Mezcal, Stiegl Radler, and lime wedges mix for a refreshing smoky-citrus drink.

I’ll be honest—this Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe started because I didn’t want to drive. It was late summer, mid-August I think, and I’d just come home from this dusty roadside fruit market where the peaches looked better than my hair ever has. I put the fruit on the counter like I was starring in my own cooking show, then realized I didn’t actually feel like cooking… or eating… just sipping something cold enough to make me forget how humid it was. You know that kind of day? Half dreamy, half sticky?

So I dug around the fridge and found a can of Stiegl Radler. To this day I swear I only bought it because the can looked like it belonged on some hipster’s picnic blanket. Right beside it—like fate or just poor organization—was a bottle of mezcal my cousin brought back from Mexico. He told me it was “life-changing,” which felt dramatic but, okay, I’d heard worse. I remembered he made me try a mezcal margarita once in his backyard; it tasted like citrus and bonfire had a tiny baby. Strange? Yes. Good? Weirdly… also yes.

this recipe

Anyway—back to the kitchen. I poured a little mezcal over ice, topped it with the radler, squeezed a lime because it was sitting there staring at me, and boom—somewhere between smoky, sweet, and “wow, that’s surprisingly drinkable.” My husband took a sip and shrugged like he was unimpressed… but then asked for his own, so yeah, I know.

Now I make this Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe anytime I want to feel like the main character in a late-July backyard scene—cicadas buzzing, conversation drifting, no shoes, maybe a little music from the neighbor’s house. I like that it’s a little unpredictable… kinda like meeting someone new and not knowing if they’re going to be your new best friend or just a fun memory you think about once in a while.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe?

I think what makes this Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe special is how it doesn’t ask anything of you. It’s like a friend who shows up and doesn’t care if your living room is messy. The mezcal gives it this smoky, thoughtful vibe—like you’re near a campfire but don’t smell like it later—while the radler is all sunshine and citrus. Together, they taste like the moment you roll down the car windows at 6pm because the heat finally broke. You know?

It’s inexpensive, simple, and honestly… forgiving. If you splash too much mezcal, it still works. Too much radler? Still good. I don’t get that kind of consistency from my plants, so I’ll take it.

The drink feels casual and a little fun-weird, in a way that reminds me of standing in line at a food truck that promises the “best tacos of your life” but you’re not completely convinced… until you take that first bite. Then you suddenly believe in destiny.

Ingredient Notes:

I know it’s only, like, three ingredients. But the small casts are usually the most dramatic, right? Every player here brings its own story, and I weirdly love that.

• Mezcal (or tequila) — Mezcal has that smoky, campfire-after-the-rain energy. But hey, if you only have tequila, use it. Tequila’s like mezcal’s more cheerful cousin—still fun, less mysterious.

• Stiegl Radler — This is sunshine in a can. It’s citrusy and bubbly in a way that makes me think of rooftop bars, even though I rarely go to those.

• Lime wedges — Optional but… when have you not enjoyed lime? It brightens everything and makes you look like you know what you’re doing.

I’ve tried this with a few other beers and juices (don’t judge)—usually still tasty, but the Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe is happiest with radler.

How To Make Easy Mezcal Shandy?

Let’s pretend we’re in my kitchen for a second. I’ve probably put on music—something mellow, but not sad—and the dog is watching us suspiciously.

Step 1 — Pour the Mezcal

Add 1 ounce to each of two tall glasses. If you accidentally pour more… well… blame your hand. No one’s checking.

Step 2 — Add Ice

Really fill those glasses. Cold drinks taste better. This might be science or just a feeling; I honestly don’t know anymore.

Step 3 — Divide the Radler

Pour in the Stiegl Radler. It’ll fizz a little like it’s excited to be here. I always watch it foam up—even when I’m in a rush. It feels like a tiny celebration.

Step 4 — Add Lime + Sip

Squeeze a wedge of lime. Drop it in… or don’t. I usually do because it makes me feel like a traveling bartender… you know, the mysterious kind who learned everything from some stranger on a train.

Take a sip. You might pause for a second, wondering why it tastes like both sunshine and smoke. That’s mezcal for you. It’s moody… in a good way.

Storage Options:

Real talk? This Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe is not something you “store.” It’s like fresh fruit—best when you’re actually ready to enjoy it. But life interrupts sometimes, so if you need to, just toss the mixed drink into the fridge (no ice) and revisit it within an hour or two. It won’t be as sparkly, but it’ll still be your friend. Mezcal can camp out in your cabinet forever, but don’t forget it’s there… mezcal hates being ignored. (Probably.)

Variations and Substitutions:

I’ve messed around with this recipe a bunch, partly because I get bored, partly because I’m curious. Sometimes I regret it, sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised. Kinda like dating in your twenties.

• Swap mezcal for tequila — Softer, friendlier.

• Use grapefruit soda — If you’re feeling playful and slightly nostalgic.

• Try ginger beer — Gives you that spicy surprise.

• Use fresh orange or grapefruit juice — Brunch energy.

• Salt the rim — Less dramatic than it sounds, but still fun.

Every variation has its own… personality. Too poetic? Maybe.

What to Serve with Easy Mezcal Shandy?

Food’s optional, but honestly, everything tastes better with a snack. And this drink pairs with almost anything that feels casual and fun.

• Tacos — Obviously.

• Grilled shrimp — The smoky + sweet combo feels like date night at the beach.

• Potato chips — Zero effort, 100% joy.

• Guacamole + tortilla chips — Creamy + crisp + citrus = yes.

I once drank this with leftover pizza. No regrets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Definitely. Skip the mezcal and use sparkling citrus soda. It’ll still hit that refreshing spot.

Can I make a pitcher for friends?
Yep. Just leave out the ice until serving. If you want everyone to control their mezcal level (some like drama, some don’t), let them add it themselves.

Is mezcal that different from tequila?
Yeah… and also no? Mezcal’s smoky and moody; tequila feels brighter and simpler. Both have their charm, depending on your mood and who you’re trying to impress.

If you make this Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe, let me know how it fits into your day. Maybe you’ll drink it on the porch with old music drifting from someone else’s window… or maybe you’ll mix it up after a long, weird workday and just breathe. I’d honestly love to hear how it goes. Cheers.

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Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe

A crisp and refreshing Easy Mezcal Shandy made with mezcal (or tequila), Stiegl Radler, and fresh lime. Bright citrus balances subtle smoke for a simple yet elegant cocktail.

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2 Servings

Ingredients

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• 2 ounces 1/4 cup mezcal or tequila
• 1 16.9-ounce can Stiegl Radler
• 2 lime wedges optional

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Instructions

 

Distribute the Mezcal

1. Pour 1 ounce of mezcal or tequila into each of two tall cocktail glasses. Ensure each serving is measured evenly for balanced flavor.

Add Ice

1. Fill both glasses with ice to chill the spirit and prepare the base for the shandy.

Add Radler

1. Divide the contents of the Stiegl Radler evenly between the two glasses. The citrus-forward radler will blend with the mezcal to create a light and refreshing drink.

Garnish and Serve

1. If desired, garnish each glass with a lime wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

This Easy Mezcal Shandy Recipe is naturally gluten-free only if all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. Mezcal and tequila are typically gluten-free when distilled properly, but always verify labels for safety. The Stiegl Radler must be checked, as some radlers or flavored beers may contain gluten depending on production methods. If gluten is a concern, substitute the radler with a certified gluten-free citrus soda or gluten-free radler alternative.

Bitty

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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