Thirst Quenchers - Germany's Favorite Beverages

Germany, of course, is best known for its beer and wine, yet there are many other types of beverages (Getränke) that are somewhat unique to the country. Of course, Germans drink many of the same beverages, such as tea, coffee and juices as Americans but there are often slight differences to the taste or method preparation. Here's a sampling of the types of beverages with which Germans quench their thirst.

More than 1,000 flavors and over 60 acids characterize the unique taste of German coffee. This is skillfully unfolded by the know-how of German producers, their careful selection of the coffee beans, the means of transport and the manner in which the beans are roasted, ground and packed.

Germans are big coffee drinkers. Like Americans, some like to drink their coffee black. Those that don't like that, use Kaffeesahne (a type of condensed milk) to whiten it. Coffee is, of course, the most essential part of the Kaffee and Kuchen tradition, where Germans sit down in the afternoon and enjoy a slice of cake with a cup of steaming hot coffee.

Germans are big fans of all types of juices (Säfte). The most popular juices are Orangensaft (Orange), Apfelsaft (Apple), Traubensaft (Grape) and Multivitaminsaft (Multivitamin juice). Also popular are Fruchtnektar and Fruchtsaftgetränke, which are similar to Fruchtsaft except they contain less fruit juice and therefore can't be called Fruchtsaft by law.

German children are fond of adding other ingredients to their daily milk such as chocolate powder to make Kakao and honey (Honig) to make Honigmilch. Latter tastes especially good when its hot. Adults are equally fond of adding other ingredients to make delicious milkshakes.

If you ask for a glass of water in Germany you are most likely to receive a glass of Mineralwasser rather then Leitungswasser (water from the faucet) as you would in the US. Mineralwasser comes with or without carbon dioxide so the waiter will ask you "mit oder ohne Sprudel?". Sparkling mineral water is also known as Sprudel or Selters.

A Bowle is a cold mixed drink that could be described as a summer punch.The most well-known of all Bowle is the Maibowle or May Bowl that is drunk during may and is flavored with woodruff (Waldmeister). A Punsch on the other hand is a warm mixed drink.

Schorle is the word used to refer to a mixed drink that is most popular in the summer. A Fruchtsaftschorle, Saftschorle or Fruchtschorle consists of a mixture of fruit juice and mineral water. It is also a popular drink for refreshment after athletics. A Weinschorle mixes wine with mineral water (sauer) or limo (süß). In some areas of Germany, a Schorle is also called Spritzer or Gespritzter.

Both black tea (Schwarztee) and fruit tea (Fruchttee) are popular in Germany. The most popular types of fruit and herbal teas are Kamillentee (Camomile), Fencheltee (Fennel), Hagebuttentee (Rosehip) and Pfefferminztee (Peppermint). The area of Germany known as Ostfriesland is especially famous for its tea-drinking culture. Almost a quarter of all tea drunk in Germany is consumed here.