Beer Sprite: What It's Called and Why It Matters at Festivals

Someone just asked the bartender for a 'beer Sprite.' Wait—what’s that called, anyway? You might’ve heard the term at your local beer fest or seen it on a menu in a European beer hall. Most places don’t actually call it 'beer Sprite.' The real name? That’d be a 'shandy.' It’s basically beer mixed with lemon-lime soda—often Sprite, 7UP, or any fizzy lemonade you can grab.

At festivals, this drink is more common than you’d expect, especially if the crowd’s looking to pace themselves or just wants something refreshing that won’t knock you off your feet on a hot day. In Germany, it’s called a 'Radler,' which means 'cyclist'—supposedly because it’s light enough to keep you steady on two wheels. So, if you want a cold beer and Sprite mix at a festival, asking for a shandy or Radler is your best bet.

• Decoding the 'Beer Sprite': The Real Name
• Where the Mix Came From
• How to Order One at a Festival
• DIY: Making Your Own at Home
• When (and Why) to Choose a Beer Sprite

Decoding the 'Beer Sprite': The Real Name

If you walk up to a festival bar and ask for a beer Sprite, the bartender might look at you sideways—unless they’re used to folks who mix things up. The official name for beer mixed with Sprite or a similar lemon-lime soda is usually a “shandy” in English-speaking countries. In Germany and parts of Europe, they’ll call it a “Radler.” Both names mean basically the same thing—beer with lemonade or lemon soda. It’s a go-to for a lighter, more refreshing take on suds, and it’s actually got a long tradition at beer festivals.

Here’s where things get interesting: “shandy” comes from “shandygaff,” an old British word that popped up in the 19th century for beer mixed with ginger ale or lemonade. Radler has a neat backstory, too. The legend goes that in the 1920s, a German innkeeper was running low on beer during a rush of thirsty cyclists. To stretch his supply, he poured half a glass of beer and topped it off with lemon soda—calling it a Radler, which literally means cyclist in German.

Still wondering if you should call it a shandy or a Radler? Here’s the breakdown by region:

• Shandy: UK, Ireland, Australia, North America. Usually lager mixed with Sprite, 7UP, or lemonade.
• Radler: Germany, Austria, Central Europe. Always beer with lemon soda.

The two are so similar, that most festival bartenders will get what you mean if you use either name. Just don’t call it a beer Sprite if you want to sound like a regular. As British beer writer Pete Brown puts it,

"A shandy isn’t just a kid’s drink or something to hide a bad pint—done right, it’s the ultimate festival refresher when the sun’s out and you’ve got a long day ahead."

In fact, some festivals keep kegs of Radler ready because demand can be wild, especially when the weather turns hot. You’ll even find stats showing that in parts of Bavaria, Radler outsells straight pilsner during peak summer weekends:

So next time you’re at a beer festival, toss out “shandy” or “Radler,” and you’ll not only get what you want, but you’ll sound like you know your way around the taps.

Where the Mix Came From

So, who first thought to mix beer with lemon-lime soda like Sprite? The story goes back to early 20th-century Germany, but the drink has roots in a few places. In Germany, it's called a Radler, which means "cyclist." Legend says Franz Kugler, an innkeeper near Munich, invented it in 1922. Supposedly, a bunch of cyclists showed up and he was running low on beer, so he stretched out his supply by mixing it with lemon soda. That makes perfect sense—lower alcohol, lots of refreshment, and nobody’s wobbling home on their bike.

Across the Channel in England, there’s the shandy. British pubs have been serving half-beer, half-lemonade for over a century, especially in the summer. Unlike Radlers, Brits often use a slightly sweeter carbonated lemonade. The drink became popular because it kept things light and easy to drink, so people could enjoy a pint or two without feeling the hit of a strong ale.

By the time these beer mix drinks hit beer festivals, people from different countries were calling them different things—Radler in Germany, shandy in England, panaché in France. And wherever you go, you’ll find local variations, but the main idea stays the same: easy drinking and serious refreshment.

The cool thing? These drinks aren’t just a European thing anymore. Beer festivals in the US and beyond now feature shandies and Radlers, usually with familiar brands of lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP, so everyone gets to enjoy a lighter option. That’s why if someone says 'beer Sprite,' you’re standing in a very long, very global tradition.

How to Order One at a Festival

If you’re craving a beer Sprite at a festival, forget just saying “beer with Sprite.” Most beer fest bartenders know it as a shandy or, if you’re in Europe, a Radler. You’ll sound like you know your stuff, and you’ll actually get the drink you want instead of a confused look. At most North American festivals, just ask, "Can I get a shandy with Sprite or lemon-lime soda?" They’ll know what to do. In Germany or Austria, ask for a Radler—trust me, it’s everywhere and super popular, especially in summer.

