Nothing hits the spot quite like an ice-cold Radler on a warm day. Light, fruity, and super refreshing, Radlers are taking over beer gardens and festivals.
Why should you be paying attention?
The Rise of Fruity Beers
Fruit-flavoured beers are stealing the spotlight. In the UK, their popularity has soared by 250% in just a year (The Times). Across North America, low/no alcohol beer launches have surged by 29%. The message is clear, drinkers want flavour, refreshment, and a lighter way to enjoy their beer.
Lemon, peach, grapefruit, and passionfruit are leading the charge. Lemon has dominated UK beer and cider growth over the past year, while peach remains a favourite in the US and Canada. Consumers are craving vibrant, juicy flavour profiles, and Radlers deliver just that.
What Makes a Great Radler Flavour?
A classic Radler is simple: beer meets fruit juice or soda, creating a super-refreshing, lower-ABV drink. Traditionally sitting around 2-3% ABV, it’s the ultimate summer sipper. But today’s Radlers are evolving. Brewers are pushing boundaries, blending tropical fruits, dark berries, and even unexpected twists to craft unique, thirst-quenching creations.
Versatility is key. A light lager or pale ale makes the perfect base, ready to be infused with fruit for a fresh twist. Brewers love Radlers because they can roll out seasonal or limited-edition varieties with minimal fuss, keeping drinkers coming back for more.
Get Radler Flavour Ready With Zero Hassle
We’ve just dropped a range of natural fruit flavour mixes, made for brewers to nail Radlers without the hassle. Flavours include lemon, passionfruit, peach, grapefruit, dark fruits, and the trending watermelon.
Super simple to use: mix 10% of the concentrate with 40% water, then add it to 50% of your beer base. The result? A crisp, fruity Radler-style beer with an ABV of around 2% (depending on the beer).
Want more flexibility? No problem. Use full-strength beer or brew a lower ABV beer, and just add the concentrate, no need to dilute.
The best part? These mixes are cost-effective, cutting out the need for pricey, seasonal fruit purees. And because they’re added at the end of brewing, you can create multiple flavours with the same base. Perfect for brewers wanting to offer seasonal or limited-edition Radlers, without the extra cost or time.
Why Radlers Are Here to Stay
This isn’t just a seasonal fling, it’s a full-on shift in drinking habits. Gen Z and Millennials are seeking out lower-alcohol options without sacrificing flavour. They want beers that fit into social occasions without the heavier hit of full-strength brews. Radlers hit the sweet spot.
Our Beverage Innovations Specialist, Briony Rideout, explains:
“Lower alcohol beers are a great ‘halfway house’ for people looking to cut back without cutting out entirely. The ‘best of both worlds’ mindset is driving Radlers’ success. They offer more flavour than standard low-alcohol beers and appeal to a broader audience, especially younger drinkers.”
So, what’s next? It’s time to experiment with your own Radler creation. Make sure you are tapping into the growing market to grow your brand and range.
Want Some Flavour Samples to Get Moving?
Get in touch to get ahead of the trend and ride the Radler wave.
