This list of the best Oktoberfest drinks will make it easy to plan an authentic German drink selection for your Oktoberfest at home or in the office.
Obviously, beer is a must at every party, but there are many more alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices that you can serve at your event.
Oktoberfest Beer
Oktoberfest beer is a special beer that you only can find at Oktoberfest times in Germany. It is a smooth, malty, bottom-fermented lager. The alcohol content of Oktoberfest beer is higher than that of most German lagers, such as Helles or Pils. Oktoberfest beer is less hoppy than a Märzen.
Only the Munich breweries that are qualified to serve their beer at the Wiesn (another name for Oktoberfest) are allowed to call their beer Oktoberfest beer.
These are the official breweries and the alcohol content of their beers:
- Spaten Oktoberfestbier, 5,9 %
- Paulaner Oktoberfestbier 6,0 %
- Löwenbräu 6,1 %
- Augustiner Bräu München Oktoberfestbier, 6,0 %
- Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier, 6,3 %
- Hacker-Pschorr Bier, 5,8 %
Beer Mixers & Cocktails
Beer mixers and cocktails are a perfect way to enjoy beer with a lighter alcohol content.
Lemon Soda & Beer - Radler
Radler is a very popular beer mixed drink in Germany, and you can find it all summer long in the popular German beer gardens. The drink consists simply of 1 part lemon soda and 1 part light beer. Depending on your taste, you can adjust the ratio of this light, refreshing drink.
Cola & Beer - Diesel
The alcoholic beverage known as "Diesel" is made by mixing equal parts of dark beer and cola. You can alter the ratio to make the perfect beer mixer for you, just like you can with the Radler beer.
Wheat Beer Cocktail - Weißbier Cocktail
The Weißbier Cocktail is similar to the Berliner Weisse but is made with Oktoberfest beer and syrup. The ratio is usually 1:10, but you can adjust it to your preferences. Woodruff and raspberry are the most popular flavors in Germany.
Wheat Beer Punch - Weißbierbowle
Weißbierbowle is a wheat beer punch that is perfect to serve to large crowds. You can make it ahead and everybody can easily serve themselves.
Schnapps & Liqueurs
Strawberry Limes
If you love a fruity, sweet and smooth drink, you will fall in love with Erdbeer Limes. The strawberry vodka drink is served on ice and makes the perfect little drink at any party.
Jagermeister Mix Drinks
The Jägermeister homepage features a huge variety of drinks that you can serve at your Oktoberfest. But be aware that Jagermeister is not everybody's taste. Some love it and some hate it.
Obstler - Fruit Brandy Schnapps
A high-quality fruit brandy like Kirschwasser or Himbeergeist is the perfect digestif after a heavy German meal. The strong drink is served in a shot glass, and Germans typically drink one shot after dinner to aid digestion.
Non-Alcoholic German Beverages
Cola-Orange Soda
If you have ever been in Germany you probably came across Spezi or Mezzo Mix. These soft drinks contain a mixture of cola and orange soda and are very popular at any German party.
Apfelschorle - Sparkling Apple Cider
Apfelschorle is not only a refreshing drink that is popular in the famous German Biergarten, you can also find it served in large beer mugs at the Oktoberfest. People love to have the beer mug experience while not needing to worry about the alcohol.