Prost to Tradition: Master Das Boot - The German Beer Drinking Game!

Das Boot from Beer Fest

Posted on October 19, 2025 | By Franz Brendle, Chef & Owner*

Guten Tag, friends of fine flavors and festive spirits! If you've been following our journey here at Franzel Restaurant in the heart of Goshen, NY, you know we're all about blending the timeless charm of German heritage with a modern twist. After 12 incredible years as Craft 47, our relaunch as Franzel has been a love letter to the bold tastes and lively vibes of Bavaria—right here in the Hudson Valley. From our locally sourced sausages and pretzels that could make a Munich local jealous, to our rotating taps pouring authentic brews like Spaten Oktoberfest and Tannen Zäpfle, we're turning every meal into a celebration.

But let's talk about what really gets the party hopping: *Das Boot*. No, not the submarine movie—though the intensity is similar! The Beer Boot, or *Der Stiefel*, is the iconic oversized glass vessel shaped like a rugged boot, holding two liters of frothy German lager. It's more than just a drink; it's a game, a ritual, and a test of skill that's been echoing through beer halls since the days of Prussian feasts. At Fränzel, we've brought this tradition to Goshen , where groups can order up a Boot and dive into the fun. Picture this: a table of friends, laughter bouncing off our exposed brick walls, and the clink of glasses as the Boot makes its rounds. It's the perfect game, birthday bashes, Bachlorette parties, or just a Thursday unwind.

Why play *Das Boot* at Fränzel? Our modern German bistro setup means you get the full experience without the jet lag. Pair your Boot with one of our Wurstplates —a platter of grilled bratwurst, knackwurst, and weisswurst served with sauerkraut and spicy mustard—or dive into our Schnitzels for that crispy, golden perfection. And when the Boot runs low, celebrate with a slice of our Black Forest Cake or the whimsical Spaghetti Ic*, vanilla ice cream "noodles" topped with strawberry sauce. It's Oktoberfest vibes, 365 days a year, in cozy Goshen.

Ready to lace up your drinking boots? Here's how to play *Das Boot* the authentic way. We'll walk you through the rules step by step—because nothing kills the buzz like a beer shower on your lap.

The Essential Rules of *Das Boot*

1. Gather Your Crew: Round up 4 or more thirsty adventurers. The Boot is a group effort, passed clockwise around the table. Solo players? We admire your spirit, but grab a Liter instead—Boots are for sharing the glory (and the pain).

2. No Table Touchdown: Once the Boot is filled with ice-cold Pilsner or Helles and placed on the table, it stays off the wood until it's bone-dry. Let it kiss the table mid-game? Penalty: You drink again. Full turn. No mercy.

3. The Wake-Up Flick: Before your swig, give the heel a sharp flick with your finger. This "wakes" the beer, building just the right head of foam. Skip it? Back to you for round two. Pro tip: It's like revving an engine—gets the bubbles bubbling.

4. Technique is Everything: Grip the Boot with both hands (it's heavier than it looks!). Start with the toe pointed straight away from your face. Tilt and sip slowly, rotating the Boot 90 degrees as you go so the toe ends up sideways when the bubble hits. Nail it, and you'll drain smoothly like a pro. Botch it (toe toward you = foam explosion)? Splash penalty: Another go, and maybe a napkin for your shirt.

5. Pass with Purpose: After your turn, flick the heel once more to seal the deal, then hand it off clockwise. Forgetting the flick? Drink up, butterfingers.

6. The Finisher's Curse: The player who empties the Boot gets eternal bragging rights—and buys the next round. But watch out: The "curse" falls on the person who passed it to the hero. Strategy is key; time your sips wisely to dodge that tab.

7. Low-Beer Alert: When the level drops low enough for one big gulp to finish it, the whole table pounds fists on the wood in unison. It's the Boot's battle cry—chant "Prost!" and cheer the final chug. Empty Boot? Victory lap: Photos, high-fives, and perhaps a spontaneous *Ein Prosit* sing-along.

There you have it—the Boot blueprint for beer-soaked bliss. But remember, at Franzel, it's all about balance: Sip responsibly, hydrate between turns, and let our team know if you need a lighter pour. We're a family spot at heart, and safety's our stein-motto.

So, what are you waiting for? Master Das Boot - The German Beer Drinking Game. SoSwing by Franzel at 47 West Main Street in Goshen this weekend. Order a Boot, rally your squad, and let's make some memories that taste like tradition—with a Hudson Valley flair. Reserve your table online at [franzelrestaurant.com](https://www.franzelrestaurant.com/) Prost* to new beginnings, bold brews, and Boots that bring us together!

*Follow us on Instagram @Franzelrestaurant for, menu drops, and more.

*Franz Brendle is the chef-owner of Franzel Restaurant, where German soul meets American innovation. When he's not perfecting pretzels, you'll find him plotting the next Boot challenge.*