Hamburg’s drinking culture for beginners
Germany is a country renowned for its tasty and distinctive beers. Almost 5,000 brands of beer are produced within 1,300 breweries in Germany and the country’s beer export figures are constantly rising. However, on a night out in Hamburg, don’t only try the local beer – let’s show you which drinks simply have to be tried on your weekend in Hamburg.
ASTRA
No trip to Hamburg is complete without at least one Astra beer (even though we imagine more will be drunk). Even though it comes in several varieties, we urge you to try the Pilsener ‘Urtyp’ that impresses with a smooth bitterness and an alcohol level of 4.9%. This is the original from Hamburg.
MEXIKANER
If you want to know which shot to try, I’ve got a clear answer for you: Mexikaner. Its origins are said to be in Hamburg and most local teenagers would have grown up mixing this drink in plastic bottles. The popular party shot is made with vodka or korn (a cheap, clear German spirit), tomato juice, Sangrita, Tabasco sauce and salt and pepper. In short – spicy and tasty.
ROTBIER
What many don’t know is that Hamburg is Germany’s unofficial brewery city. Many breweries are located here, brewing their own tasty creations. One craft beer to try is the Rotbier from the Ratsherrn Brauerei in the Schanzenhöfe (Lagerstraße 30a). This ruby red beer has a smooth finish and if it’s not sold at your chosen bar, head to the brewery and sit in their gorgeous outdoor bar.
HELBING
For a true Hamburg original, try a Helbing shot. The kümmel liqueur has been around for 180 years and its recipe has been kept secret ever since.
FAKO
For a basic long drink that most teenagers in Hamburg probably have grown up on, try a Fako. It’s certainly not fancy, but a down-to-earth Hamburg 'speciality' made from Fanta and korn (a cheap, clear German spirit) – and much of it, may we add.