Berliner Weisse mit Schuss Recipe: Germany’s Sour Wheat Beer With a Shot of Syrup

Berliner Weisse is a low-ABV, tart wheat beer from Berlin that’s traditionally served ‘mit Schuss,’ meaning with a shot of fruit syrup stirred in, since the beer on its own is sour enough that most drinkers want it softened.

Raspberry syrup, or Himbeersirup, is the classic red version, while woodruff syrup, or Waldmeister, gives the beer its equally traditional bright green color, both work the same way, sweetening and rounding out the sourness.

It’s served in a wide, shallow goblet rather than a standard pint glass, syrup poured in first so the beer can foam up over it, then stirred gently right before drinking.

How to Make It

Print Recipe

Berliner Weisse mit Schuss

Germany’s classic sour wheat beer served ‘with a shot’ of raspberry or woodruff syrup, which tames the tartness and turns the beer a bright pink or green.

Prep Time2 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Calories: 130kcal

Author: Dan Smullen

Ingredients

• 12 oz Berliner Weisse or another tart, low-ABV sour wheat beer
• 0.5 oz raspberry syrup Himbeersirup, or substitute woodruff syrup for the green version

Instructions

• Pour the raspberry syrup into the bottom of a large wine-style goblet, the traditional Berliner Weisse glass.
• Slowly pour the Berliner Weisse over the syrup, letting the two combine as it foams up.
• Give it one gentle stir with a long spoon or straw so the syrup mixes evenly through the beer.
• Serve immediately, ideally with a straw since the traditional glass is wide and shallow.

Want more beer picks for the summer? Check our best wheat beers for summer guides.

Gear That Helps

Making a batch for a crowd? A beverage dispenser from our shop keeps a pre-mixed pitcher cold and ready to pour.

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FAQ

What does ‘mit Schuss’ mean?

It’s German for ‘with a shot,’ referring to the shot of fruit syrup traditionally stirred into the sour beer to balance it out.

Can I use a different sour beer if I can’t find Berliner Weisse?

Yes, any low-ABV sour wheat beer works as a substitute, the syrup will still soften the tartness the same way.

Is the green version different from the red one?

Only in the syrup used, raspberry syrup gives the red version, woodruff syrup gives the green. Both are equally traditional in Berlin.

More beer cocktails: see the full Beer Cocktails guide for every recipe in this collection.