Austria's Beloved Alcoholic Beverage: A Cultural Icon

Austria is known for its diverse drinking culture, with a wide range of alcoholic beverages to discover. The country has a rich history of brewing beer, dating back to the 14th century, and boasts the highest density of breweries in Europe. Austrian wines are also renowned, particularly the country's dry white wines made from the Grüner Veltliner grape. In addition, Austria has a strong tradition of drinking schnapps, a distilled spirit made from various fruits, after meals. Other popular alcoholic drinks include Sturm, a young wine in the process of fermentation, and Spritzer, a mix of white wine and soda or sparkling water.

Austrian wines

Austria is known for its exceptional-quality wines, with a wine-growing area roughly equal to a third of that of Bordeaux. The country has a diverse mosaic of terroirs and unique grape varieties, and its wine heritage goes back over two millennia.

The four main wine-growing regions in Austria are:

• Lower Austria: Grüner Veltliner, Rieslings, and varieties like Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. The Wachau Valley in Lower Austria is the country's largest wine-growing region, set against the stunning backdrop of the Danube River.
• Burgenland: Full-bodied red wines such as Zweigelt, Blaufraenkisch, and St. Laurent, as well as dessert wines like Eiswein or Trockenbeerenauslese.
• Styria: Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller, Welschriesling, and Weissburgunder.
• Vienna: Riesling and other white wine varieties.

Some popular German terms for white wine varieties in Austria include:

• Pinot gris – Ruländer or Grauburgunder
• Pinot blanc – Weißburgunder or Weissburgunder
• Sauvignon blanc – Muskat Sylvaner

Austria also has a tradition of inns called Heurigen, derived from the German for "new wine". According to an imperial decree of 17 August 1784, winemakers were allowed to sell home-grown food with their wine all year round. Fir trees hung above the door alerted customers to the arrival of the new season's wine.

Austrian beers

Austria has a rich history of brewing beer, with the oldest existing brewery in the country, Brauerei Hofstetten, dating back to 1229. The country has the highest density of breweries in Europe, with 298 active breweries ranging from small breweries that use centuries-old techniques to trendy new craft breweries.

Beer in Austria comes in a wide variety of styles, and while a few large breweries dominate the market, there are also many small breweries across the country. The most common beer is Märzen, a style that shares similarities with its cross-border cousin, the Bavarian Helles. Märzen tends to be more golden and amber in colour and has a sweeter taste due to the use of caramel malts. It also has a stronger malt character, resulting in flavours of bread and spice rather than grassy herbs and citrus fruit.

Some of the most popular Austrian beers include:

Stiegl: Austria has a rich history of brewing beer, with the oldest existing brewery in the country, Brauerei Hofstetten, dating back to 1229. The country has the highest density of breweries in Europe, with 298 active breweries ranging from small breweries that use centuries-old techniques to trendy new craft breweries.

Beer in Austria comes in a wide variety of styles, and while a few large breweries dominate the market, there are also many small breweries across the country. The most common beer is Märzen, a style that shares similarities with its cross-border cousin, the Bavarian Helles. Märzen tends to be more golden and amber in colour and has a sweeter taste due to the use of caramel malts. It also has a stronger malt character, resulting in flavours of bread and spice rather than grassy herbs and citrus fruit.

Some of the most popular Austrian beers include:

• Stiegl: Founded in 1492, this brewery is based in Salzburg and offers a range of beers such as Goldbräu, Pils, Weizengold Hefeweizen, and Weizengold Dunkel.
• Ottakringer: With roots dating back to 1837, this Viennese brewery is known for beers such as Helles, Wiener Original (a Vienna-style lager), Citrus Radler, and Null Komma Josef (an alcohol-free beer).
• Gösser: Produced by the Göss brewery in the central Austrian region of Loebel, Gösser has a long history dating back to the year 1000. Their most popular beers include Märzen, NaturGold, Kracherl Zitrone, and Gold.
• Zipfer: Founded in 1858, Zipfer brews its beer with natural hops, giving it a unique taste. Their popular beers include Hell Alkoholfrei (alcohol-free), Drei, Märzen, Pils, and Doppelgold.
• Edelweiss: Brewed by Hofbräu Kaltenhausen, Edelweiss originated in the Hallein region near Salzburg and dates back to 1475. It is a wheat beer that is enjoyed by both Austrians and tourists in the region.
• Egger: This brewery has roots in the 17th century and is located in the St. Pölten region of Lower Austria. Their popular beers include Märzenbier, a mild hoppy beer, and Zitronenradler naturtrüb, a fruity citrus beer.
• Wieselburger: Based in the Wieselburg town of Lower Austria, this brewery also offers guided tours. Their popular beers include Stammbräu, Gold, Spezial, and Schwarzbier.

