Often seen as a cute, kitschy piece of German barware, the beer stein's signature look once served a very practical purpose.

From Riesling and schnapps to frothing steins of beer ... social interaction that revolve around alcohol. Beer remains the favorite drop. Germany produces over 5,000 varieties in around 1,500 ...

FILE - A waitress prepares beer mugs in the Augustiner marquee for the start of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Advertisement ...