Beer For Breakfast: Why Do People Do It?

Drinking beer for breakfast is a tradition in many parts of the world, including Germany, Belgium, England, and the United States. In Germany, a Weißwurstfrühstück or white sausage breakfast is a traditional meal that consists of white sausages, soft pretzels, sweet mustard, and wheat beer. This meal is typically consumed before noon and is seen as an excuse for an informal get-together. In Belgium and England, it was common to drink beer with breakfast until as late as the 1980s, and in the United States, some people enjoy drinking beer while watching early morning sports games. While it may seem unusual to drink alcohol in the morning, it is a practice that has a long history and is considered normal in many cultures.

Beer for breakfast in Germany

In Germany, it is not uncommon to see people drinking beer in the morning. In fact, it is a tradition that is deeply ingrained in German culture, especially in the southern state of Bavaria, known for its traditional clothing and Oktoberfest celebrations.

The traditional Bavarian breakfast, known as "Weißwurstfrühstück" or "white sausage breakfast", consists of white sausages, soft pretzels, and sweet mustard, all accompanied by a wheat beer. This meal is considered a quintessential German experience and is often enjoyed before noon in pubs, inns, or taverns. The atmosphere is lively, with people of all ages gathering to socialise, discuss politics, and savour the delicious food and drink.

Bavarians have a special type of beer for breakfast called "Hefeweizen", which is made from malted wheat instead of malted barley. This beer undergoes a unique fermentation process that produces overtones of clove, banana, apples, citrus, and even smoke. It is also unfiltered, giving it a cloudy appearance. Bavarians refer to this beer as "bottled bread", highlighting its importance as a staple in their diet.

The tradition of drinking beer before noon in Germany is known as "Frühschoppen". It often takes place on Sundays, either as a brunch with food or just as a social gathering over alcoholic drinks. During Frühschoppen, people come together to socialise, discuss everyday life, and enjoy traditional music.

While the tradition of drinking beer for breakfast may seem unusual to some, it is an integral part of German culture, especially in Bavaria. It is a time-honoured custom that brings people together and reflects the local joie de vivre. However, with evolving medical advice and a growing awareness of the link between alcohol abuse and certain health risks, even Germans have started to tone down their drinking habits.

Beer for breakfast in England

In England, drinking beer for breakfast was common during the Middle Ages. People would start their day with a beer alongside breakfast and continue drinking beer throughout the day while working. The beer consumed during this period was known as "small beer" and had a low alcohol content of less than 2.8% ABV, so it didn't intoxicate people.

The preference for beer over water during this time is a topic of debate among historians. Some suggest that water was avoided due to sanitation concerns, while others argue that water was accessible and consumed, and beer was chosen for its nutritional benefits. Beer was calorie-rich, providing energy for people with physically demanding jobs. It was also easy to make, with only four main ingredients: water, grain, yeast, and hops.

The tradition of drinking beer with breakfast continued into the 16th century, with friars consuming "liquid bread". Even until the 1980s, breweries in England would give free drinks to their workers in the morning, continuing a long tradition of brewers starting their day with a hearty brew.

Today, while drinking beer for breakfast is considered taboo, there are still some occasions when it is acceptable. It is often reserved for special occasions, such as holidays, celebrations, or a lazy day when one has no pressing commitments. Stouts, porters, and dark ales are popular choices to pair with a full English breakfast, while fruit beers or lambic fruit beers can complement a continental breakfast.

Beer for breakfast in Belgium

Beer for breakfast is a tradition in many parts of the world, including Belgium and Germany. In Belgium, the Belgian wit style is a popular breakfast beer. Witbiers are similar to hefeweizens, but the Belgian wheat beers are flavoured with orange peel and spices. If you're a fan of mimosas, Allagash White is a good option to try.

In Germany, a Weißwurstfrühstück (white-sausage breakfast) is a traditional breakfast meal that includes white sausages, soft pretzels, sweet mustard, and wheat beer. This meal is typically consumed before noon and is seen as an excuse for an informal get-together. The sausages are poached and can be eaten in a variety of ways, but the skin is usually removed.

In terms of nutritional value, beer was often seen as healthy and nourishing in medieval times, especially compared to water. Small beers, with low alcohol content, were commonly consumed and could be considered liquid bread.

Today, there are many craft beers that incorporate breakfast-friendly ingredients such as oats, coffee, and even pork trimmings. These beers can be a compelling alternative to traditional boozy breakfast drinks like Bloody Marys and mimosas.

Beer for breakfast in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages in the UK, it was common to start the day with a beer at breakfast. This beer, known as "small beer", typically had an alcohol content of less than 2.8% ABV, so it didn't intoxicate people. It was consumed by everyone, including children, and was seen as nourishing and a good source of nutrition and hydration.

Small beer was popular because it was calorie-dense, and most people had physically demanding jobs. It was also easy to make, with only four main ingredients: water, grain, yeast and hops. While some historians argue that people drank beer instead of water because water was unsafe, others disagree, stating that water was accessible and that people could distinguish between clean and contaminated water sources.

Beer was not a replacement for water, but it was consumed because it was nourishing and provided energy. This practice of drinking beer for breakfast is not recommended today, but it was a common part of the daily routine in the Middle Ages.

Beer for breakfast in the US

In the US, drinking beer for breakfast is not a common practice. However, there are some instances where people might choose to have a beer in the morning, such as during a sporting event that takes place early in the day.

Historically, beer was consumed with breakfast in Britain and other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages. This practice continued into the 18th century in Britain, where beer was replaced by tea as the breakfast drink for women and children.

Today, while beer for breakfast is not a widespread tradition in the US, there are some who enjoy exploring different beer styles and flavours as a morning beverage. Stouts and porters, for example, are beer styles that complement breakfast foods due to their roasted malt flavours, which pair well with coffee, a typical breakfast drink.

In addition, some craft breweries in the US have experimented with adding breakfast-inspired ingredients to their beers, such as oats, coffee, and even scrapple, a breakfast staple in some northeastern states. These beers can provide a unique twist to the morning routine for those who enjoy exploring different flavours.

While drinking beer for breakfast in the US is not a widespread practice, there is a growing interest in exploring the versatility of beer, including its potential to complement breakfast foods and be enjoyed responsibly in the morning on special occasions.

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