The Most Popular Drinks in Germany Besides Beer

When most of the world thinks of Germany, they think of beer and sausages. However, there are many other beverages that Germans love to drink. In this video, we show you the top 10 most popular drinks in Germany that aren’t beer and we taste them to let you know what we think!

The Top 10 Most Popular Drinks in Germany that Are NOT Beer

Beer Isn’t the Only Drink Germans Enjoy

What?! There are drinks Germans like as much as or even MORE than beer?! 🤣😉 Hopefully, we all know by now that stereotypes like this one, all Germans love beer, are pretty silly. There are many other drinks that Germans love, and in this video, we will share them all with you! Some of these drinks Americans have never heard of or seen! We talk about Mineralwasser/Sprudelwasser (Sparkling water), Spetzi, Schorles, Radlers, cocktails (like Holler Spritz and Aperol Spritz!), Eiskaffee, fruit juice, coffee, and tea.

Also, we dive a bit into the SUGAR content in drinks between the USA and Germany. I’m sure you can guess who has more sugar in their drinks…but do you know how much or why?

MOST POPULAR DRINKS IN GERMANY

1 – Mineral Water (Mineral Wasser)

Mineral water, or Mineral Wasser as it’s called in Germany, is the most popular drink in all of Germany – it is even more popular than beer or wine! In fact, it’s the most commonly consumed drink in the country, surpassing still water in sales. Known as Sprudelwasser, this carbonated water is a staple on restaurant menus across the country.

However, if you’re not a fan of the fizzy stuff, be sure to specify your preference when dining out. Otherwise, you’ll likely be served carbonated water automatically. Another thing to note is that even if you request still or tap water, you’ll be charged a premium for bottled water, which can be more expensive than beer on some menus.

2 – Coffee (Kaffee)

Germans are serious about their coffee. In fact, it is the second-most popular drink in Germany. Many own fancy espresso machines and coffee gadgets. You can get fancy coffees at local bakeries. But please, don’t come here and go to Starbucks – go to a small, local bakery and get a coffee there instead. It’ll be much healthier and you’ll be supporting a small, local business and getting a REAL taste of German culture! See more about German coffee and tea culture in this post.

The Most Popular Drinks in Germany - that aren't beer! Here is a drink aisle in our local supermarket

3 – Herbal and Caffeinated Tea 

You might be surprised to learn that there is one region in Germany where more tea is consumed per capita than in tea-loving countries such as the UK or India! While coffee is the go-to caffeinated beverage for most Germans, tea is still appreciated by many throughout the country. Learn more about German tea and coffee culture in this video.

In particular, Germans have a strong affinity for herbal teas, often turning to them when feeling under the weather. So even if you’re not a big tea drinker, you might want to keep some herbal teas on hand in case of a cold or flu.

4. Wine – One of Germany’s Hidden Gems!

When it comes to wine in Europe, many Americans tend to associate it with France and Italy. However, Germany is actually a major player in the world of white wine production, thanks to its ideal climate and soil conditions that lend themselves to the creation of crisp, fruity wines with perfectly balanced acidity.

In fact, the Riesling grape is a particular standout, and is widely regarded as the most popular white wine varietal in Germany. As 16th-century church reformer Martin Luther famously noted, “Beer is made by a man, but wine comes from God.”

So if you find yourself traveling to Germany, be sure to indulge in some of the country’s fine wines in addition to its world-renowned beer. One of my personal favorites is the Trocken Riesling, which offers a particularly dry and refreshing taste.

5. Schorle – Carbonated Water & Fruit Juice

We had never heard of Schorle before moving to Germany! However, this refreshing drink has quickly become a beloved favorite in our household. One of our preferred choices is the Apfelschorle, which is a blend of mineral water and fruit juice. There are several types of Shorles available, but our personal favorite is the Johanisbeerschorle.

