Come taste this flaming German cocktail at Carmel Christkindlmarkt

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt team announces new vendors for the 2024 Market season, including the addition of a flaming, German cocktail – believed to be the first time the beverage will be offered at any Christkindlmarkt in the United States.

The cocktail, called Feuerzangenbowle (translated to “fire-tongs punch” and pronounced foyer-zahngen-bowl-uh), features a sugar cone that is soaked in rum, placed over Glühwein and lit on fire, allowing the caramelized sugar and rum to drip into the wine.

The history of the drink dates back as far as the 1700s, though it was popularized in Germany in 1944 following the release of the film, Die Feuerzangenbowle. It will be sold at the Market with a new commemorative mug developed specifically for this drink.

Feuerzangenbowle is traditionally enjoyed in Germany with friends and family at home in a cozy atmosphere. The experience includes the ceremonial lighting of the sugar cone, festive aromas, and warm candlelight.

To bring this cozy ambiance to a larger scale, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt traveled to Wörgl, Austria, to meet a second-generation coppersmith. The collaboration resulted in the custom design of two copper kettles, necessary heating equipment, and an old-world metal cabinet, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies. Gathering around the kitchen table – or the Market stand – for a hot drink captures the true spirit of “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit,” celebrating the warmth and comfort of coming together for a shared experience.

“As a nonprofit with a mission around cultural education, we are always looking for ways to make the Market a truly authentic German experience for our visitors – and that includes when we decide on new additions,” Carmel Christkindlmarkt President and CEO Maria Rosenfeld said. “Feuerzangenbowle is a signature part of true German Christkindlmarkts, and we are so excited to bring the unique flavors and history of this drink to our visitors here in Carmel.”

Along with Feuerzangenbowle, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt for the first time in 2024 will offer liquor options on-site, including spiked hot chocolates.

Other new offerings this year will include:

• Knödel & Champignons: a vegan hut offering delicious dumplings and sauteed mushrooms covered in a creamy garlic sauce.
• Zinnstadt: a pewter booth offering a variety of hand-painted German pewter ornaments and Steins.
• Werkstatt Souvenirs: a gift shop next to the Werkstatt (workshop) dedicated to the sale of items made by visiting German artisans, including hand-carved figures, glass creations, and more.
• Custom Glass Ornaments: a limited-edition Carmel Christkindlmarkt collectible ornament, glass-blown the traditional Lauscha way and hand-painted specifically for the Market.

The Market will also welcome a variety of new and returning entertainers, artisans, and special events this year, which will be announced closer to opening day on Nov. 23.

“Every year after the Market ends, we look at guest feedback and think about what we can do next year to make their experiences even better,” Rosenfeld said. “We are confident that with these new food and gift offerings, it’ll be a Market season that’s even better than the last.”