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Unfortunately, Munich's famed Oktoberfest, and Oktoberfest celebrations all over the world aren’t happening this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. And while it's impossible to duplicate the atmosphere (do you really want to pour beer all over your floor?) here are some ways to have your own Oktoberfest at home. And then go sleep in your own bed.
It would be pretty silly if we didn't start this list with the beer. While a true Oktoberfest beer (or festbier) can only be called as such if it's made at one of six breweries within Munich's city limits, many of them are widely available outside of the tents. Paulaner, Löwenbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten, and Hofbräu and Augustiner are easy to get your hands on.
A Maß is a unit of measurement in Bavaria, roughly about a litre of beer. For the true Oktoberfest experience, we suggest grabbing some Maß glasses, or steins as they're known outside of Bavaria, to serve your beer in. We can't be held responsible for your sore wrist the next day.
If you're looking for the "gotta-haves", we suggest making sure your menu includes rotisserie chicken, brez'n (huge, doughy pretzels), red cabbage or sauerkraut, potatoes and, of course, bratwurst mit brötchen. A currywurst is a great option for a snack too--just sprinkle some of your favourite curry powder over ketchup and smother your bratwurst with it.
So, pretty much starch and meat.
We all know you can't even begin to pretend that you're having an Oktoberfest party if you're not wearing the right outfit. Men have it relatively easy--find some lederhosen and a trachten shirt and get ready to party (socks and a hat can complete the outfit). Women, on the other hand, have some choices to make: if wearing a dirndl, the more authentic styles have longer skirts--below the knees--called a "midi". Tourists and younger ladies tend to wear a "mini". The dirndlblusen (white blouse under the dirndl) can come in varying levels of, ahem, "exposure". But whatever you do, make sure your apron's knot is tied correctly: taken women tie theirs on the right while those who are single--and ready to mingle--tie it on the left. Tied in the back? She's a widow or your waitress. Hands off the ones with it tied on the front--she's a virgin.
Don't feel like going through all that? Then this shirt will do: Löwenbräu Oktoberfest T-Shirt
Okay, obviously it’s not the same as being there in person, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we need to make the best with what we have! Here’s a few ways you can celebrate without the pandemic getting in the way:
It's not a party without music. And it's certainly not Oktoberfest without some foot-stomping, bench-dancing, beer-spilling tunes. While your traditional Oompah music would definitely go down a storm, here's some of our favourites from the fest that should make it on your playlist:
Sweet Caroline--Neil Diamond
Mamma Mia--ABBA
Sweet Home Alabama--Lynyrd Skynyrd
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)--The Proclaimers
Hey Baby--Bruce Channel
Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down)--Chumbawamba
It's Raining Men--The Weather Girls
Take Me Home, Country Roads--John Denver
Hang On Sloopy--The McCoys
I'm Walking On Sunshine--Katrina and the Waves
And finally, knowing the words to arguably the most important Oktoberfest song is imperative. Played at least every 20 minutes, "Ein Prosit" is the most played German drinking song at Oktoberfest. Stand on that bench, swing that stein and pay no attention to the beer you just spilled down the front of yourself--just make sure you sing along!
Ein Prosit, ein PrositDer GemütlichkeitEin Prosit, ein PrositDer Gemütlichkeit.
OANS! ZWOA! DREI! G'SUFFA!
We can't be together in person, but we can still drink together from afar! The Oktoberfest beer has been brewed and is ready to be enjoyed. Prost!
We have some important and exciting news from our Managing Director, Matt Lane:
Over the last few months, we’ve spent a lot of time speaking to members of our PerfectDraft community about loyalty & rewards.
Something we’re really passionate about is rewarding our most loyal customers and you’ve given us some great feedback and ideas on how we can do this.
We’re now excited to announce the launch of our ‘Spring Rewards’ program.
During pregnancy, it is recommended to a pregnant woman not to eat any raw or semi-cooked food such as meat, fish, cold meats and certain types of cheese. And above all, smoking and drinking alcohol should be stopped.
In recent years, alcohol-free beer has become a real trend in the beer market here in the UK. More and more big beer brands and small craft breweries are starting to brew it to the delight of non-alcoholic drinkers. However, there are many questions about this kind of beer.
We’re back for the second edition of ‘Must Try Kegs’. Last week we spotlighted three fantastic kegs from our MultiTRY range and this week is no different. From a personal favourite lager of mine, to a couple of flavour sensations, take a read through why we think you have to try these three.
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