Us Brits love our tea and will often go to great lengths to track down a decent cuppa abroad – that’s if we’ve forgotten to pack our own stash of teabags of course! In honour of all tea-loving travellers, we discover what drinks the rest of the world can’t manage without – so get that kettle on and have a read!
Spain
Sangria
This fragrant mix of fruit, orange juice, sugar and red wine is the perfect refreshing drink to sip in the Spanish sunshine. Cinnamon features traditionally, but it’s widely available without if that’s going a little too far into mulled wine territory for your taste.
Morocco
Mint Tea
While it might be known as ‘Moroccan whisky’, rest assured that there’s no alcohol in the national drink of this Muslim country. The serving of mint tea represents hospitality, so accepting a glass is endearing to your host. A typical mix of Chinese gunpowder tea, fresh mint, sugar (often chipped from the cone) and water is served in glasses from elegant silver teapots.
Italy
Limoncello
Making excellent use of the lemon groves of Southern Italy, Limoncello is a sweet and tangy alcoholic treat, served chilled on its own or poured over Italian gelato – mmm!
USA
Mountain Dew
This drink has an almost cult-like following in the US, yet it was only available briefly in the UK in the 90s. It’s the most popular non-cola soft drink in the States and comes in a range of flavours besides the original neon green variety. Try it for a holiday energy boost and see what all the fuss is about!
Peru
Pisco Sour
Like the Advocaat that us Brits love to make Snowballs from at Christmas-time, a Pisco Sour is a drink that includes eggs. From Peru, it mixes egg white, Pisco (liquor), lemon juice and sugar for a cocktail that’s bitter, sweet and creamy at the same time.
Austria
Almdudler
This herb-infused grape and apple juice drink is insanely popular in Austria, coming second only to the king of all sodas, Coca-Cola. But you’re unlikely to find it beyond the Austrian borders, so definitely don’t pass up the chance to give it a go if you’re a fan of fizzy drinks.
Turkey & Greece
Raki
Visit a restaurant in Turkey or Greece and you’re likely to be offered a shot of aniseed-flavoured raki alongside your mezze. Go easy though, at 40-45% alcohol, this drink packs quite a punch!
Belgium
Kriek
Belgians make use of the cherry crops native to the area around Brussels with this fruity beer, which is a lovely deep red colour. It’s great to try as an alternative to regular beer. Expect a sour, dry taste instead of sweetness.
Japan
Sake
This Japanese rice wine dates back hundreds of years, with experts believing the drink was first brewed in the 8th century. It can be served hot or cold, and from a variety of different cups, including a traditional wooden box, the masu. One top tip to remember is that the poor quality grade sakes are often served warm to mask any ‘off’ flavours. Try it alongside your sushi and feel like a local!
Denmark
Coffee Punch
If you love your liquor coffees at Christmas then coffee punch, or kaffepunch, is sure to interest you. Pop a coin in your cup then pour over coffee until it’s no longer visible. Then top up with schnapps until you can see the coin again. A simple way to get the coffee/alcohol ratio just right every time – be sure to take out the coin before drinking though!
Mexico
Tequila
You can’t go to Mexico and not try the tequila! Made from a plant grown in the namesake city of Tequila, this 30-50% alcoholic drink might even have an extra surprise in the form of a worm in the bottom of the bottle. A few slammers (using salt and lime) will make for a very happy holiday indeed!
France
Absinthe
This incredibly alcoholic drink (around 60-70% alcohol) is said to cause mind-altering hallucinations, and was banned across Europe for much of the 20th century. Now it’s legal once more, why not try it in its home city of Paris, where the ‘green fairy’ was hugely popular with artists, writers and bohemian types throughout the 19th century. An absinthe fountain is the proper serving device.
Dominican Republic
Mama Juana
This potent rum, red wine and honey concoction is mixed with tree bark and herbs, and is said to cure all manner of ailments, as well as being an aphrodisiac! We imagine you’ll want to avoid homemade versions though, which include sea turtle penis…
Caribbean
Ting
If you can handle your tart citrus flavours then Ting will get those taste buds singing! Made from Jamaican grapefruit juice, this fizzy drink is the ultimate accompaniment to Caribbean sunshine!
China & Vietnam
Snake Wine
This one is worth mentioning just for the OMG-factor. Snake wine is readily available to purchase from street vendors and stalls in Vietnam and China, and consists of whole snakes infused in rice wine. Some drinks use the venom, while others mix in the blood of the snake. Neither sound like our cup of tea!
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