Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria has a diverse drinking culture, with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The country is known for its coffee, tea, beer, wine, and unique soft drinks. One of the most popular soft drinks in Austria is Almdudler, a carbonated drink made with grape and apple juice, elderberry extract, and 32 natural alpine herbs. Created in 1957, it is often mixed with wine or beer and is considered the national drink of Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| National Drink of Austria | Almdudler |
| Year of Launch | 1957 |
| Creator | Erwin Klein |
| Creator's Inspiration | His grandfather's soda-making skills and the phrase "auf der Alm dudeln" (old Viennese dialect for "yodeling on the meadows") |
| Ingredients | Grape juice, apple juice, and 32 natural alpine herbs |
| Taste | Lightly herbal and not too sweet |
| Variations | Sweetened, light, uncarbonated, or mixed with soda water to create a spritz |
| Mixed with | Austrian beer or wine |
| Alternative Use | Mixer for alcoholic drinks |
| Popularity | Ranked 7th in Austria's largest brand study and the only Austrian beverage brand among the top 10 |
| Coffee Consumption | 92% of Austrians consume coffee daily |
| Tea Consumption | Austrians generally prefer herbal and fruit infusions, followed by black and green tea |
| Alcoholic Beverage | Wine, beer, and cocktails |
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What You'll Learn
- Almdudler: a soft drink made from grape and apple juice, and 32 alpine herbs
- Coffee: almost 92% of Austrians drink coffee daily, with 88% at home
- Tea: herbal and fruit infusions are popular, as well as tea-based cocktails like Jägertee
- Wine: Austria's vineyards produce a variety of wines, from rich Gumpoldskirchen to delicate Loibner Kaiserwein
- Beer: Austrians enjoy a range of beers, including Stiegl and alcohol-free Null Komma Josef
Almdudler: a soft drink made from grape and apple juice, and 32 alpine herbs
Almdudler is a soft drink that has become Austria's national drink. It is a carbonated beverage made from grape and apple juice, and 32 alpine herbs. Its name comes from the Austrian phrase "auf der Alm dudeln", which means "yodeling in the alpine meadows". The drink was created in 1957 by Erwin Klein, whose grandfather owned a small soda company. Klein created the drink as a wedding present for his wife, Ingrid, and the first bottle of Almdudler belonged to her.
Almdudler has a lightly herbal taste with a hint of sweetness, which makes it a versatile ingredient for cocktails. It can also be enjoyed on its own, sweetened, light, uncarbonated, or mixed with soda water to create a spritz. The drink gained popularity through Klein's advertising and sponsorships at major sporting events, such as the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck. Today, it is the second most popular non-alcoholic drink in Austria and is well-known by Austrians, with nearly 99% of the population familiar with the herbal soft drink.
Almdudler can also be mixed with Austrian beer to make an Almradler, or with wine to create a spritz, making it a refreshing summer beverage. Its versatility and unique flavour profile have contributed to its widespread popularity in Austria and beyond. The brand has established strong distribution partnerships, further expanding its reach.
The success of Almdudler can be attributed to Klein's innovative use of his grandfather's soda-making expertise and his effective marketing strategies. By positioning the drink as a non-alcoholic alternative at sporting events, Klein tapped into a niche market and created a lasting impact on Austria's drinking culture. Today, Almdudler is synonymous with Austrian hospitality and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
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Coffee: almost 92% of Austrians drink coffee daily, with 88% at home
Coffee is an integral part of Austrian culture, with 92% of Austrians drinking it daily. Interestingly, 88% of this coffee consumption occurs at home, despite Austria's renowned coffee houses. Legend has it that coffee became popular in Austria when the Turks left bags of coffee beans after the siege of Vienna in 1683. The Viennese brewed the coffee, and the rest is history. Today, coffee is enjoyed in various forms, from 'verkehrt' (almost milk-pale) to 'mocca' (ebony black). 'Kaffee mit schlagobers' (coffee with whipped cream) is a sweet treat, and for the ultimate indulgence, one can order 'doppelschlag' (double whipped cream).
The coffeehouse holds a special place in Austrian culture. In Vienna, 'Jause' is a daily ritual where coffee and pastries are enjoyed at 4 pm in the city's coffeehouses. These establishments offer a range of coffee styles, and one can even find tea, hot chocolate, and alcoholic beverages. While coffee is a staple, Austrians also have a soft spot for tea. Initially embraced by the aristocracy, tea drinking soon spread to the general public, and now, herbal, fruit, black, and green teas are widely consumed.
For those seeking a caffeine kick, Austria's coffee culture delivers. However, the nation also boasts a variety of other beverages. Austrians enjoy a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, liqueurs, and soft drinks. The country has a thriving drinking culture, and one can explore a diverse array of options when visiting.
Among the alcoholic drinks, Austrians savour liqueurs like 'slivovitz' (plum brandy) and 'barack' (apricot brandy). Wine is also prominent, with over 99% produced in eastern regions like Vienna, Lower Austria, Styria, and Burgenland. The most famous wine, 'Gumpoldskirchen', originates from Lower Austria. Additionally, the village of Klosterneuburg in an ancient abbey is known for producing the finest white wine in the country.
When it comes to non-alcoholic options, Austrians have several choices. The well-known energy drink Red Bull is an Austrian export, and the country also has its own soft drinks like Almdudler, a carbonated beverage with elderberry extract, grape juice, and apple juice, created in 1957. This drink is often mixed with wine or beer and has become an integral part of Austrian drinking culture.
