This past weekend, I had the good fortune to visit the city of Frankfurt, where I was graciously and generously accomodated. Frankfurt is a wonderful city, one which I would like to give appropriate consideration... some other time. For now, let me say that Frankfurt is a German city with character. It has money. It has museums. It has beautiful views of the Main (pronounced "mine") River. It has money. It has MORE money. It also has Apfelwein.
Even for those of you who do not speak a lick of German, I am sure you can guess that Apfelwein is essentially cider. You'd be right... mostly. Ebbelwoi, as it is known in Frankfurt,* is of an alcoholic content somewhere between beer and grape wine; possesses a tawny, cloudy color; and drank straight, tastes absolutely godawful. It is a traditional beverage, however, and like all proud traditions, this one must be carried on, no matter how painful.
Similar to Kölsch, Apfelwein is also served in its own unique glass called a Geripptes, which to American eyes looks like a lozenge-cut water glass. The apparent purpose of this is to shine light through the beverage at more angles. As for consumption, current custom is to mix a glass of Apfelwein with either water, thus making a "Sauergepritzer," or with lemonade, juice or a soda such as Fanta, the result of which is called a "Süssgespritzer." A Sauergespritzer really just dilutes and prolongs the taste, which holds the same appeal as pulling a band-aid off slowly. Mixed with Fanta, however, Apfelwein is actually very pleasant. Chilled, it makes a pleasant summer drink, and at room temperature I imagine it would be perfect through the fall. In a pinch, Apfelwein can even be mixed with Coca-Cola, though snobby Germans consider this a serious faux pas. In case you were wondering, the resulting concoction in this case is called a "Korea."**
Ebbelwoi is the official drink of the State of Hessen, and this is particularly evident in places like Frankfurt. Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt's nightlife district, is lined with apple decor, and Apfelwein can be purchased just about anywhere. Be warned, however. If you want your cider sweet, prepare for snobbiness in nicer establishments. Apparently some Germans of the region consider all Süssgespritzers in bad taste, so you may get stared down the bridges of a few noses.
Of course, they may be sneering at you already for ordering tap water, so it might not even make any difference.
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* As far as I can tell, there is no apparent etymological rhyme or reason to local German dialects. Every time I think I have begun to understand their mad eldritch logic, another strange example comes whizzing along. If there is a governance to German dialects, that governance is anarchy.
** Q.E.D.
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4 comments:
I think Germans would look down their noses at me, anyway, for being an overly-excitable and emotional American female. :-P So I would rather order the Süssgespritzer anyhow. Hooray for sweeter alcoholic cash-beverages!
your blog kinda makes it seem like you're drinking way across germany. ... i thought you were particularly epigrammatic in this post, though, with the bit about all proud traditions being painfully carried on.
lots of love,
kasey
You Could Probably Do this WHOLE sketch in German...
http://www.bestweekever.tv/2007/08/06/unemployment-check-friendspacebook-brings-us-the-joy-of-paintingwith-hitler/
I am picking up a case of Possmanns apfelwein this afternoon. Sauergespritze has long been a favourite beverage of mine.
While stationed in Eschborn in the mid 80's, friends that ran Zumpfstube gave me a Bembel as a going away gift.
Another food favourite of the area was Rindswurst. I have my apfelwein, now I just need to find an importer of said wurst.
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