Frankfurt

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Local Drinks and Breweries

Frankfurt's signature beverages such as Apfelwein and offerings from local breweries that reflect the region's drink culture.

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Local Drinks and Breweries in Frankfurt, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Frankfurt, Germany, is not only a financial hub but also a city rich in culinary and beverage traditions. Its local drinks and breweries reflect the region's history, culture, and love for socializing. Whether you're a beer enthusiast, a cider lover, or someone looking to explore unique beverages, Frankfurt has something to offer. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the city's local drinks and breweries.

1. Traditional Beverages in Frankfurt

Ebbelwoi (Apple Wine)

  • Description: Known locally as "Ebbelwoi" or "Äppelwoi," this is Frankfurt's most iconic drink. It’s a tart, fermented apple cider with an alcohol content of around 5-7%. It’s less sweet than traditional ciders and has a dry, refreshing taste.
  • Cultural Significance: Apple wine has been a staple in Frankfurt for over 250 years and is deeply rooted in the city's identity. It’s often enjoyed in traditional "Apfelweinwirtschaften" (apple wine taverns) and is a symbol of local pride.
  • How It’s Served: Typically served in a "Geripptes," a ribbed glass, and poured from a "Bembel," a traditional gray-blue ceramic jug.
  • Variations: You can drink it pure, mixed with sparkling water ("sauer gespritzt"), or with lemonade ("süß gespritzt").

Frankfurt Beer

  • Description: While Frankfurt is not as beer-centric as Bavaria, it still boasts a strong beer culture. Local breweries produce a variety of lagers, pilsners, and craft beers.
  • Popular Styles: Helles (light lager), Dunkel (dark lager), and Weizenbier (wheat beer).

Apfelwein Cocktails

  • Description: Modern bars in Frankfurt have started creating innovative cocktails using apple wine as a base, blending tradition with contemporary mixology.

Frankfurt Herbal Liqueurs

  • Kräuterlikör: Herbal liqueurs like "Bembel Gin" or "Frankfurter Kräuter" are popular as digestifs after meals.

2. Popular Breweries and Apple Wine Taverns to Visit

Apple Wine Taverns

  1. Apfelwein Wagner

    • Location: Sachsenhausen district (a hub for apple wine taverns).
    • Highlights: A traditional tavern serving authentic apple wine and hearty German dishes like schnitzel and green sauce.
    • Cost: €3-4 per glass of apple wine; €10-15 for a meal.
    • Tip: Visit during the evening for a lively atmosphere.

  2. Zum Gemalten Haus

    • Location: Sachsenhausen.
    • Highlights: Known for its rustic charm, this tavern offers a wide selection of apple wine and traditional Hessian cuisine.
    • Cost: Similar to Apfelwein Wagner.
    • Tip: Try the "Handkäs mit Musik" (a local cheese dish) with your apple wine.

  3. Kanonesteppel

    • Location: Sachsenhausen.
    • Highlights: A cozy, historic tavern with a great selection of apple wine and a welcoming atmosphere.
    • Cost: €3-4 per glass.

Breweries

  1. BrauStil

    • Location: Nordend district.
    • Highlights: A microbrewery specializing in craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews.
    • Cost: €4-6 per pint.
    • Tip: The brewery has a small, casual taproom where you can sample their latest creations.

  2. Schöfferhofer Brewery

    • Location: Outside Frankfurt (in Mainz, but widely available in Frankfurt).
    • Highlights: Famous for its Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Weizen, a refreshing wheat beer mixed with grapefruit juice.
    • Cost: €2-3 for a bottle in stores; €4-5 in bars.

  3. Binding Brewery

    • Location: Frankfurt.
    • Highlights: One of Frankfurt’s oldest breweries, producing classic German lagers and pilsners.
    • Cost: €3-5 per pint.
    • Tip: Look for their seasonal beers, which are often available in local bars.

  4. Glaabsbräu

    • Location: Seligenstadt (a short trip from Frankfurt).
    • Highlights: A family-run brewery offering guided tours and tastings of their craft beers.
    • Cost: €10-15 for a tour and tasting.
    • Tip: Book in advance for brewery tours.

3. Costs and Budgeting

  • Apple Wine: €3-4 per glass in taverns; €6-10 for a liter jug.
  • Beer: €3-5 per pint in bars; €1-2 per bottle in supermarkets.
  • Cocktails: €8-12 in modern bars.
  • Brewery Tours: €10-20, often including tastings.

4. Customs and Etiquette

Ordering Drinks

  • In traditional apple wine taverns, it’s common to order a "Bembel" (jug) of apple wine to share with your group.
  • When ordering beer, specify the size (e.g., "ein kleines Bier" for a small beer or "ein großes Bier" for a large one).

Drinking Customs

  • Prost!: Always make eye contact when toasting and say "Prost!" (Cheers!).
  • Apple wine is often sipped slowly and paired with food.
  • In some taverns, it’s customary to leave your glass on the table to signal you’re ready for a refill.

Tipping

  • Round up the bill or leave about 5-10% as a tip. For example, if your bill is €18, you can round up to €20.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Visit Sachsenhausen: This district is the heart of Frankfurt’s apple wine culture, with numerous traditional taverns lining cobblestone streets.
  2. Seasonal Events: Attend the "Apfelwein Festival" in August to sample a wide variety of apple wines and enjoy live music.
  3. Supermarket Finds: If you’re on a budget, you can buy bottled apple wine or local beers from supermarkets like REWE or Edeka.
  4. Pairing Food: Apple wine pairs well with local dishes like "Handkäs mit Musik" (marinated cheese) or "Rippchen mit Kraut" (pork chops with sauerkraut).
  5. Try Modern Bars: For a contemporary twist, visit bars like "Kinly Bar" or "Seven Swans" for apple wine-based cocktails.

6. Unique Experiences

  • Ebbelwoi Express: A quirky tram ride through Frankfurt where you can sip apple wine while enjoying city views. Tickets cost around €8-10 and include a glass of apple wine.
  • Brewery Tours: Many breweries offer guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process and sample fresh beer.
  • Outdoor Drinking: In summer, locals enjoy drinking apple wine or beer in outdoor beer gardens like "Lohrberg-Schänke," which offers stunning views of the city.

Conclusion

Frankfurt’s local drinks and breweries offer a delightful mix of tradition and innovation. From sipping apple wine in historic taverns to exploring craft beer at modern breweries, there’s no shortage of unique experiences. By following local customs and exploring the city’s vibrant beverage scene, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Frankfurt’s culture and hospitality. Prost!