A refreshing Bavarian drink that reminds me of an Arnold Palmer – but better! Try this Lemon Spezi recipe or the more traditional orange soda version.
I was recently perusing Bavarian Cooking by Olli Leeb and came across a Lemon Spezi drink.
With my strong Bavarian heritage, I felt compelled to give it a try.
Plus, it sounded infinitely more palatable than the “Suckling Pig” on page 70 of Olli’s book.
A Lemon Spezi is just Coca-Cola and lemonade mixed in equal portions over ice, but it’s better than it sounds. I was genuinely surprised by how good it tastes. (How could any drink with that much sugar be bad though, right?)
It tastes a lot like an Arnold Palmer (iced tea with lemonade) with the addition of carbonation.
If you’re feeling traditional, the original version of Spezi is made with orange soda (specifically orange Fanta). While you’re at it, you can pick up all your Spezi branded merchandise on their website. I’d love the flip-flops – anyone want to go in on shipping with me??
So there you have it: An official German drink that is NOT beer. Prost!
Lemon Spezi
Ingredients
- Ice
- 12 ounces lemonade
- 1 (12 ounce) can Coca-Cola
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Fill 2 glasses with ice. Pour 6 ounces lemonade into each glass. Divide the Coca-Cola evenly among both glasses and garnish with lemon wedges.
I first tried spezi as a little boy visiting my moms home town of Munich and almost 50 years later, though I drink little soda, I still make myself one from time to time. I still love it to this day and it brings back great memories.
I first tried a spezi as a little boy visiting my moms home town of Munich and almost 50 years later, though I drink little soda, I still make myself one every now and then. I love it and it brings back some great memories
Hi Dave, this is so amazing! I love it. I love that people actually drink it there (I heard from my relatives in Neufarhn that they do, but you never know when family is just trying to be nice). Thank you so much for the great story. -Meggan
This is yummy with Vodka in it!
Hi, yes Lemon Coca Cola is beside beer the other official German drink…..I love it
Thank you so much Eleonore!!! :) Glad to know I wasn’t making crazy stuff up. Take care!
I love anything with Coca Cola. Best drink ever.