? Not necessarily, but it’s the one I most highly recommend. I just found MGD to taste similar to some of the German and Austrian beers I had during my trip. I’ve also had this drink made with Bud Light Lime; the result is an even lighter, almost floral flavor.

Does it have to be Newman’s Own lemonade? If not Newman’s Own, you should use a lemonade that’s tends to be less sweet and more sour. The key is to utilize that oomph you get from a lemon. You can also use a carbonated lemon water if you want to infuse even more fizziness in the drink.

Editor’s Note: In case you were wondering, yes, that is a small Yoshi toy in the picture.