During the Second World War, German soldiers relied on a variety of different drinks to quench their thirst and to keep their spirits up during times of hardship.
Non-alcoholic drinks consisted mainly of tea, and sometimes coffee or cocoa, when available. Most soldiers, however, depended on water, which was the most abundant kind of beverage. Water was often hard or polluted and had to be boiled before drinking, as the risk of dysentery was ever present.
When it came to alcoholic beverages, the primary drink for panzer and infantry units was low-alcohol beer, which was plentiful and relatively easy to transport and store. Gin and schnapps were also popular, as well as wine, which was considered a luxury, though it was also found in some soldiers rucksacks.
Larger army garrisons often had a more reliable supply of alcohol and could enjoy stronger spirits like brandy, whiskey, and cognac.
Overall, the German armed forces of World War II consumed an enormous quantity of different kinds of beverages. Water was the staple, but beer, wine, and spirits also played a crucial role in maintaining the morale and energy of the troops.
What is the most drunk drink in Germany?
The most popular alcoholic beverage in Germany is beer. Beer is usually the social drink of choice and can often be found on the tables of family get-togethers and at recreational events. The German brewing industry is one of the oldest in the world, and there are now over 5,000 brands of beer available throughout the country.
The beers vary in flavor and strength, and range from light lager to dark, malty and strong wheat beers. Wine and spirits are also enjoyed, but beer remains the most popular and typically is the most drunk drink in Germany.
What alcohol is served at Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is renowned as a celebration of beer and no other alcoholic beverage is served at an official Oktoberfest event. Beer served at Oktoberfest must come from six Munich-based breweries:Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.
The beers served at Oktoberfest must also abide by the German beer purity law, Reinheitsgebot, which requires that the beer consist of only barley, hops, yeast and water. The six Munich breweries go the extra mile in producing quality beer for the annual festival by producing a special style of beer called marzen, which is a full-bodied, amber colored beer.
Oktoberfest is full of drinking, merriment, and communal camaraderie so it makes sense that the only alcohol served is beer.
Is there such a thing as German whiskey?
Yes, there is a type of whiskey that is made in Germany called “Bavarian single malt whiskey”. This particular whiskey is made from malted barley, rye, or wheat, which is then fermented and distilled using traditional methods and aged in oak casks.
It is typically quite light and smooth in flavor, with some fruity and malty undertones. This whiskey is often enjoyed neat, and is also used in cocktails or even in cooking.
What drinks were popular in WW2?
During World War II, a variety of drinks were popular among servicemen as well as civilians. Beer was common in both Europe and the United States, and was often served at the local pubs and taverns. Wine was also popular and often transported by soldiers to different locations.
Spirits were more common among troops, especially American forces, who relied on liquor to ease the hardship of war. Drink mixes like lime cordial and lime juice were often used to make the bitter taste of beer more enjoyable.
Tea and coffee were also staple beverages, and were often brewed using water from nearby rivers, streams, and lakes. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola were occasionally available in Europe, though they were much more difficult to come by than in the US.
Even when soft drinks were not available, soldiers enjoyed making deliciously sweet beverages with whatever supplies had been generously donated by local civilians. These drinks usually included the local fruits or berries mixed with water and sugar, or sometimes with alcohol.