Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, is celebrated annually in Munich, Germany. It began in 1810 to commemorate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Bavaria. The citizens of Munich were invited to join in the festivities, which included horse races and public celebrations on the fields, later named Theresienwiese in the bride’s honor. The event was so popular that it became an annual tradition, evolving into a massive 16 to 18-day festival centered around beer.
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Oktoberfest celebrates Bavarian culture, and beer is central to the event. Traditionally, only six Munich-based breweries are allowed to serve beer at the festival, with each beer conforming to the Bavarian Beer Purity Law of 1516, which mandates that beer can only be made with barley, hops, water, and yeast. These beers are typically brewed in March and stored until autumn, with a smooth, malty flavour and slightly higher alcohol content.
Over the years things have changed and restrictions don’t apply anymore. People drink the kind of beer they like and it can be from any brewery. Oktoberfest is now celebrated worldwide, including in India. Cities across the globe host their own versions, featuring Bavarian-style beer, traditional foods such as pretzels and sausages, and live music.
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In India, several major cities have embraced Oktoberfest, with breweries and beer gardens organising festive events. Indian craft breweries create their own Oktoberfest-style beers, and participants enjoy traditional games and German-inspired cuisine. The global appeal of Oktoberfest allows people everywhere to experience the joy of Bavarian culture, beer, and camaraderie, no matter the location.
In recent years, beer cocktails have also become a fun and creative addition to Oktoberfest celebrations. They give a refreshing twist to the classic brews. They also add diversity to the traditional beer experience, allowing participants to enjoy a broader range of flavours during the festivities. Here are some fun beer cocktails to try out.
Radler
A classic German favourite, the Radler is a refreshing mix of beer and lemon soda or lemonade. Traditionally made with a light lager, this cocktail is perfect for those who want a crisp, citrusy drink that’s easy to sip. Its light, refreshing taste makes it a great option for daytime celebrations at Oktoberfest.
Beer Sangria
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For a fruity twist on your beer, try a Beer Sangria. This cocktail blends light or wheat beer with a mix of fruit juices like orange, lemon, or apple, and chunks of fresh fruits such as oranges, apples, and berries. Add a splash of brandy or rum for an extra kick. It's a vibrant and colourful drink that combines the freshness of sangria with the boldness of beer.
Michelada
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For a spicy, savoury twist, the Michelada is an excellent choice. This Mexican-inspired beer cocktail combines beer with lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt, often served in a glass rimmed with chili powder. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bold, tangy flavours with a little heat.
Black Velvet
The Black Velvet is a sophisticated blend of stout beer and sparkling wine. The contrast between the deep, rich stout and the bubbly, dry champagne creates a smooth and luxurious cocktail that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s simple to make yet offers a striking appearance and taste.
Shandygaff
A cousin of the Radler, the Shandygaff combines beer with ginger ale or ginger beer. The result is a slightly spicy, refreshing drink that’s perfect for enjoying throughout a long day of Oktoberfest festivities. It’s light and easy to drink, with a touch of sweetness from the ginger ale.
Beer Margarita (Beergarita)
The Beergarita brings together two crowd favorites: beer and margaritas. This cocktail blends light beer with tequila, lime juice, and a touch of orange liqueur, creating a tangy, refreshing drink with the smoothness of beer and the punch of a margarita. Serve over ice with a salted rim for a festive touch.
Snakebite
A Snakebite is a British-inspired cocktail made by mixing equal parts beer and hard cider. Typically made with lager and apple cider, it’s a crisp, fruity drink with a refreshing balance of sweetness and bitterness. This is a great option for those who enjoy beer but want a bit more complexity in their drink.
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Black And Tan
This layered beer cocktail combines a pale ale with a stout. The dark and the light look great together, making a pretty drink. Pour the pale ale or lager into a pint glass. Using a spoon, slowly pour any stout, such as Guinness, over the back of the spoon to create a layer on top. Serve this immediately.