Beer buzz: Refreshing blend of beer and soda is perfect for poolside

Lemon and Ginger Radler

BREWERY: Karbach Brewing Co., Houston

STYLE: Radler; similar to the centuries-old shandy (soda, juice or lemonade mixed with beer), this style was created in 1922 by a Bavarian innkeeper to satisfy droves of thirsty cyclists who stopped in for beer. To stretch the dwindling beer supply, he mixed it with lemon soda. The result was a tasty, thirst-quenching, low alcohol beer. The name radler is short for its original name, radlermass, or cyclist liter.

THE PITCH: This refreshing blend of golden beer and soda is perfect for poolside parties or any warm weather event. Although the lemon soda lends sweetness, the spicy ginger bite keeps it from being cloying. It's a smooth, easy-drinking beer with a light grainy malt flavor and a crisp finish. With an alcohol content of just 3.5 percent, you can afford to enjoy a couple of them on a hot afternoon. It's a good low-alcohol alternative to a cocktail.

FUN FACTS: The brewery makes its own lemon soda specifically for this beer. In November of 2016, Karbach Brewing Co. was purchased by AB InBev, the world's largest brewery. This marked the ninth craft brewery purchase by the beer conglomerate.

SERVE IT: Serve it chilled but not ice cold, to appreciate all the flavors. The beer is great on its own, but it would also pair well with salads, dips and shrimp cocktail.

GET SOME: Sold in six-packs of 12-ounce cans for about $9.49 at Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Specs and Total Wine .

Tina Danze