Best Austrian Alcoholic Beverage Types
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Glühwein is a type of mulled wine enjoyed in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a staple at Christmas markets and is often enjoyed as an après-ski drink. This German version is a classic, combining red wine, citrus zest, and spices such as anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
It is usually sweetened to taste. The ingredients are mixed and heated and should never be boiled. Variations sometimes use white instead of red wine, and some versions come with a liquor shot (mit Schuss). First bottled versions of German mulled wine appeared in Augsburg in the 1950s, and often these pre-sweetened and pre-spiced versions are reheated and served at Glühwein stands.
This famed dry white wine is produced mostly in Austria and, in a smaller part, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It is believed to date back to Roman times while its name is derived from Veltlin—German for Valtellina valley in the north of Italy.
Veltliner wines do not have a significant shelf life and are best enjoyed within two years of bottling. Dry and delicate, with flavors of green pepper and lime, Grüner Veltliner has a reputation of being a particularly food-friendly wine and is a popular offering on restaurant wine lists.
THE BEST Grüner Veltliner Wine Varieties
MAIN INGREDIENTS
The light and bubbly Spritzer is a refreshing beverage made with a combination of white wine and club soda. Although there is a story about its possible Hungarian origin, it is typically dismissed as a legend, and most sources claim that it originated in 19th-century Austria, when it was invented as a way to create bubbly wine.
Spritzers are usually prepared in a tall glass with 3 parts white wine and 1 part club soda, and the beverage is especially popular during summertime. The name is derived from the German word spritzen, which means spray, squirt, or spatter, referring to the practice of diluting the wine with water.
Zweigelt is the most planted red grape variety in Austria that can be incorporated into blends, but it is mostly used in the production of light and young or aged varietal wines. The grape was created in 1922 as a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, and it was initially named Rotburger.
The best expressions of varietal Zweigelt are fruity, lively, and aromatic. They will typically have bright acidity and aromas of red berries that are usually accompanied by spicy and peppery nuances. The wine is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meat and vegetables, white meat, and it may also be an excellent match to seafood, especially if made with a tomato sauce.
THE BEST Zweigelt Wine Varieties
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Gebrüder Nittnaus Gols
Nittnaus - Zweigelt Selection
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2019
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Krug Gumpoldskirchen
Weingut Krug - die Rote Versuchung
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2019
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Blaufränkisch is an Austrian grape variety that is mostly used in the production of fruit-forward varietal wines. This late-ripening grape is cultivated in several wine regions, but Burgenland remains its stronghold. The best expressions of Austrian Blaufränkisch are medium-bodied wines with spicy notes of red and dark berries, refreshing acidity, and firm, but not overpowering tannins.
These wines pair well with a variety of dishes such as roasted or grilled white meat, beef, game, mushrooms, tomato-based sauces, and various cheese varieties. Although it was first identified in Austria, the origin of Blaufränkisch has not yet been discovered.
THE BEST Blaufränkisch Wine Varieties
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Marillenschnaps is a type of fruit brandy that is distilled from apricots. The drink is traditionally associated with Wachau—a region known for apricot production—though it is also produced in other Austrian and German regions.
High-quality apricot brandy should be double-distilled from fresh apricot mash to create a clear and potent spirit with an alcohol content that typically goes around 40% ABV. This brandy will display apricot and floral aromas with a warming, fruity, and long aftertaste.
Fiaker is a Viennese specialty coffee that consists of an espresso that is usually sweetened and then topped with whipped cream. The drink also includes a splash of liquor, preferably kirschwasser—fruit brandy distilled from cherries—which is occasionally replaced with rum of plum brandy.
The name fiaker was given because the coachmen of traditional Viennese coaches (fiakers) are big fans of this warming, alcohol-laced beverage. The drink is occasionally garnished with preserved cherries, or it can be dusted with cocoa powder.
Zirbenlikör is a pine liqueur that is produced in Alpine countries, but which is mostly associated with Austria. The spirit is made with pine cones, usually Arolla Stone Pines, which are harvested during summer, when they are still green.
They are then sliced and macerated in grain spirit or fruit brandy. While they mature in the spirit, they impart the base with a distinctive reddish hue. Zirbenlikör is warming, fresh and smooth with typical floral and pine notes. It is often enjoyed on its own as an après-ski drink, but it also incorporates well into cocktails or long drinks.
