Clara Beer Recipe: Easy Spanish Summer Shandy Classic 2026

The clara is one of the most beloved summer drinks on Spanish terraces, a light, bubbly and incredibly refreshing pour that tames the bitterness of beer. It is made with just two ingredients and comes together in about five minutes, which makes it the easiest way to cool down on a hot afternoon.

The most internationally recognized version is the lemon clara, which is why so many beer brands have released their own take on what is also known as a radler. Its citrussy, sweet character practically wipes out beer's signature bitterness, making it more refreshing and lower in alcohol than plain beer.

The clara with gaseosa is the more classic and traditional drink in many parts of Spain, especially at family meals, in small towns and in neighborhood bars. Because gaseosa has a more neutral flavor than lemon soda, it respects the character of the beer a little more, though clearly softened and with a sweeter, fizzier touch than the original drink.

Ingredients for Clara Beer

These amounts make 1 serving.

• 100 ml cold beer
• 100 ml cold lemon soda or gaseosa

How to Make Clara Beer Step by Step

1. Pour the beer into the glass

To prepare a clara, the first thing to do is pour 100 ml of cold beer into a glass. Use a light blond lager of your choice so it blends better with the lemon soda or gaseosa and gives you a light, refreshing mix.

2. Add the lemon soda or gaseosa and serve

Next, carefully add 100 ml of lemon soda or 100 ml of gaseosa, depending on your preference, and serve the clara immediately so you can enjoy it ice cold. The key to a perfect result is respecting the proportions of both drinks and making sure they are very cold.

Tips for the Best Clara Beer

Choose a light blond lager

A light blond lager integrates best with the lemon soda or gaseosa, giving you a light and refreshing blend. You can also use non-alcoholic beer to make this popular drink completely alcohol-free.

Keep everything very cold

The only truly key aspect for a perfect clara is respecting the proportions of the drinks and making sure both are very cold. A trick for an even more refreshing clara is to put the glass in the freezer before preparing it.

Serve it the Spanish way

Accompanied by some olives and good company, a clara becomes a simple pleasure that is ideal for enjoying on a summer afternoon. Serve it as soon as it is mixed so the bubbles stay lively.

30 Go-To Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything—cozy comfort classics, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I'll reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this sophisticated Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when I want something fruity and cozy, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

Come breakfast time or when I'm after a lighter bite, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple I can keep on hand, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean-inspired spreads, I'll bounce between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, velvety Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. And when the occasion calls for something a touch fancier, this elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is a favorite of mine to serve.

Hearty midday meals and slow, cozy suppers are where these shine: the warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and silky Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Craving something even more substantial? I'll bake up this hearty Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultimate comfort plate, this French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

When street-food cravings hit or I'm feeding a crowd, out come this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, boldly seasoned Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These fuss-free Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also make a great little appetizer or snack.

And when I'm mixing drinks and planning a whole spread for company, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To tie the whole meal together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, dependable technique, and serious flavor.

These are the recipes I find myself making over and over—whether it's a fast solo meal or a festive spread for loved ones.

On the sweet side, the rich, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something that feels fancy yet comes together easily. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled after the beloved Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture really helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

For something light and effortless, I'll typically make the traditional Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. When I want a heartier comfort dish, I'm quick to suggest the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner, this One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm also a big fan of sharing dishes rooted in tradition from all over the world, like the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and Spain's classic Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another category I turn to often, since it delivers great texture without eating up time. My regular lineup includes the Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and completely satisfying without any gluten.

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