Apfelschorle is one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in Germany. A mix of apple juice and carbonated water, it is a crisp and healthier alternative to other types of soda. You will find it in beer gardens, restaurants, and at many summer BBQs. And I promise you it is satisfying with every bubbly sip.
It is my favorite drink in the summertime because it is light and refreshing. I also order it for my children when we eat out at a restaurant, as it is still a sweet treat but not as sugary as other drinks.
Apples top the list of favorite fruits in Germany. No wonder you will find recipes with apples all over German cuisine, like apple cakes, apple sauce, and apple fritters. So it is not surprising that they also have drinks made from apples.
What is Apfelschorle?
Apfelschorle is a refreshing apple spritzer made from apple juice and sparkling water. "Schorle" is an abbreviation of the word "Schorlemorle," which was used in the first half of the 20th century and describes a drink mixed with another carbonated drink. Other terms for Schorle are "spritzer" or "Gespritzer."
So Weinschorle is wine mixed with carbonated water, Saftschorle is fruit juice mixed with carbonated water, and so on. (another favorite of mine is Rhabarberschorle (Rhubarb drink)
2 Ingredients you'll need
- Apple juice: Choose an organic, cloudy apple juice (naturtrüb) for the most authentic taste
- Carbonated Water: Use unflavored plain sparkling water (Mineralwasser).
How to mix the Apple juice with sparking water
The art of making Apfelschorle is to get the ratio of juice to water right. There is not one Apfelschorle recipe - but here are the most popular combinations:
- 1:1 ratio—so half apple juice and half carbonated water.
- 1:3 ratio.- so a quarter glass apple juice and three-quarters water. This is popular with parents as myself. It's not as sweet and is therefore better for the teeth.
- Just a dash of apple juice with sparking water. Just enough to flavour the water.
Only you will know what the right ratio for you is—so try it out! Serve it chilled, and if you like, you can decorate the glass with apple slices and a big straw.
Only you will know what the right ratio for you is - so try it out!
Serve it chilled - and if you like you can decorate the glass with apple slices and a big straw.
More German Drink Recipes
Recipe
Apfelschorle-German Apple Spritzer
Ingredients
- 500 ml sparking water or cabonated water
- 500 ml apple juice
Instructions
- Fill a large glass with half water and then the apple juice. No need to mix, the bubbles will mix it for you.500 ml sparking water, 500 ml apple juice
- You can adjust the juice to water ratio according to your personal preference.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Fanica says
This is a favorite since I was a child living in Switzerland.
Marita Sinden says
You never get too old for Apfelschorle 🙂
Heike says
This is a lovely refreshing drink which brings back nice memories from my childhood in Germany, I now live in London with my husband and my children and we all enjoy this drink. I also like the rhubarb version and the Waldmeister which I haven't found in England yet.
Marita Sinden says
Hi Heike, no I had a look for another reader whether I could find Rhubarb Juice in the UK but I could only find cordial. I love Rhabarberschorle too. Best Wishes Marita