Tart Frankfurt cider, poured from a stoneware Bembel jug into ribbed glasses in the Sachsenhausen taverns. Cider-making spread through Hesse when the vineyards failed in the cold centuries.
Making alcohol at home is licensed or restricted in most of the atlas’s readership, and this is a press-house and barrel process rather than a kitchen one.
What goes into it
- sharp cider apples, often with some crab apple
- nothing else
How it is made
Apples are milled and pressed, and the juice ferments on its own yeasts in a barrel until it is completely dry — no sugar is left and none is added, which is why it is so sharp. It is racked off and served still rather than sparkling, at cellar temperature.
How long it takes: several weeks to ferment, then months in the barrel
How it is eaten
From a Bembel into a ribbed Geripptes glass, with Handkäse mit Musik and green sauce.
History
Frankfurt’s drink, served from the Bembel jug in Sachsenhausen taverns; cider making spread in Hesse when vineyards failed in cold centuries.
Frequently asked questions
What is Apfelwein?
Apfelwein is a wine & spirit from Germany: tart cider poured from a stoneware jug into ribbed glasses. Frankfurt’s drink, served from the Bembel jug in Sachsenhausen taverns; cider making spread in Hesse when vineyards failed in cold centuries.
How is Apfelwein made?
Apples are milled and pressed, and the juice ferments on its own yeasts in a barrel until it is completely dry — no sugar is left and none is added, which is why it is so sharp. It is racked off and served still rather than sparkling, at cellar temperature. It takes several weeks to ferment, then months in the barrel.
Can I make Apfelwein at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Making alcohol at home is licensed or restricted in most of the atlas’s readership, and this is a press-house and barrel process rather than a kitchen one.
What goes into Apfelwein?
Sharp cider apples, often with some crab apple, nothing else.
How is Apfelwein eaten?
From a Bembel into a ribbed Geripptes glass, with Handkäse mit Musik and green sauce.
