Much of Frankfurt was destroyed in World War II, and although some of it has been rebuilt, such as the historic center of Römerberg , the city’s thriving business scene overshadows its culture. But not everything is business, business, business in this modern German city. This is the birthplace of Goethe! Some of the best museums in the country are found along the Main River. And this is the best place in Germany to drink Apfelwein.
What is apfelwein ?
Apfelwein (apple wine) is the region’s quintessential drink and is an acquired flavor. Called Ebbelwoi by some locals, ordered as Schobbe by others, it is also known as Apfelmost further east (as in Wurzburg) and in Austria. The area around Frankfurt is one of the richest fruit producing regions in Germany, so it is natural for some of the freshly pressed apple juice to ferment and become alcoholic.
Apfelwein is generally the product of Granny Smith or Bramley apples and has an alcohol content between 4.8 to 7%. It tastes sour, sour, not sweet like many mass produced American ciders. Note that while Germans can mix lemonade or cola with beer, you should never order a cider mixed with lemonade. The only approved mixer is a hot Apfelwein with a cinnamon stick and a lemon wedge to fight a cold, practically a health food.
The drink was traditionally served in geripptes, a 0.3-liter (10-ounce) glass with angular cuts that refract light and improve grip. Most places now offer saltwater resistant stoneware mugs known as Bembel with stylish blue accents.
Pair your Apfelwein with traditional Franken dishes like Grüne Sosse (herbaceous green sauce) with boiled or spicy eggs, poetically called Handkäs mit Musik (sour-milk cheese with minced onion and caraway seeds). Many places offer a Frankfurter Platte (Frankfurt dish) filled with sausages and meat to feed you and keep you drinking.
Essential Hessian Phrases for Drinking Apfelwein
- Bach’s dribb : over the stream. This is how the people who live in Sachsenhausen describe their area on the south side of the Main. (The area north of the Main is called Bach’s Hibb ).
- Ebbelwei: an alcoholic drink made from apples
- Guude wiie? – Hi, how are you?
- Hibb by Bach und Dribb by Bach – North and South of Frankfurt
- Petze – Drink
- E Schoppe un e Schöppsche – A glass of cider and a small cider
- Sich ablesche! – Lie
Where to drink
One of the easiest ways for a visitor to get into typical Frankfurt life is to find a seat in a cider tavern, known in German as Apfelweinlokal . If you ask, everyone will guarantee that their recommendation is the best. This means that it is difficult to find a place that does not satisfy, especially in the Sachsenhausen district of Frankfurt.
Adolf Wagner
Run by a family since 1931, this location near the city center is loved by tourists and locals alike. Its traditional and bustling atmosphere is enhanced by a variety of Apfelweins , perfectly paired with a menu of Frankfurt specialties such as Tafelspitz mit Frankfurter Grüner Sosse (stewed meat with green sauce).
Reservations are recommended on weekends. For those guests who have had enough (and more) of Apfelwein, the family runs a hotel just upstairs. Please note this is an exclusive Apfelwein establishment, no beer here!
- Address : Schweizer Str. 71, 60594 Frankfurt
Cider Solzer
After opening as a pub and bakery in the 16th century, Apfelwein Solzer has been run by the same family for the last five generations. They have kept it in business by being the definition of Gemütlichkeit . Visitors feel welcome as soon as they walk through the door. Their Apfelwein is produced on site and they are happy to serve up a good Schoppen .
- Address : Berger Str. 260, 60385 Frankfurt
To the painted house
Zum Gemalten Haus translates to “this way to the painted house” and that is exactly what you will find. Yes, it has the delicious food and Apfelwein needed for a top Apfelweinlokal , but it also has endearing murals. In the warmer months, take advantage of the beer garden where the paintings follow you outside.
- Address : Schweizer Str. 67, 60594 Frankfurt
Hof Seppche
Good vibes, good Apfelwein and good music are the themes of Hof Seppche. Family owned for almost 50 years, every Wednesday there is live music while boisterous Kellnerin in Dirndl carries a host of good things. Keep an eye out for the holiday celebrations and check out the menu for a modern take on classic dishes.
- Dirección : Alt-Schwanheim 8, 60529 Frankfurt
To the sun
“In the Sun” has a traditional atmosphere encompassing a 500-year-old timber-framed building on trendy Bergerstraße. There’s beer and food, but people flock to the Apfelwein . If you really must drink something different, Mispelchen is a popular liquor. The cozy character of the interior, warmed by the fireplaces in winter, extends to the Biergarten in summer.
- Address : Berger Str. 312, 60385 Frankfurt
Dauth Schneider
Herr Schneider began selling Apfelwein from trees on his own property in the late 1800s. To serve your guests, you would clean the living room for everyone to enjoy.
Today, the accommodations are a bit more comfortable but just as homey. It has been run by a family for generations and is one of the best known in Sachsenhausen.
- Dirección : Neuer Wall 5, 60594 Frankfurt
To the beautiful miller’s wife
Named for the founder’s wife, Schöne Müllerin (the miller’s beautiful maid) is another Apfelwein destination that claims to be the best. With some of the tastiest food in town, a full embrace of local festivals, and a charming waiter, it’s hard to disagree.
- Address : Baumweg 12, 60316 Frankfurt am Main
Fichtekränzi cider economy
Among the traditional establishments, this is one of the oldest still in operation. Started in 1849 (with a hiatus between 1980 and 1993), it offers the same style and great value as when it opened. Try the daily meal for something authentic and filling.
This rustic and claustrophobic space is filled with the noises of happy drinkers. In the summer months, the Biergarten opens and the Apfelwein and beer continue to flow. Get ready to look forward to the weekend or just snuggle up on a bench and make friends.
- Dirección : Wallstrasse 5, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
Cider Dax
This is the kind of place that has the feeling of living in a good pub. Frankfurt favorites like Grüne Soße are made from scratch and a helpful Vokabeltrainer ( vocabulary trainer) helps introduce tourists to a true Frankfurt experience. Settle into the warm wooden cabins and let the Hessian accent cover you. After a few Bembels , you might feel comfortable enough to join them.
- Dirección : Willemerstraße 11, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
Ebbelwei Express
If you want to take your Apfelwein on the road, the Ebbelwei Express (Apple Wine Express) is a historic tram that combines sightseeing with drinking. For children, there is non-alcoholic cider and everyone can enjoy traditional Schlager music.
Frankfurt apple wine festival
The Frankfurt Apple Wine Festival offers all versions of fruit wine. The bartenders go wild and prepare unusual cocktails with the Hessian drink of your choice.
If you’re not happy with relying on the experts, there are all the tools you need to enjoy drinking Apfelwein at home, from Geripptes to glass tops and sturdy Bembels.
For entertainment, there is music and food, but also typical Frankfurt folklore and dialect poetry. This is a platform to highlight the culture of Hesse.
- Location: Roßmarkt
- Nearest public transport stops : Roßmarkt and Hauptwache
