While traveling around Europe we were amazed by how every country had such a strong alcoholic culture and traditions. Every country had their own locally brewed beers, and many had their own beloved types of alcohol and spirits typical for their region.
There are ”beer belts”, ”wine belts” and ”vodka belts”, dividing Europe into sections of where you drink what – but one thing is sure: in Europe, alcohol is everywhere, and it is very intergrated into the peoples’ traditons and customs… it is easy to learn about the difference in the effects of certain alcoholic beverages on a person.
Here are some great tasty drinks from around Europe:
Czech Beer – Czech Republic
There are so many kinds of beer in Europe that choosing one specific beer is impossible.
But the best way to find good beer is to visit the countries within the so called ”beer belt” (Belgium, Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and a few regions of other countries).
However, although many might disagree, it’s Czech Republic that takes the prize for best beer – Czech beer is very tasty, incredibly cheap and you get some huge beer glasses.
Then of course, you HAVE to include the Irish Guinness beer 
Spritz – Northern Italy
When you’re in the northern regions of Italy, you will see that almost everyone in the cafes and bars during the late afternoon starts ordering a random orange colored drink.
This drink is called Spritz, and is prepared with white wine, some bitter liqueur like Aperol and a bit of sparkling water, served with ice.
In Padova (just outside of Venice) every single young person drinks it and it has become the traditional drink for the students of the University of Padua.
It originates from Venice and is based on the Austrian Spritzer.
It’s very tasty, and perfect for a hot summer day – plus, you’ll blend in with the locals
Port Wine – Portugal
I could write endless posts just talking about all the tasty European wines, from the Italian Franz Haas to the French Chateau La Lagune, but if I had to choose only one type of wine, it has to be Port wine – it is one of the tastiest wines I’ve tried!
It is so different from other red wines, and is only produced in the Porto region of Portugal.
You will soon realize why all the locals buy wine carafes and drink glass after glass as the night proceeds – it’s quite thick and very sweet.
Rakia – The Balkans
Rakia originates from the 9th century in Bulgaria, and is today the national drink for the whole Balkans.
When you travel around there, you will very likely be offered a few shots by your hosts, as part of a tradition to their guests.
Rakia is a brandy made by the distillation of fermented fruits like plums and cherries, drunken before the meal (lunch and dinner) rather than afterwards.
Ouzo – Greece
This anise-flavored drink has become a symbol for Greek culture. It’s a very strong drink, even when it’s mixed with water, and should be sipped slowly.
Since it takes a little longer than usual to feel tipsy, many people drink far too much and then after a while it all comes at once and they’re suddenly feeling really drunk – that’s why most people drink it together with food and mezethes (Greek style of tapas).
Grappa – Italy
Grappa is made by distilling the skins, seeds, pulps and stems from the leftovers when making wine.
In the old days it was only made to prevent any waste from the wine making, as the people at that time were very poor.
Grappa comes from Northern Italy, and to many people there Grappa is also used as a folk remedy for toothache, rheumatism and indigestion.
Traditionally you drink it after a meal, sometimes mixed into an expresso, perhaps this custom is to make the fiery drink help digest your dinner.
This list can go on and on, but these are a few that are definitely worth trying!
What are some OTHER drinks from Europe you recommend?
(photo credits: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6)
Tasty beer in The Netherlands, who made that up ? In terms of sheer variety and tasteful beers, no country beats Belgium.
Tasty beer in The Netherlands, who made that up ? In terms of sheer variety and tasteful beers, no country beats Belgium.
Netherlands is part of the European “beer belt”, the territory covered by countries where beer is historically the most popular alcoholic beverage.
I liked Belgium too, I guess few places can beat Delirium in Brussels where they offer more than 2000 different types of beer!
Tasty beer in The Netherlands, who made that up ? In terms of sheer variety and tasteful beers, no country beats Belgium.
- Croatia: Pelinkovac. It’s a kinda bitter liqueur, and it’s best with Pipi and ice. Pipi is a croatian version of Fanta Orange.
- UK, Ireland: cider. In Switzerland, where I live, we have shelves of beer in the supermarket, and then 1 or 2 brands of cider – if we’re lucky. In Scotland I was going crazy when entering Tesco’s and discovering they had a huge shelf full of different ciders!! Found out there’s so much more than just Strongbow…
- Germany: Apfelkorn. Actually I really don’t like the taste of Schnapps and all the hard liquor.But Apfelkorn really smells of apples, I’m even able to drink it pure. You shouldn’t do this though, it tastes so much better mixed with ice tea or Coca Cola.
But Sofia, you’re right, the list can go on and on…
Thanks for sharing your favorites Corinne! Schnapps with Coca Cola?? Haha that sounds interesting..
Thanks for sharing your favorites Corinne! Schnapps with Coca Cola?? Haha that sounds interesting..
Thanks for sharing your favorites Corinne! Schnapps with Coca Cola?? Haha that sounds interesting..
