Western German Beverages

Riesling most likely hails from the Rhine region of Germany, but it has shown great success in other European wine regions, primary Austria and Alsace, as well as the United States and Australia. However, the best expressions of the grape... READ MORE

Kölsch (the Low German name for Cologne) is a specialty beer brewed only in Cologne. A document known as the Kölsch Convention was signed in 1986 by the directors of two dozen Kölsch breweries, ensuring that Kölsch beer can onl... READ MORE

Apfelwein is a traditional cider that is generally associated with Frankfurt and the state of Hesse. It is mainly made from cooking or dessert apples, and it comes in several styles, though dry (trocken) is the most common. German cider i... READ MORE

Altbier, meaning old beer, is a German beer style which originated in Düsseldorf. The style falls somewhere between a lager and an ale—the beers are fermented warm like ales but are then aged cool like lagers. The name altbier,... READ MORE

Dortmunder Export is a German beer style that was first brewed in the late 19th century. Named after the city where it originated, this beer style was modeled on pilsners, and it was primarily invented as a thirst-quenching brew ... READ MORE

This German herbal liqueur is produced with the aromatic extraction of 43 herbs that results in an amber-colored, herbal drink, with notes of spices and licorice. The base is then aged in oak casks before it is adjusted with fresh spring water to ... READ MORE

Asbach Uralt is a German brandy that was first distilled in 1892 by Hugo Asbach, a Cologne native. With the knowledge he gained at various French distilleries, Asbach distilled his first batch of brandy and opened a company in Rüdesh... READ MORE

Liebfraumilch is a semi-sweet German wine style produced in Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Rheingau, and Nahe wine regions. Although official regulations stipulate that at least 70% of the blend has to include Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Silvaner,... READ MORE

Kuemmerling is a type of herb liqueur that is classified as a kräuterlikör. It was created by Hugo Kümmerling in 1938, and since 1963 the drink has been produced in Bodenheim. Although the exact recipe is kept secr... READ MORE

Often classified as a type of gin, Steinhäger is a juniper-flavored spirit produced in Westaphalian Steinhagen municipality. It is produced from grain spirit, juniper berries, and wacholderlutter—fermented mash made fr... READ MORE

Bärenjäger is a honey liqueur that hails from Germany. The recipe, which remains secret, is based on an old formula dating back to the 18th century. The liqueur is made with a combination of grain spirit and honey, with addition... READ MORE

Killepitsch is a German herbal liqueur (kräuterlikör) that is made with 98 different herbs and spices. The drink has been produced since 1858 by the Busch family from Düsseldorf, and the original recipe is still ke... READ MORE

This beer is a symbol of Dortmund and has always been made from carefully selected ingredients. The beginning of brewing in Dortmund dates back to 1293, and throughout history, these beers were exported around the world. Dortmund beer is now produ... READ MORE

This German apple cider is made by heating and fermenting the juice of locally-grown apples from the Granny Smith or Bramley cultivars. The cider has an alcohol content of 4.8%–7% and a very tart flavor. To produce this refreshing, sour beve... READ MORE

Rüdesheimer Kaffee is a German coffee that is fortified with Asbach Uralt brandy. The drink is prepared by mixing brandy and sugar, and the combination is then flambéed until alcohol partially evaporates. The mixture ... READ MORE

Altbierbowle is a beer-based mixed drink that hails from Germany. The drink combines beer, fruit syrup, and fruit. Although it resembles a punch bowl, this German specialty is made with altbier—a traditional German beer style from D... READ MORE