What sets Schorles apart is the perfect balance of sweetness, providing just the right amount of fruity flavor without being overly sugary like regular fruit juice. We can’t get enough of this delicious drink and often purchase liters of it to share with family and friends.

6. Radler – Beer Mixed with Lemon Soda

Radler is a popular beer-based beverage that originates in Germany. The word “Radler” literally translates to “cyclist” in German, and the drink is so named because it was originally created for thirsty cyclists who wanted a refreshing beer-based drink that was lower in alcohol content and more thirst-quenching than regular beer.

Radlers consist of equal parts of light beer (such as Pilsner or Helles) and lemonade or citrus soda. The result is a light, fizzy drink that is perfect for warm summer days or after a long bike ride. Over the years, many variations of Radler have emerged, with some breweries experimenting with different beer and juice combinations to create unique and flavorful versions of the drink.

In recent years, Radlers have become increasingly popular in Germany, especially during the summer months. Many breweries now offer their own versions of Radler, with some even producing alcohol-free versions for those who want to enjoy the taste without the buzz.

7. Cocktails 

In addition to beer and wine, German restaurants and hotels also boast an array of delicious cocktails that often go overlooked. A prime example is the ever-popular Aperol Spritz, which hails from Italy but has become a beloved staple in Germany. Made with Aperol liquor and Prosecco, and garnished with a slice of fresh orange, it’s bright and summery and one of my personal favorite German cocktails.

Holler Spritz

For those seeking something more unique, the Holler Spritz is a must-try cocktail that we explore in one of our videos. Featuring Elderberry Flower Syrup as the key ingredient, this delightful drink has a light and floral taste that is perfect for any occasion. It also contains white wine, lemon juice, and mineral water. With its stunning presentation and delicate flavor, the Holler Spritz is a true gem among German cocktails. So be sure to keep an eye out for these underrated delights the next time you visit Germany! Get the recipe here.

Top 10 Most Popular Drinks in Germany - Fanta in the USA and Fanta in Germany are very different!

8. Spetzi – German Cola

Spezi, a beloved soft drink in Germany, is a perfect combination of half cola and half orange soda, usually Fanta. Unlike its US counterpart, this Fanta version is devoid of high fructose corn syrup and instead uses actual orange juice to give it its delightful flavor. This gives it a more natural hue and taste, making it a healthier and more refreshing option. With its simple 50/50 recipe, it’s easy to make at home and perfect for any party. For a touch of sophistication, add some sliced oranges as a garnish and you’ve got a refreshing and delicious drink for all ages.

9. Saft (Fruit Juice)

Germany is known for its diverse selection of fruit juices, with apple juice being a staple and other popular juices including orange, grapefruit, and exotic fruits like guava and passionfruit. Johannisbeersaft, or black currant juice, is a popular tart and tangy juice often mixed with sparkling water to make Johannisbeerschorle. Holundersaft, or elderberry juice, is mixed with sparkling water to make Holunderblütenschorle, a refreshing summer drink. Germany also offers smoothie bars with fresh fruits and vegetables, providing a tasty and nutritious option for those on the go. Overall, Germany has a rich variety of fruit juices and smoothies to suit any taste.

10. Eiskaffee – Coffee Poured Over Ice Cream

Eiskaffee, or iced coffee, is a popular drink in Germany, especially during the summer months. It typically consists of cold coffee poured over ice cubes and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Some variations also include a shot of liqueur, such as Amaretto or Baileys, or chocolate syrup. Eiskaffee is often served with a straw and a long spoon, allowing the drinker to mix the coffee, ice cream, and whipped cream together. It is a refreshing and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a mid-day pick-me-up.

Our kids try some of Germany's most popular drinks and have hysterical reactions!

See Our Kids Try Some of Germany’s Most Popular Drinks!

Stick around to the end of the video where you’ll see our kids try some popular drinks – they have hysterical reactions!

https://www.daskochrezept.de/rezepte/holler-spritz-holunder-schorle

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