The ultimate trip planner

Plan & book your dream trip

By on December 20, 2017

Signature Drinks – Get the Right Drinks when you Travel to Europe

One of the best ways to get to know a country is to eat the local food and to drink the local drinks. Whether you decide to paint the town red, or simply enjoy a drink with your meal, you can be sure to have the most authentic experience when you travel  to Europe if you’re armed with the knowledge of the best local drinks!

travel to europe.


Spain – Sangria

Now a popular drink all over the world, sangria originally hails from Spain. The drink gets its name from the Spanish word for blood, “sangre,” due to its color. Sangria is traditionally made from red wine (although white wine is sometimes used) mixed with cut up fruits such as apples, oranges, berries, or lemons.

travel to europe. Young woman making selfie photo with sangria, traditional spanish alcohol drink, sitting outdoors in the old town of Valencia

Traditional Spanish drink – Sangria, Valencia, Spain


Italy – Grappa

As a grape based pomace brandy, grappa is a seriously strong (35 – 60% alcohol) drink. The distillation of this ancient drink dates back to the first century AD!

travel to europe. Golden Alcoholic Drink Being Poured Into Shot Glass, Rustic Still Life, Selective Focus Grappa

Grappa being poured Into shot glass


Greece – Ouzo

Normally served before a meal, this classic Greek ouzo is a dry anise flavored beverage.  Even if you haven’t tried it yourself, you’ve probably seen it in just about every Greek movie!

travel to europe. Greek food and drinks served in a restaurant near beach

Glass of Ouzo and Greek food


Croatia – Rakia

Made from a variety of distilled fruits throughout the Balkans, the Croatian version of this brandy is typically made from grapes. Different regions in Croatia prepare and serve their rakia differently. In the summer, Croatians like to steep nuts in their rakia and leave it on their porches in the sun.

travel to europe. Fishing boat in Bol port, Brac island, Croatia

Bol port, Brac island, Croatia




France – Pastis

Normally diluted with water before drinking, this anise flavored beverage is served with a pitcher of water so the drinkers can dilute it to their taste. Although it is popular throughout France, it is generally associated with Marseille and the southern region.

travel to europe. Views of Marseille with famous church of Notre-Dame de la Garde on a beautiful summer day.

Views of Marseille with famous church of Notre-Dame de la Garde, France


Austria – Schnapps

In Germany, “schnapps” can refer to any strong alcoholic drink, but it is usually a fruit-flavored spirit. For an authentic Austrian beverage, make sure to try Marillenschnaps (apricot brandy).

travel to europe. Apricot brandy in a bottle and fresh apricots in wicker basket

Apricot brandy (Marillenschnaps)


Scotland – Whisky

Note that we spelled it “whisky” and not “whiskey.” The spelling varies around the world, but Scotch whisky is always spelled without an e. It is made from fermented grain mash, and there are dozens of ways to make it, but Scotch whisky is always distilled for at least three years.

travel to europe. Scotch whisky barrels on the Island of Islay

Scotch whisky barrels on the Island of Islay, Scotland


Czech Republic – Becherovka

Produced in Karlovy Vary, Becherovka is known for its ginger and cinnamon flavor, but contains a variety of other herbs and spices. It is said that only two people in the world know the production process from start to finish!

travel to europe. Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, Czech Repbulic


Portugal – Port Wine

Also known as vinho do porto, this sweet red wine is usually a dessert wine and is made exclusively from grapes from the Douro Valley. “Port style” wines are made all over the world, but for the real thing, you need to travel to Europe and get the stuff from Northern Portugal.

travel to europe. Douro Valley, Portugal. Top view of vineyards are on hills.

Douro Valley, Portugal


Hungary – Unicum

This herbal liqueur or bitters is drunk both as a digestif and apéritif. It is aged in oak casks, and contains more than 40 herbs. It has been prodiced by the Zwack family for generations and is regarded as one of the national drinks of Hungary.

travel to europe. The magnificent view towards the Pest bank of the Danube river in Budapest seen from the beautiful Fisherman's Bastion sitting on the Buda bank of the river.

The magnificent from the beautiful Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest, Hungary


Now you’re ready to travel to Europe! Which drink do you plan to try first?

travel to europe. mix of cocktails on the bar, shots and long drinks in a glass of teak, space for text

Mix of cocktails on the bar

 

TAGS
RELATED POSTS

Routeperfect Blog
Worldwide

Routeperfect is a trip-planning tool. We help you create your dream trip based on your travel preferences, budget and style.

subscribe to our newsletter
Destinations
Previous Posts