Description
A crisp, fizzy, and slightly sweet autumn punch that combines apple cider, light lager, ginger ale, and lemon juice. It’s an easy, make-ahead friendly drink perfect for Oktoberfest or fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces (1.9 liters) pure apple cider
- 32 ounces (1 liter) ginger ale
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 24 ounces (710ml) light lager beer
- Ice cubes
- 4–6 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- 1 large apple, sliced thin (for garnish)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)
Instructions
- Chill the apple cider, ginger ale, lemon juice, and beer in the refrigerator or freezer until cold.
- Slice the apple into thin rounds and remove the core. Prepare cinnamon sticks and thyme sprigs.
- In a large 3-quart pitcher, combine the apple cider, ginger ale, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
- Slowly pour the cold light lager down the side of the pitcher to minimize foam, then stir gently once more.
- Add a large handful of ice cubes (filling about 1/3 of the pitcher).
- Add cinnamon sticks, thyme sprigs, and optional allspice berries to the pitcher.
- Float the apple slices on top.
- Serve immediately in tall glasses or beer mugs, garnished with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Notes
Do not over-stir to preserve carbonation. Keep beer cold to prevent a yeasty taste. The non-alcoholic base (cider, ginger ale, lemon) can be mixed up to 4 hours in advance, but add beer and ice right before serving to maintain fizz. For a mocktail version, substitute beer with extra ginger ale and sparkling water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: Oktoberfest, apple radler, fall punch, autumn drink, beer cocktail, party punch, easy recipes, seasonal drinks