Feuerzangenbowle
During this time of the year, you’ve probably come across mulled wine or in German, “Glühwein”, but have you heard about “Feuerzangenbowle”?
Feuerzangenbowle is a red wine based, hot beverage that is sweetened by a rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire.
Yes, there is fire involved. Usually Feuerzangebowle gets prepared in a special recipient suspended over a small burner, similar to a fondue pot. On top of the recipient there is a “Feuerzange” which translates to fire tweezers. The sugarloaf is put on top of the “Feuerzange”, then it gets soaked in high- alcohol percentage rum and is set on fire. The fire melts and caramelizes the sugar that falls into the red wine. The wine, much like “Glühwein” is usually spiced with cinnamon, cloves, anise and orange.
The beverage is consumed in the Advent time as well as in the New Year Celebrations. Even though the origin of this holiday beverage is not really known, the beverage became really popular after the 1944 movie “Die Feuerzangenbowle” with famous German actor Heinz Rühmann. You can find this special drink in the Weihnachtsmarkt and in some cafes and bars around Aachen! Go try it out!
Reading Sources:
https://www.t-online.de/leben/familie/id_66728638/feuerzangenbowle-geschichte-und-brauch.html
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feuerzangenbowle
https://www.feuerzangenbowle.at/feuerzangenbowle-geschichte/
Images: canva.com