Every nation has a drink of choice, to help celebrate a special occasion, drown sorrows in a somewhat unhealthy way, or to act as a social lubricant on an evening with friends, barely tolerable acquaintances or at a dull work event. Whatever the reason for raising a glass, each place has a favourite alcoholic beverage with which to do so.
Therefore, we give you a list of drinks to add to your Europe bucket list to warm those chilly winter evenings, refresh on hot summer days, and everything in between. Cheers, prost and egészségére!
- Beer in Germany
Beer is a major part of German culture, with many brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot – which translates to ‘purity law’ and is commonly referred to as the ‘German Beer Purity Law’ in English. The law was adopted in 1516, so you could say there is some tradition here.
There are four styles of beer made in Germany: wheat, pale, dark and unfiltered, which are produced across the country at a total of 1,300 breweries. Almost half of German breweries are in the Bavaria region – which is where Munich and the famous Oktoberfest can be found. But no matter where you are in Germany, you will find beer halls and gardens waiting to serve you up a stein.
- Jenever in the Netherlands
This juniper-flavoured traditional liquor began as a medicinal remedy and has since become a firm favourite in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and in bordering French and German regions. It is from Jenever that gin developed, with the original concoction available in both old and young – referring to the distilling techniques rather than the age of the product.
There is even a museum, the House of Bols, in Amsterdam, which includes a tasting room and a bar offering a range of cocktails.
- Limoncello in Italy
Naturally in Italy you’ll want to start your day with a coffee – keeping in mind morning is the only acceptable time to order a cappuccino if you don’t want locals crying with dismay (espresso is the drink of choice after the first daily dose of caffeine) – but as dusk falls and aperitif time beckons, turn your taste buds to something sweet.
If you’re travelling in summer, limoncello is the ultimate refresher. Traditionally made using lemons from Capri and Sorrento, this cool concoction is the best way to end a day of swimming and sunning on the Amalfi Coast or battling your way through crowds in Rome.
- Vodka in Russia
If you travel to Russia and meet any locals, you are almost guaranteed to be offered multiple glasses of vodka – and expected to handle potentially much more than you thought you were capable of. Russians have been drinking vodka since at least the 14th century, usually to mark a special event rather than as an everyday occurrence.
Toasting is a vital part of vodka drinking culture and almost anything is a good excuse for it, which is why foreign visitors may often find themselves offered glass after glass in celebration of simply being in Russia with new-found friends.
- Wine in France
With history that can be traced back to the sixth century BCE, France’s wine industry is one of, if not the, most celebrated in the world. There are a number of wine regions strictly regulated by the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine, and produce must adhere to specific criteria designed to maintain the area’s character.
Some of the best-known regions are Bordeaux, which is a wine tasting paradise with endless postcard-worthy vistas and old vineyards offering some of the best red in the world; the beautiful Alsace region home to primarily white wines of both French and German varietals; and Champagne, which hardly needs an explanation if you’ve ever attended a wedding or been near other humans.
- Guinness in Ireland
A trip to Ireland is hardly complete without a Guinness, especially if visiting Dublin, where the famous dry stout originated. Naturally you may have come across Guinness in other parts of the world or even at the bar nearest to your house, but there is something special about savouring a pint of this beautifully dark brew in a cosy Irish pub or while enjoying the view from the top of the Guinness Storehouse itself.
- Wodka in Poland
Wodka (spelled according to Polish language rules by pronounced ‘vodka’) is something of a contentious issue between Poland, Russia and Ukraine when it comes to claiming origin. Whoever invented it, it is available in abundance in all three countries – though there are variations. In Poland, vodka with somewhat more flavour than Russian varieties is available.
Try Żubrówka mixed with apple juice or Żołądkowa Gorzka, a golden wodka flavoured with dried fruits, herbs and spices.
- Sangria in Spain
Sangria is perhaps the most magical fruit punch there is – and really, you can start practising drinking it before you even leave home considering how effortless it is to make. Red wine, chopped fruit and ice are simply thrown into a jug, adding a splash of orange juice or brandy, and voila. Sangria is available anywhere that serves alcohol and most places that offer food, so you will have no shortage of options to quench your thirst after a day spent in the Spanish sunshine.
- Palinka in Hungary
The traditional fruit brandy Palinka is not for the faint-hearted. Made in Hungary since the middle ages by fermenting fruits like plums, apricots, apples, pears and cherries, the production of Palinka is strictly governed and the drink must contain at least 37.5% ABV. Palinka is undeniably strong and therefore most often drunk in shot form. Many Hungarians will drink it as an accompaniment to a meal, as it allegedly helps counteract the traditionally heavy cuisine.
- Scotch in Scotland
Just as with so many of the beverages mentioned on this list, the production of Scotch whiskey is strictly regulated. There are two basic types: single malt and single grain, both of which must be aged for at least three years in oak barrels. With alcohol by volume ranging between 40 and 95%, this is a drink to sip slowly after a comforting plate of haggis, neeps and tatties.
Courtney Gahan is an Aussie serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC. Currently based in Amsterdam.
