Standardgetränk

Standardgetränk is a term used in German-speaking hospitality and institutional catering to denote the default or standard beverage offered to customers. The exact beverage described as the standard can vary by venue, country, and service context, and it is not tied to a single fixed item.

In practice, the standardgetränk often serves as the baseline choice included with a menu or meal. In restaurants, it may be the beverage that accompanies a fixed-price menu or the default option presented to guests before any customization. In self-service or cafeteria settings, it is typically the most commonly chosen non-alcoholic drink, with customers able to request alternatives. Alcoholic beverages, when offered, are usually treated separately from the standardgetränk.

Common candidates for a standardgetränk include mineral water (still or sparkling), fountain water, fruit juice, cola or lemonade, and in some contexts coffee or tea. Regional preferences and institutional policies influence the most typical selection. The concept can also appear in menu design and point-of-sale systems as the default option, sometimes highlighted or marketed as a convenient, "recommended" choice, with the possibility of upgrades or substitutions at an additional cost.

Etymology and usage vary by region; standardgetränk is a practical, operational term rather than a formal standard. It is used primarily in service planning, menu construction, and marketing to describe the conventional beverage accompanying meals, while individual customer requests always trump the default.