Vienna-style lager originated in 1841 when Anton Dreher experimented with the new British tradition of drying malt without the use of direct heat—creating pale malt which would later influence the rise of pale ale style. Dreher combined the practice with lager yeasts to create reddish-copper brew which he released under the name lager Vienna type.
This style is typically creamy, crisp, and smooth with toasty and bready malt aromas. It is usually medium to light-bodied, while the finish is dry and typically has subtle hop bitterness. Following the First World War, the style became almost extinct in its place of origin.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Jagertee is a warming combination of rum, black tea, citrus fruit, and winter spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Traditionally, the drink was made with the so-called inländer or domestic rum, which included various flavorings and colorings to imitate the flavor of genuine Caribbean rum.
Apart from standard ingredients, the drink often includes fruit brandies, other spirits, and citrus zest. Jagertee is often made at home, but commercial varieties are also available, as well as the pre-made mixture of sugar and spices, which is then added to rum and tea.
Best Austrian Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Weingut R&A Pfaffl is an Austrian winery located in the Weinviertel wine region, precisely in Stetten. The winery is managed by the Pfaffl family, as a family business. Roman and Adelheid Pfaffl took over their parents' farm in 1978 with 23 hectares of arable fields and less than one hectare of vineyards.
Currently the vineyard extends over more than 100 hectares, of which 70% is cultivated with white grape varieties.
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
AWARDS
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
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Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022, 2017
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Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2019, 2017
BEST Weingut Keringer Wines
The Kracher Winery lies in the Seewinkel area of Austria´s Burgenland. Here, through the evaporative periods of Lake Neusiedl, the evening fog and the warm Pannonian climate, continuous warm-humid weather patterns are dominant and, therefore, allow for Botrytis cinerea to be generated.
This is what provides the basis for the fantastic sweet wines such as Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
AWARDS
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
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Falstaff - 100
BEST Weinlaubenhof Kracher Wines
Stiegl Brewery is one of Austria's oldest and most renowned family-owned breweries, established in 1492 in Salzburg. It has a rich brewing tradition and is celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation in beer production. Stiegl offers a wide range of beers, including classic styles like lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers, as well as seasonal and specialty brews.
Known for its focus on using high-quality ingredients, Stiegl also places an emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in its brewing processes. The brewery's dedication to crafting exceptional beers has earned it a strong following both in Austria and internationally, making it a symbol of Austrian brewing excellence.
AWARDS
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European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022
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World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
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World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
BEST Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg Beers (Styles and Brands)
AWARDS
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Weingut Scheiblhofer Wines
AWARDS
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Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
AWARDS
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 100 points
2024
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Wines
AWARDS
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James Suckling - 100 points
2024
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Falstaff - 100
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Falstaff - 99
BEST Weingut F. X. Pichler Wines
As brothers, we complemented each other very well even as children, despite our different interests and talents. This is still the case today and we can contribute to the success of our family winery with our know-how on various levels: We enjoy working together in our vineyards, Hans Michael bears great responsibility for the style and expressiveness of our wines in the cellar and Andreas is responsible for sales and presence at tastings.
We stand for stability, handshake quality, family history, but also for a new perspective on the whole - and the naturalness among brothers to always challenge each other with respect and to develop new things together.
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2019
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Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2020
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2018
BEST Gebrüder Nittnaus Gols Wines
Best Austrian Alcoholic Beverages
MASSIV RED Toprotweincuvée is a bold and powerful red wine that blends several carefully selected grape varieties. This wine is known for its deep, rich color and intense aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberries and cherries, along with hints of spice and earthy undertones.
On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with structured tannins and a smooth, long finish. The combination of ripe fruit flavors and a well-integrated acidity gives this wine a balanced, yet robust character. Perfect for pairing with hearty dishes, MASSIV RED is a wine that stands out for its strength and complexity.
AWARDS
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
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Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
AWARDS
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European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2021
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
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Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2018
AWARDS
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World Beer Awards - Gold
2023
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World Beer Awards - Country Winner
2023
AWARDS
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World's Best Aperitifs - Winner
2024
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World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
AWARDS
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
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Falstaff - 100
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2019
AWARDS
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2021
AWARDS
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Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
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Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
AWARDS
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.