“Turn left at the main road, then cross over, and take the next right… you can’t miss it“. With those instructions from the Hotel Manager, my daughter and I headed out from our hotel in Sachsenhausen (Frankfurt) to find a Bembel of Apfelwein. It really wasn’t that hard. In fact, Sachsenhausen is KNOWN for it’s many Apfelwein restaurants, and we…
Category: German Beer and Wine
What You Should Know About German Beer Coasters or Bierdeckel
When the server set the beer (and wine) in front of me with a coaster on top of it, a light bulb went off in my head. You see, German Beer Coasters are called Bierdeckel or Beer Lid, and I never quite understood why a coaster would be called a Deckel. Turns out, there’s some interesting history associated with these…
The Biergarten- A Bavarian Cultural Essential!
With the rise in popularity of craft beers, there has definitely been an uptick in the number of Biergartens around the world. But are they Biergartens? Or Beer Gardens? Is it just an spot next to a brewery with tables? Is it a patio carved out next to a bar? Is is the place where gardeners plant beer bottles and…
When is the Oktoberfest in Munich? It’s in September!!
Germans are notoriously precise with their speech… after all, this is the language that gave us words like Schwangerschaftverhütungsmittel (Pregnancy Preventing Remedy) and and Dudelsack (A bag that makes a doodleing sound aka. Bagpipes)… so it’s incredibly confusing to so many people OUTSIDE Germany that Oktoberfest does not start in October. So, when is the Oktoberfest in Munich? It’s in…
German Drink Recipes For German Mixed Drinks- Order like a Local!
I remember the first time I ordered a German style Radler in America. The bartender was confused, then when I explained, he was HORRIFIED that I would mix Beer and Soda. (I’ve since learned to order a beer, a soda, and an extra glass to avoid that look). But think about it, Germans do seem to enjoy putting simple things…
What is Oktoberfest Beer? And what makes it Special?
During the Fall months, with the arrival of pumpkin spice comes Octoberfest beers. While they are exceedingly delicious beers, the question remains; what is Oktoberfest Beer? And what makes one beer an Oktoberfest beer and another a seasonal ale? Is it the flavor or is it the Season? And is there a rule for making a beer and Oktoberfest Beer? Turns…
Federweisser- All you Need to Know About this VERY Young Wine
When people think about traveling to Germany in the Fall, they often think Oktoberfest. BUT, the country has so much more to offer besides this well-known attractions! For example, Federweisser. What is Federweisser? It’s an alcoholic drink only available during the months of September and October. This is a real autumnal tradition for many Germans, particularly in the wine-growing regions…
Where to Get a Beer in Munich… Munich Beer Halls, Beer Gardens and Oktoberfest
Paris has pavement cafes, London has pubs and Barcelona has tapas bars, but for beer lovers, Munich is the place to go for beer halls and beer gardens. That is not to say that beer is Munich’s only attraction. Far from it. There is much to see in this elegant southern German town but it’s beer for which Munich…
Hugo Drink Recipe- Learn How to make this Refreshing Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat? This Hugo drink recipe is simple enough for even the most inexperienced home bartender to make… yet it’s delightfully tasty. Think of it as a variation on a Mojito or a Wine Spritzer. The Hugo uses sparkling wine, mint, and Elderflower Syrup. It’s the Elderflower that imparts a special flavor and…
Erdinger’s Raspberry Beer Punch Recipe – A German Weissbierbowle Recipe
I find that here in California, when I say “Beer Punch Recipe“, people look at me funny. In a world of craft and specialty beers, why would you mix in fruits and champagne? You know why? Because the flavor is out of this world delicious, and it’s quite refreshing on a warm day. A German Bowle, or German Punch Recipe,…