Introduction
Have you ever wondered how Spain keeps its cool during scorching summer afternoons? The answer might surprise you. Contrary to popular belief, not every refreshing Spanish drink comes from sangria or tinto de verano. Enter the Clara — a delightful, effervescent blend of beer and lemonade that’s not just a thirst-quencher but a cultural staple.
The Clara is a perfect fusion of light beer and zesty lemon soda, popular in bars across Spain, especially during summer. Whether you're lounging on a Mediterranean beach or hosting a backyard BBQ, this low-alcohol cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this Spanish refreshment: how to make it, why it works, and how to adapt it to suit your tastes and health goals. Let’s pop the cap off this underrated European classic.
Ingredients List
Crafting the perfect Clara requires just a few simple ingredients, but the real magic is in balance and quality.
Core Ingredients:
- 1 cup light lager or pilsner
- Choose a low-hop, crisp beer like Estrella, Mahou, or any lager with subtle bitterness.
- 1 cup sparkling lemon soda
- Use a Spanish brand like Kas or opt for Schweppes Lemon. You can also make homemade lemonade.
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Adds a fresh aroma and a bit of visual flair.
- Ice cubes (optional)
- For a super chilled drink, perfect for summer heat.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Lemon soda alternatives: Try tonic water with fresh lemon juice for a slightly bitter twist.
- Alcohol-free version: Use non-alcoholic beer to enjoy a “Sin Clara” (Clara without alcohol).
- Fruit twist: Add a splash of orange juice or grapefruit soda for a citrus upgrade.
- Herbal infusion: Add a few mint leaves or basil for a refreshing herbal note.
This mix is simple, but the sensory experience is vibrant — fizzy, citrusy, and lightly bitter with a sweet lift.
Timing
Making a Clara is all about instant gratification. You don’t need fancy tools or long wait times. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Mixing Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 3 minutes
Compare that to a sangria that can take hours to steep — the Clara is a real-time summer savior.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Before mixing, place your glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. A frosty glass makes a big difference in keeping the drink cold longer and adds to the sensory delight.
Pro Tip: Use a tall pint or a classic highball glass for an elegant presentation.
Step 2: Pour the Beer
Fill your glass halfway with your chosen lager or pilsner. Pour slowly at an angle to preserve the carbonation and prevent excessive foaming.
Flavor Insight: Lighter beers with minimal hops won’t overpower the citrus and will let the lemon soda shine.
Step 3: Add the Lemon Soda
Top off the rest of the glass with chilled lemon soda. Again, pour gently to avoid losing carbonation.
Technique Tip: Always pour the soda second — this ensures proper layering and even bubbles.
❄️ Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Add a slice of lemon on the rim or drop it into the glass. Optionally, add a few ice cubes if you’re serving outdoors.
Serving Note: Serve immediately to enjoy the full fizz and freshness.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown based on a standard Clara (250 ml beer + 250 ml lemon soda):
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~15g |
| Sugar (from soda) | ~10g |
| Alcohol by Volume | ~2.5% ABV |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | <1g |
| Sodium | ~10mg |
It’s a light drink both in alcohol and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking for a lighter or more diet-conscious Clara? Here are a few ideas:
Gluten-Free Clara
- Use a certified gluten-free beer (many are now available) with natural lemon soda.
Low-Sugar Clara
- Replace lemon soda with sparkling water and fresh-squeezed lemon juice + a dash of stevia or monk fruit.
Keto-Friendly Clara
- Opt for a low-carb beer and sugar-free lemon sparkling water like LaCroix or Sanzo.
Health Benefits:
- Lower alcohol = reduced liver load and better hydration.
- Lemon adds vitamin C and digestive stimulation.
- Lighter on the stomach than cocktails or heavy beers.
Serving Suggestions
The Clara is refreshingly adaptable to many occasions. Here’s how to elevate it:
- Summer BBQs: Serve with grilled sardines, chicken skewers, or Spanish tortilla.
- Tapas night: Pair with olives, patatas bravas, or manchego cheese.
- Brunch pairing: It’s a great alternative to a mimosa or Bloody Mary.
- Seasonal twist: Add fresh raspberries in summer or rosemary in winter for a festive feel.
Personalization Tip: Let guests mix their own Clara at a drink station — great for parties!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple drinks can be messed up with the wrong approach. Here’s how to keep your Clara crisp and balanced:
- ❌ Using bitter IPAs: These clash with the lemon’s acidity.
- ❌ Flat soda: Always use freshly opened lemon soda for optimal fizz.
- ❌ Warm ingredients: Chill both beer and soda — no shortcuts.
- ❌ Too much lemon: It should complement, not overpower, the beer.
Expert Tip: The 1:1 ratio is a classic, but you can tweak it — 60% lemon for sweeter, or 60% beer for more kick.
Storing Tips
Since a Clara is meant to be enjoyed fresh, it doesn’t store well once mixed. But you can prep parts ahead of time:
- 🍋 Lemon base: Mix lemon juice and a sweetener in advance for homemade soda.
- ❄️ Chill your beer and soda hours ahead to speed up serving.
- 🧊 Freeze lemon slices to use as edible ice cubes.
Storage Hack: If you made too much, store in a sealed jar for up to 6 hours, but expect less fizz.
Conclusion
The Clara is more than just a mix of beer and lemon soda — it’s a sip of Spanish lifestyle, a symbol of balance, simplicity, and refreshment. Whether you’re trying to beat the summer heat or just craving something new, this breezy drink is here to deliver.
Ready to shake up your summer drink game? Try the Clara, and let me know how you make it your own! Drop a comment below, or subscribe for more refreshing recipes and cultural twists.
FAQs
What kind of beer works best in a Clara?
Light lagers or pilsners are ideal — anything too hoppy or dark will overpower the citrus.
Can I make a Clara without alcohol?
Yes! Use non-alcoholic beer or even kombucha for a bubbly base.
Is Clara the same as shandy?
They’re similar, but Clara is Spain’s version, usually with lemon soda instead of lemonade and often enjoyed as a midday refresher.
How strong is a Clara?
It usually has around 2–3% ABV, depending on your beer choice. It’s significantly lighter than wine or cocktails.
Is there a homemade lemon soda alternative?
Absolutely! Mix carbonated water, fresh lemon juice, and a sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, stevia) to taste.
Related Posts You Might Like:
- “Tinto de Verano: Spain’s Red Wine Cooler”
- “Sangria vs Clara: What’s Spain’s Ultimate Summer Drink?”
- “5 Low-Alcohol Cocktails for Hot Weather”
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