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Prost! Celebrate Oktoberfest with German-Inspired Cocktails 🍻

Experience the flavors of Oktoberfest with our Biergarten Spritz and festive fun!

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Mixologist Master
October 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hello, cocktail enthusiasts! Oktoberfest is here, well, actually it started on September 21st and will go through October 6th. This year marks the 189th Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany —a time to don your lederhosen, enjoy hearty German fare, and raise a stein to good times. While we might not all make it to Munich, we can still bring the spirit of Oktoberfest home with some creative, beer-inspired cocktails. This week, we're exploring German flavors with a modern twist. So grab your favorite mug, and let's toast to this beloved Bavarian tradition. Prost!

Bar Trivia❓

What is the traditional toast used during Oktoberfest celebrations, and what does it mean?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

The Biergarten Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that combines the crispness of German wheat beer with the herbal complexity of Jägermeister and the brightness of lemon juice. It's a delightful way to enjoy traditional German flavors in a new and exciting form - you know, like a super classy boilermaker.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Oktoberfest

Did you know that Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding celebration? The very first Oktoberfest took place on October 12, 1810, to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in Munich, Germany. The citizens were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates, which were later named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's Meadow") in the princess's honor.

The event was so successful that it became an annual tradition, evolving over the years into the world's largest beer festival. Today, Oktoberfest attracts over six million visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy traditional Bavarian culture, food, music, and, of course, beer.

Bar Hack: Enhancing Your Oktoberfest Experience

Tip: To recreate an authentic Oktoberfest vibe at home, serve your beverages in traditional glassware like steins or dimpled mugs. Pair your drinks with classic German dishes such as soft pretzels with mustard, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. Decorating your space with blue and white Bavarian flags and playing traditional German music can also elevate the atmosphere.

Bonus: Create a simple German-themed playlist featuring songs like "Ein Prosit," "In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus," and other traditional tunes to get everyone in the festive spirit. Better yet, here’s a pre-made list for you from Spotify.

Answer to the Trivia Question: 

The traditional toast is "Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!" which translates to "A toast to cheer and good times!" This song is played frequently during Oktoberfest, and guests are encouraged to sing along, raise their glasses, and take a drink. It's all about promoting a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment among the festival-goers.

Whether you're hosting an Oktoberfest party or simply want to enjoy a taste of Germany, the Biergarten Spritz is a refreshing and unique way to celebrate. We hope this cocktail brings a bit of Bavarian cheer to your festivities. Until next time, prost!

Andrea