In addition to these well-known breweries, Austria is also home to a growing craft beer scene, with cities like Vienna and Salzburg becoming craft beer destinations. Some of the most intriguing craft breweries in the country include Alefried Bier in Graz, Bevog Brewery in Bad Radkersburg, and Bierol in Schwoich.

Austrian liqueurs

Austria is known for its liqueurs, which are crafted with precision and showcase the country's natural bounty. Here are some of the most renowned Austrian liqueurs:

Almdudler Herbal Liqueur

Almdudler is a unique Austrian creation, blending over 32 alpine herbs. This liqueur has a refreshing and mildly sweet profile, making it perfect as an aperitif or a mixer. It embodies the freshness and herbal richness of the Austrian landscape and is deeply rooted in the country's traditions.

Mozart Chocolate Liqueur

This liqueur is a true indulgence originating from Salzburg. It combines fine dark and milk chocolates with distilled spirits, resulting in a rich, creamy texture. Mozart Chocolate Liqueur is a testament to Austria's craftsmanship in blending luxurious chocolate with the finesse of spirit-making.

Goldwasser

Goldwasser is an iconic Austrian liqueur with a historical legacy. It is distinguished by real gold flakes suspended within, adding to its allure and prestige. The liqueur offers a rich blend of herbs and spices, making it a visually stunning and flavourful experience, often enjoyed as a digestif.

Rossbacher

Rossbacher is a renowned Austrian digestive herbal liqueur, crafted from a secret blend of herbs and roots. It is known for its medicinal properties and smooth, bittersweet taste. Rossbacher is typically consumed after meals, providing a quintessential Austrian herbal experience.

Gurktaler Alpenkräuter

Gurktaler Alpenkräuter is a celebrated Austrian herbal liqueur, distilled in the Gurk Valley. It is famed for its natural, refreshing taste and therapeutic qualities. This liqueur is a staple in Austrian households, used as a remedy and enjoyed as a delightful drink, showcasing the country's deep connection with its alpine flora.

Seasonal drinks

Austria is known for its diverse drinking culture, with a wide range of seasonal drinks beyond the more well-known wine and beer. These drinks are often linked to the country's alpine landscape, with many designed to warm the body during the cold winter months.

One of the most famous seasonal drinks in Austria is Glühwein, a mulled wine made by warming red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, and often sweetened with sugar and citrus. Glühwein is a staple of Austrian winter culture, commonly found at Christmas markets and social gatherings, providing a festive cheer during the cold season.

Another traditional winter drink is Jagatee, or Jägertee, a combination of black tea, rum, and spices. This drink is especially popular after a day of skiing or other winter activities, offering a warming embrace with its rich, spiced, and sweet flavors.

During the summer months, Austrians enjoy refreshing mixed drinks like the Radler, which is a mix of beer and lemonade, and the Spritzer, a combination of white wine and soda or sparkling mineral water. These drinks are perfect for quenching thirst and are often consumed at social gatherings or in outdoor spaces like courtyard gardens and pavement terraces.

Around Easter, Eierlikör, a liqueur made from alcohol, egg yolk, and sugar, is commonly consumed. It is also used in hot drinks like eggnog and as an ingredient in cakes, pies, and desserts. Tipperl is another popular mixed wine drink served during the summer, consisting of white wine, raspberry lemonade, and water.

