Almdudler is the brand name of a popular Austrian soft drink. The original Almdudler is a sweetened carbonated beverage made of grape and apple juice concentrates flavoured with herbs; its flavour is similar to ginger ale or elderflower cordial but with a somewhat fruitier and more bitter flavour. Almdudler has been called the "national drink of Austria". Its popularity in Austria is second only to Coca Cola; 80 million litres of the beverage are produced per annum.
Almdudler was developed in 1957 by Erwin Klein,[1] who derived the name from the then-common phrase auf der Alm dudeln, or, roughly, "singing in the (alpine) meadows". The drink was originally created and marketed as an alternative to alcoholic beverages or as a mixer for alcoholic drinks. It is currently sold in traditional, light (sugar free), "still" (uncarbonated), and "g'spritzt" (mixed with carbonated mineral water) versions; a Radler variety (mixed with beer), is available as "Almradler". In the wine-growing regions of eastern Austria, it is a popular mixer with locally-produced white wine.
Almdudler is exported to Czech republic, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, and the United States.
The slogan of the Almdudler advertising campaign, in the Austro-Bavarian dialect, has become a well known phrase in Austria: Wenn de kan Oimdudla haum, geh' i wieda ham! (Standard German: Wenn die keinen Almdudler haben, gehe ich wieder heim! English: If they don’t have Almdudler, I'll go back home!) This advertising slogan was written by advertising creative legend and Englishman Simon North whilst in Austria.