drinks&nibbles: Beer Cocktails and Brats-in-a-Blanket

On a crisp autumn day in 1810, on a field just outside city gates of Munich, a festival was held to celebrate the nuptials of the Crown Prince. Over two centuries later, world-famous “Oktoberfest” continues to grow. For 16 to 18 days (depending on the Calendar) at the end of September through the first week of October, Germans celebrate with brassy music, sizzling sausages, and malty beers. The celebration has not only spread past Munich into all regions of Germany, but beyond to any country thirsty for an excuse to imbibe. Popular as ever in the United States, Oktoberfest parties have become as ubiquitous as Cinco de Mayo fiestas and shots of Jameson on St. Patrick’s Day.

Here I offer two recipes perfect for any fall gathering, but particularly suited for an Oktoberfest event. Cocktail party classic, pigs-in-a-blanket get the Bavarian touch when bratwurst are used and seasoned with just enough grainy mustard and sauerkraut. The malty, almost creamy beer seasonally brewed for the festival is fashioned into a refreshing cocktail with hints of ginger and honey sure to remind you of Germany’s famous gingerbread.

 

Brats-in-a-Blanket

Makes 18 pieces

 

6 pre-cooked or smoked bratwurst about 5 to 6 inches long, such as Johnsonville

1 package frozen puff pastry, such as Pepperidge Farms, thawed according to package instructions

2 Tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard

¼ cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well

1 large egg

poppy and/or sesame seeds

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut each sausage into 3 equal- sized pieces and set aside.

Beat the egg with 1 Tablespoon water and set aside.

Cut each pastry sheet into 10 (5-inch x 2-inch) pieces.

Spoon ¼ teaspoon mustard on each piece of pastry about an inch away from one of the short edges. Top the mustard with ½ teaspoon sauerkraut. Add a piece of sausage on top of the sauerkraut and roll, ending seam side down. Brush the top and sides of each pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and/or sesame seed and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Bake until pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

NOTE: You may use a favorite fresh sausage. Cook and allow to cool completely before rolling in the pastry.

 

 

Oktoberfest Beer Cocktail

Makes one cocktail

Adapted from mademan.com

 

2 ounces honey whiskey or bourbon

2 ounces ginger beer

Splash of bitters

1 can or bottle of Oktoberfest beer, such as Sam Adams

 

In a large glass, add the whiskey, ginger beer, and bitters and stir gently. Add a handful or two of ice. Carefully fill to the top with Oktoberfest beer, tilting the glass to control the amount of head. Stir gently to combine.