Guide to German Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)

Coffee

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, 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.

Tea

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

Several German teas are available in the United States, particularly organic and herbal teas, which are very popular in Germany. Try six-herb tea, or teas flavored with herbs and flowers such as such as peppermint, chamomile, fennel seeds, lemongrass, fruit, rosehips and hibiscus.

Fruit Juices

Germans love aromatic fruit juices, particularly apple juice, which is called Apfelsaft. Germans will often mix it with sparking water for a refreshing drink. In the States, you will also find imported German apple-pear, apple-mango and apple-orange juice. Many of these juices are organic.

Germans are big fans of all types of juices (Säfte). The most popular juices are Orangensaft (Orange), Apfelsaft (Apple), Traubensaft (Grape)and Multivitaminensaft (Mutilvitamin juice). Also popular are Fruchtnektar and Fruchtsaft-getränke, which are similar to Fruchtsaft except they contain less fruit juice.

Mineral Water

Germany produces some high-quality sparkling mineral waters from the springs of its famous mountain ranges, many of which are high in important minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium.

ACE Drinks (Functional drinks)

Functional foods in the drinks sector are marketed as so-called ACE juices. These are soft drinks based on fruit and vegetable juices to which the ant-oxidant vitamins A, C and E have been added. So-called "wellness drinks" form a relatively new product group containing omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to vitamins.