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Finally off to punch: The Advent season begins

Just like the Christmas markets, vanilla crescents and the Advent wreath, punch and mulled wine stands are simply part of the Christmas season for most Viennese.(Bild: Malena Brenek)

Peaceful and quiet, by the water, over the rooftops or for a good cause - there are many ways to enjoy (anti-)alcoholic hot drinks in Vienna.

The cold weather is slowly creeping in, which means it's time for punch and mulled wine. And fans of these hot drinks also get their money's worth away from the Christmas markets:

• On November 13, the Caritas punch stand at the Gruft opens its hut again. Monday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., it will not only serve what many consider to be the best homemade (children's) punch and mulled wine, it will also be available for a free donation. The proceeds go to the homeless shelter.

• At "Winter in the City", Advent can be enjoyed from November 8 with apricot punch and co. at open fireplaces in the inner courtyard of the Deutsch Ordenskloster (1st, Stephansplatz 4). From November 18, the Aurora Rooftop Bar (10th, Arsenalstraße 10) will once again be high up with its atmospherically decorated terrace and breathtaking view over the city.

• Punch by the water is served every Friday from 5 pm at An der Neuen Donau 1 at Usus am Wasser. Because the Danube Island is also worth a visit in winter.

• Punch for a good cause is available from mid-November at the Lions Club am Graben.

Wolfgang Ruckenbauer "Rucki" in his bar in Grinzing.(Bild: Zwefo)

• Wolfgang Ruckenbauer, owner of the cult bar "Aristo" in Grinzing, also has a punch stand in Türkenschanzpark. His bar recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Cheers then!

Viktoria Graf, Kathi Mötzl