Applewine intro

Although it’s an acquired taste, many find Frankfurt's favourite drink, applewine, to be a better thirst-quencher than beer. Apparently Frankfurters are the only Germans with this opinion so you will only find applewine in Frankfurt and the surrounding area. Juice from pressed apples is fermented (read: left to rot) for 8-10 weeks to produce that unique applewine flavour. Some restaurants make their own applewine while others are supplied by orchards located just outside the city. Named Äbbelwoi in the local dialect, it’s resembles cider but is rather sour, so many people choose to mix it with sparkling water (sauergespritzt) or lemonade (süssgespritzt). Locals, having been raised on the brew, prefer it straight and in the less touristy taverns, the barman often refuses to dilute it. Also, be warned that when consumed in large quantities, applewine can give even the heartiest stomach a run for its money. Order it by the glass or by the pitcher, bembel, which comes in many sizes.