Feuerzangenbowle facts for kids
Feuerzangenbowle (German: [ˈfɔʏɐtsaŋənˌboːlə]) is a special traditional German drink. It's a type of punch often enjoyed during Christmas or New Year's Eve. The name means "fire-tongs punch" because of how it's made.
This unique drink involves setting a sugarloaf on fire! The sugar is soaked in rum, then lit. As it burns, the melted, caramelized sugar drips into warm mulled wine below. This creates a sweet and flavorful punch.
The drink became very popular in Germany thanks to a 1944 comedy film. The movie was also called Die Feuerzangenbowle. It is also a traditional drink for some German student groups. They sometimes call it Krambambuli. This name comes from a red cherry liqueur that had a similar color.
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How to Make Feuerzangenbowle
Making Feuerzangenbowle is a fun and exciting process. It's often done in a special bowl. This bowl is similar to a fondue set. It usually sits over a small burner to keep the drink warm.
Ingredients for the Punch
The main part of the punch is heated dry red wine. This wine is spiced with several ingredients. These include cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. You also add orange peel. This mix is very much like traditional mulled wine.
The Sugarloaf and Rum
The most exciting part is the Zuckerhut, or sugarloaf. This is a large lump of sugar, usually about 250 grams (9 ounces). It sits on a special metal grate. This grate is placed on top of the bowl.
The sugarloaf is then soaked with rum. The rum needs to be strong, usually at least 54% alcohol by volume. This helps it burn well. The rum should also be at room temperature. Once soaked, the sugar is set alight. As it burns, the sugar melts and turns into caramel. This sweet, burning sugar drips into the spiced wine below. More rum is poured over the sugar with a ladle until it has all melted.
Serving the Drink
Once all the sugar has melted, the Feuerzangenbowle is ready. It is served warm in mugs. The burner keeps the bowl warm while people enjoy the drink. For many, the ceremony of making it is just as important as the drink itself. It's a way for friends to gather and enjoy a cozy, friendly atmosphere, known in German as Gemütlichkeit.
Images for kids
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In Spanish: Feuerzangenbowle for kids
