Weihnachtsmarkt Zürich: Glühwein Test (alkoholfrei)
Hey Leute! So, the Zurich Christmas markets – Weihnachtsmärkte – are officially ON, and I, your friendly neighbourhood Glühwein enthusiast (and designated driver, let's be honest!), decided to embark on a mission. A mission to find the BEST alcohol-free Glühwein in Zürich. Because let's face it, sometimes you just want that cozy, warm feeling without the hangover.
I've been to so many Weihnachtsmärkte in my time – from tiny village affairs to the mega-markets in bigger cities. You learn a lot about Glühwein along the way, let me tell you! One year, I thought I'd be clever and bring my own thermos... yeah, that didn't go down well. They frowned at me like I’d committed a serious social faux pas. Lesson learned: Embrace the market experience, even if it means paying a premium for their Glühwein. Besides, supporting local vendors is super important, right?
My Zürich Alcohol-Free Glühwein Adventure
This year, my quest focused solely on the alcohol-free stuff. I sampled at least five different varieties across various Weihnachtsmärkte in Zürich. Some were… less than stellar. One tasted suspiciously like watered-down cranberry juice. Another had this weird, artificial aftertaste that lingered like a bad memory. I mean, seriously, yuck!
But then... ahhhh, the moment of truth. I found it. The holy grail of alcohol-free Glühwein.
The Winner (Spoiler Alert!)
Okay, okay, I'll spill the beans. At the Christkindlimarkt am Werd (I think that's how you spell it – I always get the umlauts mixed up!), I discovered pure Glühwein gold. Their alcohol-free version was AMAZING. It had the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The aroma alone was enough to transport me to a cozy cabin in the Alps. Seriously, I almost started crying.
It wasn't overly sweet, like some of the others I tried. It had a nice depth of flavour – cinnamon, cloves, orange – all the good stuff. No weird artificial tastes or that unsettlingly thin consistency I encountered at other stalls.
Tips for Your Own Alcohol-Free Glühwein Quest
So, what did I learn from my epic Glühwein tasting? A few things, actually:
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Don't be afraid to ask questions: Vendors are usually happy to tell you about their Glühwein. You might even get some extra info on the ingredients.
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Look for fresh spices: If you can, check out the ingredients. Fresh spices make ALL the difference.
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Sample before committing: Always ask for a small taste! There is nothing worse than buying a full mug and discovering its utter awfulness halfway through.
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Embrace the experience: The Christmas markets are about more than just the Glühwein. Soak in the atmosphere, browse the stalls, and enjoy the festive spirit!
More than Just Glühwein
Besides the Glühwein, remember to check out the other amazing things the Zurich Christmas Markets have to offer. From handcrafted gifts to delicious food stalls, there's something for everyone. I even saw a guy selling miniature gingerbread houses - ridiculously cute!
This year, my mission to find the perfect alcohol-free Glühwein in Zurich was a success. While there were a few duds, the reward was a delicious and festive treat that perfectly captured the Christmas spirit. I hope this guide helps you on your own quest! Happy sipping (and shopping)!
(Pro-Tip: Check the specific Christmas market websites for opening times and vendor information. These things can change from year to year.)