3 Ways To Bring Oktoberfest Home
Follow these tips from Hansa Brewery owner Boris Music.
Big on Bier: Music’s go-to beer is an Oktoberfest, the signature German lager named after the festival. It’s light enough to enjoy a few responsibly, but has an earthiness along with caramel notes that make it a great way to usher in fall weather. Hansa releases its version of brew this month, and offers crowlers and growlers for at-home festivities, but don’t forget your stein. “It’s part of the festivity. Guys want to be macho,” Music says of the big drink ware. “If somebody wants to go really wild, [they can get] two liters, which is double the size.”
Schnitzel Strategies: Stock up on sauerkraut, soft pretzels and plenty of brats to thrown on the grill, but Music says you can up your celebration by making traditional German schnitzel. Often made with veal, he says you can try it with pork or turkey too. Just tenderize the meat, coat it with egg, flour and breadcrumbs, and fry it for a perfect crunch. “If that’s too much for you, do it with just egg and flour, which will be a fluffier texture,” Music says.
Fun Final Touches: Blue and white are the traditional Bavarian colors used for Oktoberfest, so add some flair with napkins, tablecloths and paper streamers in both colors. Put together a playlist of traditional music. Hit up YouTube or Spotify and search for anything with traditional oompah style or Oberkrainer (polka style), which is sure to get you dancing. “Avsenik [Ensemble] from Slovenia was the most popular band throughout Europe,” Music says. “One of his songs, “Na Golici,” is close to being played as much as Silent Night [in Germany].
