In the realm of celebrity habits, Paul Newman is often remembered not just for his illustrious acting career but also for his curious beverage choice. Known for founding the popular food brand Newman’s Own, Newman was a fan of beer—specifically, St. Pauli Girl.

During an interview with Town and Country magazine in 1968, Newman, then 43 and already an iconic figure for films like "Cool Hand Luke" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," declared his affinity for this German lager. He candidly remarked, "I drink ten or more beers every day… if it’s good enough to be my favorite for the rest of the year, it’s good enough for special occasions."

St. Pauli Girl, originating from Bremen, Germany, has been brewed since the 17th century and follows strict German purity laws, consisting solely of barley, hops, water, and yeast. While the lager was relatively new to the American market during the late 1960s, it has since become one of the most popular German beers in the U.S.

Newman’s love for St. Pauli Girl wasn’t merely a fleeting trend; even in the years that followed, he remained loyal to the brand amidst an expanding market of beer options. However, he wasn’t exclusive—Newman also openly enjoyed Coors, a beer that was once highly coveted among enthusiasts in the U.S.

His diet reflected a diverse palate beyond beer, incorporating elements of his Hungarian heritage. Newman’s culinary preferences included hamburgers, salads, and fish, presenting a stark contrast to the exaggerated eating scenes he portrayed in films, such as the infamous egg-eating challenge in "Cool Hand Luke," which was achieved with clever editing rather than real consumption.

Despite the story of his beer preference being larger than life, St. Pauli Girl remains a viable option for fans looking to toast like the legendary actor, as it is still available today, now distributed by Anheuser-Busch.

For more details on Newman’s food preferences and celebrity culinary habits, see Mashed’s article.