Aperol Spritz is Out: Munich Embraces a New Summer Drink Sensation
Munich, August 8, 2026 – The classic Aperol Spritz, once a ubiquitous sight in Munich’s cafes and bars, is facing stiff competition from an unexpected newcomer: the “GrapefruitSpritz” with a unique sea salt topping. This innovative drink, created by Silvan Demir, son of Boazn owner Yilmaz Demir, is rapidly becoming a summer bestseller, captivating the palates of locals enjoying the Isar riverside.
Boazn: From Former Toilet House to Trendy Bar
Boazn, located at Karl-Müller-Weg 2, has a remarkable history. Established three years ago by Yilmaz Demir and his family after an eight-year struggle for permits, the bar occupies a former public toilet house built into the Ludwigsbrücke bridge pillar. This unique establishment, which functions as both a pub and a dance bar, has become an integral part of Munich’s cityscape. It operates seven days a week (Sun-Thu 3 PM-1 AM, Fri-Sat 12 PM-3 AM), offering a vibrant spot for Munich residents to unwind with a cool drink by the Isar.
The Birth of the GrapefruitSpritz
While Boazn offers a variety of beverages, including three house-brewed beers (such as the “Gustel” light beer for -5.20) and ten different Spritz variations (Limoncello Spritz, Campari Spritz, Aperol Spritz, priced between -8.90 and -9.90), it is the GrapefruitSpritz that has truly captured the public’s imagination this summer. Yilmaz Demir demonstrated to the AZ how to prepare this refreshing concoction: ice cubes, a splash of Aperol, soda water, 100 milliliters of Bitter Pink Grapefruit, a squeeze of lemon juice, a slice of fresh grapefruit, and finally, a crucial pinch of sea salt.
The addition of sea salt is not merely a gimmick. Demir explains that the salt effectively mellows the bitterness of the grapefruit without requiring additional sugar, thus maintaining the drink’s lightness. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of electrolytes during hot weather, making sea salt an ideal complement to a Spritz.
Stammgast Katinka Behnke Praises the New Flavor Profile
Regular customer Katinka Behnke, 50, enthusiastically praised the new Spritz, describing it as “sweet, fresh, with a naturally light bitterness from the grapefruit. But just right, because the salt brings everything together – like a good dish.”
Changing Drink Preferences in Munich
While alcoholic beverages, including the new GrapefruitSpritz, are popular at Boazn, other vendors near the Isar report a shift in customer preferences. André Löwig, who has operated a kiosk at Wittelsbacher Brücke (Schyrenplatz 2) for 25 years, notes a significant increase in demand for non-alcoholic drinks, especially water (-2.50) and blackcurrant and rhubarb spritzers (-2.50). Löwig, whose kiosk is the oldest stand in the city, dating back to 1848, recalls a time when Augustiner beer, Jägermeister, and pipe tobacco were bestsellers. Now, he says, customers are “screaming for” non-alcoholic options, including Cola Zero.
Florian Eschrich, owner of Getränkequelle am Schlachthof (Thalkirchner Str. 51), also observes a strong trend towards non-alcoholic drinks during the current heatwave. He jokingly remarks that having “two beers in your head” in such heat makes you “crazy.” Eschrich also notes supply shortages for certain juice spritzers due to high demand. For those who still opt for beer, lighter or non-alcoholic varieties are preferred. Eschrich’s store offers a wider selection of beers, including those from Aldersbacher, Rhaner, or Kuchlbauer, which are often not found in conventional Munich beverage markets, priced between -1.40 and -1.50 per bottle.
Whether it’s beer, water, spritzers, or the new GrapefruitSpritz, Munich residents currently prefer to enjoy their chilled drinks outdoors, either in the shade or with their feet in the Isar. Thanks to vendors like Eschrich and kiosk owners like Löwig, there are plenty of places to do so. And for those seeking an extra touch of holiday feeling, Yilmaz Demir and his team at Boazn offer a “pinch of the sea” in every glass.
Source: Abendzeitung München