In the autumn, Sturm, a fermenting grape juice on its way to becoming wine, is a favorite way to celebrate the harvest season. It is sweet, low in alcohol, and slightly fizzy, capturing the excitement of the grape harvest. Schilchersturm, made from the Austrian red grape variety Blauer Wildbacher, is also enjoyed during this time.

Overall, Austria offers a wide range of seasonal drinks that reflect the country's appreciation for balance, simplicity, and the use of local ingredients. These drinks play an essential role in Austrian culture and traditions, providing warmth and cheer throughout the year.

Coffee culture

Coffee is an integral part of Austrian culture and has been since the 17th century. In fact, café culture has been so important to the country that UNESCO has granted it intangible cultural heritage status. Coffeehouses, or Kaffeehäuser, are institutions with their own unique culture, offering much more than just coffee and cake. They are places where people socialise and relax, and they can be found all over Austria, particularly in Vienna.

The coffeehouses of Vienna are known for their elegant decor, with marble tabletops, Thonet chairs, and vaulted ceilings. They are spacious yet intimate, with plush seating, parquet floors, and mirrors reflecting mildly steamy light. Some are even furnished with genuine showpieces that are time-worn and darkened, exuding an indefinable atmosphere.

Viennese coffeehouses are also known for their excellent service. Coffee is always served on a silver tray, accompanied by a glass of water and a discreet coffee spoon. After you finish your coffee, you will be given a glass of water, and your coffee may be accompanied by a small piece of chocolate. It is customary to be served a variety of cakes, crumbles, cream slices, and strudels to choose from as well.

In addition to the traditional coffeehouses, there is also a new wave of coffee bars, where coffee beans are the stars. These coffee bars attract coffee aficionados for whom coffee is much more than just a beverage.

There are many famous coffeehouses in Vienna, including:

• Café Central: One of the oldest coffeehouses, known for its grand decor and for being a hub for renowned intellectuals and artists, including Sigmund Freud, Adolf Loos, Theodor Herzl, Leon Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin, and Alfred Polgar.
• Café Sperl: Near Naschmarkt, this coffeehouse features a 19th-century interior and transports you to the world of old Vienna. Enjoy live piano music on Sundays!
• Café Bel Étage: Worth a visit for the legendary Sachertorte as well as its ambiance, featuring chandeliers, red velvet, and white marble.
• Café Prückel: Located on the Ringstraße, this coffeehouse features original 1950s interior meets Art Nouveau. Alongside pastries, it offers excellent Viennese cuisine!
• Café Landtmann: Located in one of the most beautiful central parts of the city, this coffeehouse is a favourite of Sigmund Freud and is known for its excellent presentation and authentic Austrian experience.
• Café Korb: A hotspot run by the eccentric Susanne Widl, complete with an art lounge and events in the basement.
• Café Engländer: A popular gathering place for newspaper readers and night owls, offering quiet corners for long conversations and a lively bar for celebrations.
• Kleines Café: A hidden jewel on the picturesque Franziskanerplatz, this cosy café is ideal for quiet reflection or deep philosophical conversations.
• Kaffee Alt Wien: An artist's hangout and night café with a cosy "Beisl" atmosphere, where schnaps is served in small wine glasses.

While Vienna may be the epicentre of coffeehouses, other provinces also have their own hidden gems, including:

• Café Tomaselli in Salzburg: The oldest coffeehouse in the country, dating back to around 1700. Intellectuals would gather here to read newspapers, discuss ideas, or play chess.
• Café Traxlmayr in Linz: Designed by a student of Otto Wagner, this café celebrates a love for the arts, with readings and concerts as much a part of its identity as the delicious Linzer Torte.
• Kaffee Weitzer in Graz: Located along the banks of the Mur River, this coffeehouse serves apple and quark strudel baked in a "Reindl" (small casserole dish).
• Die Bohne in Linz: A spot for coffee lovers with a sunny terrace in the spring and summer.
• Café Central in Innsbruck: Offers a wide variety of coffee specialities with old Viennese coffeehouse charm, central location, and excellent cuisine.

Frequently asked questions