Best Drink Recipes - German Beverages

➤ by Oma Gerhild Fulson

What are the best drink recipes, aka Getränke? The most famous of German beverages? Beer or wine? Not necessarily. The similarity of drinks to other parts of the world ends with the names: coffee, tea, juice, and water. The flavours in Germany are usually quite different.

---

Coffee, for example, is characteristically brewed fresh, cup by cup, even in the "fast food" places. Coffee machines that make a pot at a time seem almost non-existent. And nothing quite compares to its taste.

Although most enjoy it black, a type of condensed milk, aka Kaffeesahne, is used in place of cream or milk.

In restaurants, coffee comes in a small cup, usually with a sweet served on the doilied saucer. Want a little more coffee? Then order a "pot" and you'll get enough for a mug!

Black tea and fruit teas are also popular in Germany. Common teas are Camomile (Kamillentee), Fennel (Fencheltee), Peppermint (Pfefferminztee), and Rosehip (Hagebuttentee).

Freshly brewed coffee is perfect alongside this Buttercream Torte.

Juice is very common, especially apple juice served as Apfelschorle. This very refreshing drink is easily made at home, but is often bought ready-made. Orange and grape juices are also common.

Fruit juices are also a main part of holiday punch recipes. For example, this Non Alcoholic Punch Recipe uses a mixture of fruit juice and tea. Great for kids as well.

Popular as well are multivitamin ACE drinks. These are fruit and vegetable juices with added vitamins (A, C, and E). Considered "wellness drinks", they are well received by the health-conscious Germans.

Oma says,

Ordering water in Germany is an interesting experience.

If not specified, you will usually receive a sparkling carbonated water. If you want regular water, ask for "water without gas" ... "Wasser ohne Gas!" And, be prepared to pay more for your water than for beer or wine!

Mineral water is also available and comes from themountains and is high in minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Never, never ask for tap water! People will think you're a bit 'peculiar'! 

Some of the BEST German Beverages

*  *  *  *  *