Thanks for sharing your favorites Corinne! Schnapps with Coca Cola?? Haha that sounds interesting..
- Croatia: Pelinkovac. It’s a kinda bitter liqueur, and it’s best with Pipi and ice. Pipi is a croatian version of Fanta Orange.
- UK, Ireland: cider. In Switzerland, where I live, we have shelves of beer in the supermarket, and then 1 or 2 brands of cider – if we’re lucky. In Scotland I was going crazy when entering Tesco’s and discovering they had a huge shelf full of different ciders!! Found out there’s so much more than just Strongbow…
- Germany: Apfelkorn. Actually I really don’t like the taste of Schnapps and all the hard liquor.But Apfelkorn really smells of apples, I’m even able to drink it pure. You shouldn’t do this though, it tastes so much better mixed with ice tea or Coca Cola.
But Sofia, you’re right, the list can go on and on…
- Croatia: Pelinkovac. It’s a kinda bitter liqueur, and it’s best with Pipi and ice. Pipi is a croatian version of Fanta Orange.
- UK, Ireland: cider. In Switzerland, where I live, we have shelves of beer in the supermarket, and then 1 or 2 brands of cider – if we’re lucky. In Scotland I was going crazy when entering Tesco’s and discovering they had a huge shelf full of different ciders!! Found out there’s so much more than just Strongbow…
- Germany: Apfelkorn. Actually I really don’t like the taste of Schnapps and all the hard liquor.But Apfelkorn really smells of apples, I’m even able to drink it pure. You shouldn’t do this though, it tastes so much better mixed with ice tea or Coca Cola.
But Sofia, you’re right, the list can go on and on…
French cidre… not a boozy thing at all with very low alcohol content, but that’s part of the appeal… you can drink it all day!
thanks for sharing Steffi – sounds like a perfect drink
While on a train from Paris to Barcelona, we were sitting next to a Catalan couple who ordered a bottle of Cava for the ride. When I told the waiter I’d have a glass of the same, the gentleman insisted on simply sharing their bottle. He shared with us the history of Cava in Catalonia, and we had a great conversation for several hours. One of those great travel experiences…
don’t you just LOVE these kinds of situations! thanks for sharing Deej
Spritz seems like a drink my wife would give a try but I’m all for trying the rakia, ouza (seems like something I would really enjoy) and the grappa. The grappa though more to see what it taste like versus actually thinking I would enjoy it. Great post! Can’t go wrong on Alcohol.
haha you are right – can’t go wrong with Alcohol :p Spritz was VERY popular down there, especially with the women
I love all the regional liqueurs around Europe. They mix them with Sparkling wine for a great aperitif! Great list full of beverages I would like to try.
I love all the regional liqueurs around Europe. They mix them with Sparkling wine for a great aperitif! Great list full of beverages I would like to try.
I love all the regional liqueurs around Europe. They mix them with Sparkling wine for a great aperitif! Great list full of beverages I would like to try.
I love all the regional liqueurs around Europe. They mix them with Sparkling wine for a great aperitif! Great list full of beverages I would like to try.
I love all the regional liqueurs around Europe. They mix them with Sparkling wine for a great aperitif! Great list full of beverages I would like to try.
Yeah many European countries seem to love mixing liqueurs and wine, or wine with soda, and I agree, often they actually taste really good.
Hmm, I never thought of Czech Republic as the Beer Capital. I can’t wait to visit!
Prague is a beautiful city, and the food and drinks are great. You’ll love it over there!
Drinking is such a huge part of Europe’s culture… think it must be something (in northern Europe at least) with the rubbish winter weather. I’d also add wine drinking in southern Hungary – Pecs is one of my favourite places for this!
Maybe that has something to do with it, I know that they in some countries used to give the kids a shot of schnapps in the morning before going to school on cold days to keep them warm in the cold weather.
Thanks for the tip about southern Hungary!
I used to think I didn’t like beer – until I went to Holland and Germany and realised that English beer was just crap and gassy!
I’m with Marc on the Belgium shout too. Tremendous!
If you think English beer is crap and gassy then you’re drinking the one ones. If you drank proper draught beer and not crappy lager you’d feel differently. We have the best bitters and ales in the world.
I want to try ALL of these! Not too sure about ouzo though… I’m not a big anise fan. Can’t wait to try these on our RTW trip. If you ever make it out to Korea, you’ll have to try the soju cocktails. They’re delicious!
Raki in Turkey. A lot like Ouzo in Greece. Not my fav but definitely a must when in Turkey
Ouzo is great, just be careful not to mix it with anything else, even a small shot, I mean ANYTHING, you will regret it the other day.. drink it slowly
I just had Rakia a few days ago brought by my friend from Serbia. She brought the ones in tubes (looked like small toothpaste tubes!) package as it was more practical to bring. I had the one with raspberry flavour and it was sooo good!