LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

Fresh orange juice combined with the lemony notes present in the beer act like a squeeze of citrus on charred briny chicken.

Radlers 101 Like its British cousin, the shandy, a radler is a simple and refreshing mix of beer, often golden lager, and citrus- flavoured soda. Dating back to an especially sunny day in June 1922, the story goes that an innkeeper called Franz Kugler in the small town of Deisenhofen, outside Munich, created a drink called “Radlermass” (literally “cyclist litre” in German) when his establishment became unexpectedly busy with a large group of cyclists. Thinking on his feet when he noticed his dwindling stock of beer, he decided to stretch his supply by blending it 50-50 with a lemon soda he could never seem to get rid of, and the rest is history.

TRIPEL & ORANGE RADLER (recipe on page 172)

Belgian tripel, like Chimay White Cap ( LCBO 676585, 330 mL, $4.00), is a Trappist ale showing pear and cit- rus notes, and a dry, spicy, yeasty finish. The aromatic and textural similarities to Champagne can be un- canny. When married with fresh orange juice, it makes for a moreish, Mimosa-like sipper, at home beside lighter grilled meats and egg-based brunch dishes. Strong golden ales, such Duvel ( LCBO 194431, 330 mL, $3.65), are similar in style, slightly stronger in alcohol and a little lower in fruitiness; they work just as well.