Monday, March 1, 2010

Drinks around the World: Almdudler (Austria)

Every month, Travel Wonders look sat an unusual or notable drink tasted in his travels. This month offers Almdudler,a non-alcoholic soda or soft drink considered the national drink of Austria.

Almdudler has both a carbonated and still form and is produced by adding secret herbs found in the alpine areas of Austria with water. It tastes a little like ginger ale but is more bitter with a hint of citrus and subtle herbal elements. Almdudler is a popular mixer with white wine (I tried it at a heuriger outside Vienna). It is a popular drunk as a refreshing less sweet soft drink.

A famous jingle "If they do not have any Almdudler, I go home again!" is recognised throughout Austria. The local pride is drawn out in the Tyrolean woman and lederhosen-clad man on the bottles.

Previous Drinks Around the World include Mint Tea from Morocco, Coca Tea from Peru, a French Vin Chaud, Bloody Caesar from Canada, a Pisco Sour from South America, Singapore Sling, Belgium's Chimay Beer, Scotland's smoky Talisker Scotch Whisky and the Czech Republic's Becherovka.

Photo Source: Bottle

11 comments:

Sherry Ott said...

I love ginger ale...so this sound yummy! Will def. try it when I get to Austria!

BarbaraW said...

This was a total surprise. I always associate Austria with beer!

Heather Dugan Creative / Footsteps said...

I'm not much for soda but have always liked ginger ale. The citrus enhancement sounds very interesting. May have to look for this drink in specialty groceries around here!

Cecil Lee said...

Ginger ale is nice but I would prefer alcoholic drinks on travel! :)

Mark H said...

@sherry: Far more interesting and subtle than ginger ale.

@BarbaraW: There is plenty of beer and wine drunk in Austria too.

@footsteps: I've never seen it in Australia but it could well be in USA as there is bound to be an Austrian community somewhere in the country.

@cecil: Me too but I like to try unusual drinks that I can't find at home.

Andy Hayes | Sharing Travel Experiences said...

I don't love Almdudler but i don't hate it either. I have to say, though, it is my mother's favourite drink. Funny.

Anil said...

With white wine? I've seen the Germans mix beer and Coke - never thought wine and beer were mixable...with anything!

Traveler said...

Almdudler is one of my favorite drinks! Thats why I love to visit Austria! :)

Mark H said...

@andy: I am about the same with Almdudler.

@anil: I personally wouldn't mix beer or wine with anything but everyone to their own tastes.

@traveler: A favourite? It only rates a medium for me.

Viennese Deserts said...

I spent a semester studying in Vienna, and I could barely stop myself from drinking Almdudler every time I got thirsty. I recommend having a slice of apple strudel and washing it down with Almdudler - it's amazing!

Mark H said...

@vienna dessert: Sounds divine with apple strudel. Great thought.

 
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