13 German Cocktails to Drink

Bavarian coffee features peppermint schnapps and coffee liqueur. It's a step away from something like Irish coffee or a coffee martini. This drink is a real treat with coffee and a dash of sugar. Top this drink with freshly whipped cream to make it the perfect dessert or after-dinner drink. You enjoy it hot or over ice, depending on your preference.

Otherwise known as a festive German fire punch, Feuerzangenbowle is the perfect drink to add to your holiday drink selection. Your guests will be more than impressed. The defining feature of this drink is the rum-soaked sugar cone that you mix and then literally set on fire and let it drip into mulled wine. It’s a stunning spectacle with a delicious result.

Mulled wine is famous around Germany, the Scandinavian countries, and Denmark. Especially during the holidays, mulled wine - or Glühwein - is a great way to get into a festive spirit. All you need is dry red wine, an orange, festive spices, sugar, and a big pot. Warm wine might be off-putting at first, but trust me, you’ll get used to it.

Moving away from holiday drinks, we have the bourbon radler. It’s a classic German drink that combines beer with lemonade to create something sippable, refreshing, and sweet. You’ll get the best results if you use German beer for this cocktail. You can also add a splash of whiskey to give it a little extra kick.

If you need an excellent drink for the summer and want something more unique than what your friend is making, consider whipping up a batch of this cocktail. Combining rum and vodka with fresh fruit flavors like pineapple and coconut, the Swimming Pool is a classic German summer drink that’s truly fit for any occasion.

I have to bring you back into the holiday cocktail realm for a few minutes so that I can tell you about Eierlikör, or German egg liqueur. If eggnog pops into your head, you’re on the right track. By mixing egg yolk with rum and sugar, the Germans created a delicious holiday cocktail that’s rich, flavorful, and delightfully filling.

If you’re wondering who Hugo is, I don’t have an answer for you. But I can tell you that the Hugo cocktail is a delicious summer drink bound to make you happier with every sip. When you mix champagne and elderflower, you get the delicious result of a light summer drink perfect for sipping on the patio while you watch the sunset.

Germany is known for delightfully light and flavorful wheat beer. Wonderful things. What happens when you take that specialty and start making a punch? It’s easy to make, and if you have an affinity for raspberries, you’ll absolutely love the result. With raspberry liqueur, raspberry syrup, and frozen raspberries, this drink is raspberry-forward in every way.

Everyone has a take on the classic mule cocktail recipe. Well, the German mule is definitely at the top of the list for the best mule you can find. The thing that sets the German edition apart is the fresh sprig of thyme that comes dunked in the cocktail. I was confused at first, but the added flavor was positively divine. 

Glühbier features dark beer, cinnamon sticks, blood oranges, and a lot of holiday spirit. This mulled beer punch is best served warm and with plenty of good cheer. What I loved most about the Glühbier was the surprising warmth and the way it lingers in your throat and gut. It’s pleasant and comforting all at the same time. 

The Germans do an excellent job of making unique cocktails with beer. Since German beer is such a popular and delicious thing, it makes sense that they’d want to incorporate it into their cocktails. The U-Boot is a simple cocktail: you add vodka to your beer. It’s strong and hits you hard, so be aware of that before you start chugging. 

I first tried the Rumplesnuggler because I thought the name was awesome. Then I learned that the cocktail is equally impressive. If you’re a fan of hot chocolate, you’ll love this slightly boozy take on the traditional warm beverage. It’s best enjoyed after a long day skiing through the Alps or shoveling snow in your driveway.

To make this interesting German cocktail, you need cognac, sugar, a lemon slice, and ground coffee. It’s more about how you consume it than mixing anything in particular. First, you chew on the lemon with sugar and ground coffee. Then you take a sip of cognac. Chew the lemon up and swallow it all together for a flavor profile unlike anything you’ve ever had.