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Tea: herbal and fruit infusions are popular, as well as tea-based cocktails like Jägertee
While coffee is the most popular drink in Austria, tea is also widely enjoyed. The Austrian aristocracy first embraced tea, with the upper class in Lower Austria drinking it regularly for breakfast and Vienna hosting exclusive tea parties on Sundays. This trend eventually spread to the general public, and now a third of Austrians drink tea daily. This amounts to a total of 3,000 tons of tea per year, and the country's tea market is expected to grow annually by 8.6% between 2021 and 2025.
Herbal and fruit infusions are particularly popular in Austria, reflecting the country's appreciation for natural remedies and the soothing power of herbs. Calming chamomile and refreshing peppermint teas are deeply ingrained in Austrian culture, valued for their therapeutic properties as well as their taste. Other herbal tea blends, known as Kräutertee, are made with various local herbs, each offering unique flavours and health benefits.
Austria has also experienced a growing trend for drinking tea since the 1990s, with new varieties and specialties entering the market. These include sweet Rooibos from South Africa, earthy Pu Erh from China, and refreshing Matcha from Japan. This increasing demand for tea is largely driven by the rising health and wellness trend, with consumers seeking out organic and exotic flavours.
Tea is also a common ingredient in Austrian cocktails, such as the popular winter drink Jagatee. This heartwarming beverage combines black tea with rum, honey, and spices, offering a rich, spiced, and sweet flavour profile. Another Austrian cocktail, the Heiße Witwe ("Hot Widow"), blends black tea or coffee with a shot of rum or brandy, topped with whipped cream.
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Wine: Austria's vineyards produce a variety of wines, from rich Gumpoldskirchen to delicate Loibner Kaiserwein
Wine is a popular alcoholic drink in Austria, with the country's vineyards producing a variety of wines, including rich Gumpoldskirchen and delicate Loibner Kaiserwein.
Gumpoldskirchen is a village in Austria known for its high-quality wines. The area's terroir, which is influenced by both alpine and Pannonian climates, produces long-living wines with depth and character. The region's wines include Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Even during the Habsburg Empire, Gumpoldskirchen was recognised for its exceptional wines.
Loibner Kaiserwein, on the other hand, is a delicate white wine produced in the Wachau wine-growing region. It is characterised by its deep, golden-yellow colour and aromas of white blossoms. While it may not pair well with meat, it is a delightful choice for those who appreciate its unique characteristics.
In addition to these renowned wines, Austria also has a variety of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Sturm, for example, is a new wine that is still in the process of fermentation and can be made from either white or red grapes. According to Austrian wine law, it can only be sold between August 1 and December 31 and must have an alcohol content of at least 1%. Spritzer, another popular drink, is made with white wine and soda or sparkling mineral water, and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal.
The country also has a well-known herbal soft drink called Almdudler, which was created as an alternative to alcoholic beverages and can also be used as a mixer. Nearly 99% of Austrians are familiar with this drink, which is inspired by the flavours of Alpine meadowland herbs and the phrase "yodeling on the meadows."
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Beer: Austrians enjoy a range of beers, including Stiegl and alcohol-free Null Komma Josef
While there is no definitive answer to what the national drink of Austria is, Austrians enjoy a range of beverages, including beer. Beer is a popular drink in Austria, and the country has a long history of brewing and consuming various beer styles. One of the well-known Austrian beers is Stiegl, produced by the Stiegl Brewery (Stieglbrauerei) founded in 1492 in Salzburg. Stiegl brews a range of beers, including a helles (light lager), a Weissbier (Hefeweizen), and specialty beers like the grapefruit Radler. Stiegl Goldbräu, a traditional Salzburg beer, is an Austrian Märzen known for its golden-yellow colour, full-bodied mouthfeel, and gentle bitterness. It is made with ingredients sourced from within Austria.
In addition to Stiegl, Austrians also enjoy other beer varieties, including alcohol-free options like Null Komma Josef. Null Komma Josef is a non-alcoholic beer produced by the Ottakringer Brauerei in Vienna. It offers a full beer experience without the alcohol, making it a popular choice for those who want to avoid alcohol but still enjoy the taste of beer. It can be found in restaurants, bars, and clubs, providing a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages.
Radler is another popular beer-based drink in Austria, especially during the summer months. It is a mixed drink typically made with beer and a non-alcoholic beverage such as Almdudler, Sprite, or lemonade. Almdudler, a herbal soft drink, is also commonly consumed on its own and is considered one of the most popular soft drinks in Austria. Its unique flavour, inspired by the Austrian mountains, has made it a well-known and beloved brand in the country.
Beer culture in Austria extends beyond just consumption, as breweries like Stiegl and Ottakringer also offer museum experiences and tours, providing insight into the art of beer-making and the history of these beloved Austrian brands. These breweries showcase the pride and tradition associated with beer in Austria, contributing to a rich beer culture that is deeply ingrained in the country's social and culinary landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Almdudler is considered the national drink of Austria. It is a carbonated soft drink made with grape juice, apple juice, and 32 natural alpine herbs.
The taste of Almdudler is lightly herbal and not too sweet, making it a perfect ingredient for cocktails. It is also available in sweetened, light, and uncarbonated versions.
Austrians are known for their coffee culture, with 92% claiming to drink coffee daily. Tea, beer, wine, and cocktails are also popular in Austria.
