Germany’s reputation for excellent beer is well-deserved, with Oktoberfest showcasing some of its most iconic brews like Pilsner and Weissbier. But the country’s beverage scene goes far beyond just beer. Wines, cocktails, and unique mixtures are all worth exploring. In fact, many German drinks are surprisingly easy to create using just a few simple ingredients. You might even want to host your own German-themed party to try them out.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to ten traditional German drinks that will quickly become new favorites. And as a special bonus, we’ll also delve into some festive drinks perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Radler
In Germany, Radler is a beloved summer refresher that’s surprisingly easy to create. This quintessential Bavarian drink may seem simple, but its subtle combination of German lager and chilled sparkling lemonade makes it incredibly thirst-quenching. For those who enjoy shandies, Radler is an excellent alternative.
To craft the perfect glass, combine equal parts of a crisp German lager like Pilsner or Munich Helles with freshly squeezed lemonade, served with a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon for added flair.
Kiba
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Kiba, a German-inspired smoothie that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Start by blending together a frozen banana, fresh banana, and almond milk until smooth. Pour the mixture into glasses, then blend another frozen banana with pitted cherries and almond milk until well combined. Top your original layer with this fruity mixture for a deliciously layered treat.
Spezi
Spezi’s simplicity is reminiscent of Radler, as the recipe relies on just two key components to craft a revitalizing drink. The formula is straightforward: combine equal parts of cola and sparkling orange juice, with the cola making up half of the total mixture. Once combined, chill the concoction before serving. This harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to quench your thirst.
Afelschorle
In Germany, Afelschorle is a beloved drink that pairs perfectly with meals. This refreshing beverage is often enjoyed alongside a variety of cuisines. For those looking to add a touch of sophistication, it’s possible to create an adult version by combining cider and other ingredients. However, the traditional approach involves mixing equal parts of apple juice with carbonated water, resulting in a crisp and revitalizing drink.
Altbierbowle
Transform the flavors of Germany’s Altbier beer into a unique drink by creating an Altbierbowle. This refreshing concoction combines the malty, slightly sweet notes of Düsseldorf’s Altbier – a style that falls between traditional ale and lager – with your preferred fruit syrups and fresh fruit slices. Start by pouring some Altbier into a bowl, then blend it with your favorite fruit flavors and add sliced strawberries and raspberries for added texture and taste.
Savoy Affair
Indulge in the sweet and tangy world of cocktails by savoring the unique flavors of the Savoy Affair. This refreshing drink boasts a zesty kick from its lime sugar rim, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.
To craft this delectable concoction, combine peach brandy, passionfruit juice, strawberry liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a double-cocktail glass. Then, add a touch of elegance with a splash of Champagne.
As you sip on this fruity elixir, let the harmonious blend of flavors transport you to a tropical oasis.
Kirsch Rose Cocktail
Indulge your senses in the charming Kirsch Rose Cocktail, reminiscent of the City of Love. This elegant drink boasts a captivating aroma and a touch of femininity that invites you to savor every moment. To create this delightful concoction, combine equal parts grenadine and dry vermouth with 1.5 ounces of Kirsch in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled glass, finishing it off with a maraschino cherry garnish.
Hugo Cocktail
In Germany, ordering a Hugo will typically yield a revitalizing drink akin to a champagne apéritif. The preparation process begins by muddling mint leaves with lime slices, which is reminiscent of the Mojito-making process. However, the true distinction lies in the subsequent additions: elderflower syrup gives way to the effervescence of Champagne and sparkling water. As a finishing touch, ice, a sprig of mint, and a slice of lime are incorporated for a visually appealing presentation.
Gin Basil Smash
The Gin Basil Smash is a modern German creation that has been making waves in the cocktail scene since its inception at Le Lion in Hamburg in 2008. This refreshing drink is a masterclass in simplicity, showcasing the beauty of combining fresh herbs with citrus and sweet notes. The process begins by muddling basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Next, gin and ice are added, and the mixture is vigorously shaken until chilled to perfection. Finally, the concoction is strained into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass and garnished with a sprig of fresh basil, making it a visually stunning drink that’s almost too beautiful to sip.
Swimming Pool
Indulge in this refreshing tropical treat, reminiscent of a German Piña Colada, while lounging by the pool! This cocktail’s simplicity is its greatest strength, requiring only equal parts of white rum, vodka, pineapple juice, coconut cream, heavy cream, and blue Curaçao. To craft a batch, combine the latter four ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, leaving the blue Curaçao aside for now.
Pour the mixture into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, then add the reserved blue Curaçao as it beautifully transforms the drink’s hue. Finish with a pineapple wedge garnish and enjoy!
Bonus Section: Festive Drinks
In Germany, festive drinks are steeped in tradition. While many may associate the country with mulled wine – or Glühwein – there are other beloved beverages that play a key role in the holiday season. For instance, Germans have their own version of eggnog, known as Eierlikör.
Additionally, to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads, non-alcoholic alternatives like Kinderpunsch – a drink similar to Glühwein but without the booze – are also widely available and enjoyed by teetotalers and designated drivers alike.
Glühwein
Imagine a cozy winter evening, surrounded by loved ones, with a warm and spicy drink that embodies the festive spirit. German Glühwein, also known as glow wine, is an essential part of any holiday gathering. Its name is not just a clever play on words – it’s actually designed to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. To make this magical elixir, start by peeling an orange in strips and then juicing the fruit.
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then reduce the heat and add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange juice, and the orange zest strips. Allow the mixture to simmer until it forms a syrupy consistency, then reduce the heat further and introduce a bottle of wine. Be careful not to let the mixture reach a full boil, as this will cause the alcohol to evaporate prematurely. Instead, maintain a low simmer for about 20 minutes.
Once the Glühwein has reached its peak flavor, strain it into mugs and consider adding a shot of amaretto or rum for an extra layer of depth. Finish each mug off with a flourish by adding a slice of orange peel as a garnish.
Kinderpunsch
Kinderpunsch, a non-alcoholic festive punch reminiscent of Glühwein, is a perfect blend of flavors. To create this delightful concoction, combine cherry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and water in a slow cooker. Add aromatics like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to infuse the mixture with warm spices. Allow the ingredients to meld together for a few hours before steeping tea bags to add depth and then sweetening to taste.
Final Thoughts
Immersing oneself in German culture often involves exploring its rich beer-making heritage. The diversity of brews is staggering, with examples like Altbier from Düsseldorf, Kölsch from Cologne, Berliner Weisse, and Hefeweizen from Bavaria. Oktoberfest, a iconic celebration, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Germany’s beverage scene. In fact, drinks can vary greatly depending on the region you’re in, with some provinces boasting unique offerings not found elsewhere.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.