Some festivals already have shandies or Radlers listed on the menu. If not, just check if there’s any light lager or pilsner on tap and if they offer lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7UP, or generic). Not every beer tent stocks soda, especially at craft beer fests, but the big ones usually do because demand’s high. According to the Munich Beer Festival's official guide, Radler is one of the top three non-traditional beer drinks ordered between June and September.

• Find a stand with draft lagers or pilsners—strong ales and stouts don’t mix as well with Sprite.
• Ask for your beer as a shandy or Radler, and specify Sprite or lemon-lime soda if you want a certain taste.
• If the server looks puzzled, say, “Beer mixed half-and-half with Sprite or lemon-lime soda.” That clears up any confusion fast.

Some fests will pour you a ready-to-go mix, while others hand you a glass of beer and a can or bottle of soda on the side. Feel free to mix to your preferred strength right at your table. If you want it sweeter or lighter, just add more soda. In my experience, a 50:50 ratio is the most common—but nobody will judge if you tweak it. Seasoned fest folks sometimes add a splash of lemonade for an extra citrus hit. Just make sure you ask what’s available, since “Sprite” sometimes means any lemony soda behind the counter.

DIY: Making Your Own at Home

Mixing your own beer Sprite—or shandy—at home is dead simple, and honestly, it makes for a fun experiment even if you’re just hanging out in your kitchen. You don’t need fancy gear or imported beers to pull this off. Here’s how you can make a legit shandy, just like you’d find at a beer festival:

1. Grab a light lager, pilsner, or wheat beer. These types of beer blend best with lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP. Avoid IPAs or stout—those just taste weird mixed.
2. Chill both your beer and your soda. The cooler, the better—nobody wants a warm shandy.
3. Pour the beer into a glass until it’s about halfway full. Slow and steady, so you don’t get a giant foam head.
4. Top up the glass with Sprite, 7UP, or any similar fizzy lemonade. Go 50/50 to start, but tweak it if you like it sweeter or more beery.
5. Give it a gentle stir or just let the bubbles handle the mixing.
6. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in a slice of lemon for that extra kick.

Want to know how folks usually mix it up? Here’s a quick look at the most common shandy ratios at summer parties and beer festivals:

If you’re skipping the alcohol, swap in a non-alcoholic beer—Sprite actually hides most of the cardboard flavor you sometimes get with those. It’s also a hack for summer afternoons with the kids running around. Lennox thinks it’s funny that grown-ups add soda to beer, and honestly, he’s not wrong—sometimes simple just works.

Pro tip: don’t shake your soda before you pour unless you want to clean up a sticky explosion. Pour slow, and enjoy the fizz.

When (and Why) to Choose a Beer Sprite

Wondering when it actually makes sense to go for a beer sprite—or shandy—over a regular pint? There are a bunch of solid reasons why this mix shows up at nearly every beer festival or big outdoor event.

First off, a shandy has lower alcohol content because you’re mixing beer with a non-alcoholic soda. This means you can hang out longer at crowded festivals, especially on hot summer days, without worrying about getting knocked out too early. It’s also super refreshing, way more than a heavy stout or IPA, which can taste too thick, especially when you’re sweating in the sun. Back in 2018, a UK survey found that about 18% of beer drinkers choose lighter mixed drinks like shandies during daytime events, mainly for hydration and to pace themselves.

Besides the chill factor, shandies are a great gateway for new beer fans. The lemon-lime soda makes any basic lager taste a bit zippier and less bitter, so it’s a hit for those who don’t love beer’s bite. At festivals, you’ll see tons of people ordering these because:

• It goes down easy: Perfect when you just want to keep sipping and chatting.
• Good for pacing: You’re not getting as much alcohol per glass, so it’s easier to stay under control. If you’re keeping track, a standard pint of shandy usually clocks in at around 2-3% ABV depending on your beer and soda ratio.
• Family-friendly events: Shandy (or Radler) is a popular choice at festivals that allow teens or non-drinkers, as you can make it almost alcohol-free if you want.
• It pairs with food: Try it with salty snacks, grilled sausage, or spicy festival fare—the balance works for pretty much anything you grab at a booth.

Here’s a quick glance at how shandy compares to other typical festival drinks:

So next time you’re sweating it out under festival lights or just hanging with friends in the backyard, don’t be afraid to ask for a shandy. No one’s judging—it’s a smart move if you want to last through the whole event.