7 countries famous for their alcohol

One of my favourite things when travelling is to experience the culture of the country that is hosting me. And one way to do that is to sample their national drinks! This list will inspire you to create your own round-the-world tasting tour! Here are some countries that are famous for their alcohol:

1. Russia - Vodka

Vodka first came to Russia in the 14th century, when Italian ambassadors brought a type of spirit made from concentrated grape to Moscow. A Russian monk later created the first recipe for Russian Vodka in 1430. It is now one of the most highly consumed types of alcohol in the country. To drink vodka like the locals, have it chilled without mixers.

2. France - Champagne

Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, but many countries will not recognise a wine as champagne unless it was made in the Champagne region of France. To drink like the locals, serve the alcohol in a Champagne flute after chilling the bottle in an ice bucket.

3. Mexico - Tequila

Much like champagne, tequila is made from the blue agave plant grown in the surrounds of the city Tequila in Mexico. Their national tequila day is the third Saturday of March. To drink tequila like the locals, drink shots of it straight (neat) from a shot glass.

4. Japan - Sake

Sake (called 'nihonshu' in Japan) is a Japanese rice wine. It is the national beverage and can be served chilled, at room temperature or hot, depending on the type of sake and the season. It can be drunk out of a small cup.

5. Ireland - Guinness

Guinness is a dark dry stout originally created in a brewery in Dublin in the 1750s. It is the best-selling alcohol in the country. To drink it like the locals, have Guinness cold in a pint glass.

6. Austria - Schnapps

Schnapps is a strong alcoholic liqueur generally made from fruit. Austrians drink schnapps straight.

7. Spain - Sangria

Sangria is a type of punch, generally made from red wine and chopped fruit, among other things. Under European Union law, to be classified as 'sangria' the beverage must be made in Spain or Portugal.

Want more? Listen to Episode 5 of the Travel Lust Podcast where my friends and I share our favourite drunk travel tales: https://www.travellustpodcast.com/episodes/episode/c2001a83/episode-5-drinking-overseas