Stiegl Radler Grapefruit 6Pk

Stiegl Radler Grapefruit 6Pk is a low-alcohol Austrian radler (2.5% ABV) that blends Stiegl's flagship Goldbräu lager with real grapefruit juice. It was the first radler variation released by Stiegl Brewery — one of Austria's oldest independent breweries, founded in 1492 — and has earned an 86 rating on BeerAdvocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 2.5%  |  Origin: Salzburg, Austria  |  Style: Grapefruit Radler (Beer-Juice Blend)  |  Brewery: Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg

Production & Heritage

Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg has been brewing continuously since 1492, making it one of Austria's most storied independent breweries. The Grapefruit Radler begins with Stiegl Goldbräu, a Salzburg-style Helles lager brewed using malt from Stiegl's own malthouse — the only brewery-owned malthouse in Austria. That finished lager is then blended with real grapefruit juice, producing a naturally cloudy, low-ABV drink that follows the traditional Central European radler concept of mixing beer with fruit juice or lemonade.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pronounced grapefruit citrus dominates immediately, backed by a light breadiness from the underlying Goldbräu lager. There is a subtle tartness on the nose that signals the real juice content.

Taste: The entry is juicy and slightly sour, with ripe grapefruit hitting the palate first. Mid-palate, a gentle malty sweetness from the lager base emerges, balancing the citrus tang without masking it. Bubbly carbonation keeps the texture lively and light throughout.

Finish: Clean and refreshing with a brief, tangy grapefruit fade. There is no lingering bitterness or cloying sweetness — it simply ends crisp, inviting another sip.

How to Drink Stiegl Radler Grapefruit

Serve well chilled, straight from the can or poured into a tall Willi Becher glass to appreciate its amber, naturally cloudy appearance. At 2.5% ABV, this radler is built for extended, casual drinking rather than cocktail mixing, but it does work in a few creative applications:

• Radler Shandy Spritz: Top with a splash of elderflower liqueur and a sprig of mint — the floral note complements the grapefruit tang.
• Paloma Radler: Use in place of grapefruit soda in a Paloma for a lower-sugar, beer-based twist on the tequila classic.
• Citrus Beer Punch: Combine with fresh orange juice, a measure of Aperol, and ice for a crowd-friendly summer punch — the low ABV keeps things sessionable.

Best For

• Day drinking at summer barbecues and pool parties where low ABV matters
• Introducing non-beer drinkers to the radler style with a widely respected benchmark
• Pairing with brunch dishes that call for something lighter than a mimosa
• Stocking a cooler for outdoor concerts, picnics, or boat days

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stiegl Radler Grapefruit taste like? It tastes like fresh, tangy grapefruit juice layered over a soft, malty lager base, with lively carbonation and a clean, slightly sour finish. The real grapefruit juice gives it a natural citrus character that distinguishes it from artificially flavored alternatives.

How does Stiegl Radler Grapefruit compare to Schöfferhofer Grapefruit? Schöfferhofer uses a hefeweizen base, which adds banana and clove wheat-beer character beneath the grapefruit, while Stiegl uses a cleaner Helles-style lager that lets the citrus flavor come through more directly. Stiegl also tends to taste slightly more tart and less sweet than Schöfferhofer.

Is Stiegl Radler Grapefruit good for beginners? Absolutely — its low 2.5% ABV, approachable fruit-forward flavor, and minimal bitterness make it one of the most accessible beers available, particularly for drinkers who typically prefer cider, seltzer, or juice-based drinks.

Where is Stiegl Radler Grapefruit made? It is brewed at the Stiegl Brewery in Salzburg, Austria, a privately owned brewery that has operated since 1492. Stiegl is the only brewery in Austria that malts grain at its own on-site malthouse.

What foods pair well with Stiegl Radler Grapefruit? Grilled shrimp or fish tacos — the citrus acidity mirrors a squeeze of lime. Fresh goat cheese salads — the tartness cuts through creamy richness. Light Southeast Asian dishes like summer rolls or papaya salad, where the grapefruit complements sweet-sour flavors. Soft pretzels with mustard — a classic Austrian pairing that bridges the lager backbone.

What sizes does Stiegl Radler Grapefruit come in? It is widely available as a 6-pack and as individual cans; the 6-pack is the most common retail format in the United States.

Is Stiegl Radler Grapefruit worth the price? It positions as a moderately priced import radler, and the use of real grapefruit juice and a quality Austrian lager base puts it above most domestic fruit-beer blends in terms of ingredient integrity and flavor authenticity.

Why Stiegl Radler Grapefruit?

This was the original radler release from Stiegl — the expression that launched an entire line of fruit-beer blends from one of Austria's most respected independent breweries. The Goldbräu lager at its core is brewed with malt from Stiegl's own malthouse, a distinction no other Austrian brewery can claim. At 2.5% ABV, it occupies a genuinely sessionable space that most craft beers cannot, without sacrificing flavor depth. For anyone seeking a radler made with real juice and a centuries-old brewing pedigree behind the lager, Stiegl Grapefruit remains the benchmark.