Feuerzangenbowle is one of the traditional alcoholic drinks from Germany in which a rum-soaked sugarloaf set on fire drips into mulled wine. It is usually a part of New Year’s eve or Christmas celebrations. The best part is, the name literally translates into fire-tongs punch. The film Die Feuerzangenbowle, a german comedy had boosted the popularity of the drink.
Procedure
Feuerzangenbowle is similar to a fondue set and is prepared in a bowl, which is suspended over a small burner. The bowl contains heated red wine which is spiced with cloves, orange peel, cinnamon sticks and star anise. The Feuerzange was initially a pair of tongs, but now it is a purpose-designed metal grate which is mounted on top of a bowl to hold the Zuckerhut, Sugarloaf or which translates into ‘sugar hat.’ The sugar is then soaked along with rum and set to light to melt and caramelize. The rum should be having at least 54% alcohol per volume and be at room temperature so that it burns properly. With a ladle, more rum is poured till all the sugar melts and gets mixed with the wine. The punch which is formed after this is served in mugs and the burner keeps the bowl warm.
Festivals
Germany is a well-known country around the world for its charming Christmas Markets and also the hot mulled wine among various other traditions. Besides these, there are various unique German holiday traditions are very less known by people. The festivals in Germany are focused on spending quality time with friends and family. You will also find good humor mixed with various customs making them enjoyable. So, visiting this amazing place with your family and friends is definitely a good option if you want to have a great time.
During the holiday season this year if you are interested in exploring the world and understanding the different festive traditions around the globe, start with Germany. The activities in Germany during the festivals may look alien to any outsider. But trying these traditions will surely leave you with a lifetime of memories to cherish with your friends and family.
Likewise, Germany’s very own Feuerzangenbowle is an inseparable element of New Years and Christmas tradition in Germany. The name, in fact, refers to a process by which this drink is made, and the translation would be something like ‘burnt punch’. The drink is prepared in a huge bowl like that of a fondue set and is kept warm with the help of a burner. Just like the traditional Glühwein, this drink also contains heated red wine, spices, cloves, cinnamon, orange juice and ginger. As the content of rum and wine is very high, it is strong with alcohol content going up till 54%. The reason why they are served in a large ceramic mug is that the person having it can enjoy the fantastic flavor of the spices and at the same time it keeps the drink warm. This is why people from all over the world love this amazing drink.
Make your Feuerzangenbowle at home!
As you know, Germany is famous for its beautiful and lively Christmas markets. It is an opportunity for people to meet, talk, shop and also drink lots of Glühwein. Besides the Glühwein stands in Germany there is something even more interesting, and that is: the Feuerzangenbowle.
The process of making this famous drink involves suspending a giant chunk of sugar above wine and dipping it in rum and then setting it on fire. Well this has got your attention, then here’s how you can prepare it at home:
Before you start here’s a tip you need to keep in mind. Make sure your fire extinguisher is recharged and is available within reach. The Feuerzangenbowle like several party drinks has few risks involved in it. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry.
So even after this, if you are ready to prepare this delicious and heady punch, all you need to do is set up a cone of rum-soaked sugar on flame over some mulled wine. It will melt into the wine, which will sweeten it and strengthen too. Also, because you are going to be adding a fair amount of sugar to the punch, it is always better to use very dry red wine. Get ready to make Feuerzangenbowle with the following list of ingredients:
- 1 Bottle of rum with 50% alcohol (100 proof) or higher
- 3 Bottles of dry red wine
- 15-20 Cloves
- 1 Lemon
- 2 Oranges
- 1 Zuckerhut(sugar cone) or 250 grams (8.8 oz) of sugar cubes
- 4 or 5 Sticks of cinnamon
Instructions:
- First, take a large kettle or a pot and fill it with red wine.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom and all the other spices mentioned above.
- Slice up the oranges and lemons and crush the fruit to release the juice so as to add to the punch along with the cloves.
- Next, warm this till it becomes a steaming There is no need to get them to boil.
- Take a German sugar loaf on a metal rack or a screen above the punch.
- Slowly you can start to pour the high-proof rum over the sugar loaf or the sugar cubes and leave it to soak for some time.
- Slowly light the sugar loaf and allow the flaming sugar to caramelize and drip into the punch mix.
- At this stage, you may add as much rum as required and keep the flame going until and the sugar is gone.
- Bear in mind to switch off the lights during this process so as to enjoy the beautiful blue flames.
- Serve them warm in mugs.
Tips:
- In case the sugar cone goes out before it melts, spoon some rum over the cone and reignite with the help of a lighter.
- German sugar cone or sugar loaf called the sugar hat is made of compressed refined sugar in the shape of a cone. By any chance, if you aren’t able to get the real thing, you can substitute it with sugar cubes.
- Once the sugar has melted completely into the wine, just remove the sieve and give the punch a good stir and pour them into mugs with the help of ladles.
- Final Warning: the drink Feuerzangenbowle, can easily get you intoxicated as it is potent stuff, so be careful while you consume it!
In almost every part of the world, including the United States, Christmas has become a holiday that has been commercialized and has lost track of many precious traditions. In case you want to experience the traditional way of spending and enjoying Christmas then the right place to be in is Germany! Once you visit during the holiday season, you will realize the place is much more than just a summer destination full of rich culture and tradition which they have kept alive till now. So pack your bags and head to Germany and enjoy the famous Feuerzangenbowle.
And if you ever decide to throw a party for your friends, do make sure that this drink is a part of the menu. They’d love it, for sure!