Drink like a Local

One key aspect of spending time abroad is of course, sampling the local culinary delights. But, figuring out what drink to order in certain circumstances can be just as important! Here’s a quick guide to drinking like a local in 5 of our favorite countries around the world!

Argentina

Fernet con Coca
You can’t go wrong with a Fernet con Coca. While originally Italian, Fernet has found a home in Argentina, where it’s practically the national drink. While the tradition preparation is 30% – 50% Fernet with the rest Coca Cola, some have been known to use the 90210 rule: 90% Fernet, 2 cubes of ice, 10% Coke. And in the great tradition of fabulous drinks, Fernet con Coca has its own anthem.

Malbec
Everything you’ve heard is true – wine in Argentina is delicious and very affordable. For red wine, you really can’t go wrong with a Malbec – a great pair with all of the meat you’ll inevitably be eating in Argentina.

Mate
Mate, mate, mate. At work, at tea time, in the morning, there’s no wrong time to drink mate. It’s the highly caffeinated loose tea typically consumed in groups (think: several people, one straw.) There’s just so much to learn about mate, check out some more details here.

Spain

Sangria
Because who doesn’t want a healthy snack with in their beverage! There is no right or wrong way to prepare Sangria, but the most typical recipe includes wine, brandy, sweetner and of course, chopped fruit.

Cava
Cava is Barcelona’s take on champagne and it’s delicious! Grab a locally produced Cava at your local Xampanyeria, order some bocadillos (sandwiches) or tapas and you’ve got yourself a uniquely Barcelonan culinary experience!

Clara
And in the hot Spanish summer, there is nothing better than meeting your friends in the plaza and sharing a clara – it’s 3/4 beer mixed with Lemon Fanta.

China

Baijiu
In China, it’s all about the Baijiu! While not necessarily sold at bars, Baijiu is the most popular drink in all of China, and has been around for only the last 5,000 years.  While nowadays you might see friends and family sharing Baijiu when celebrating a special event or just hanging out, in the past it was more of a drink to be shared among, say, warriors after an important battle. It’s got a very strong and, ehem, “acquired” taste, especially for a Western palette!

Tea
And then of course China also loves its tea. Green tea, black tea, and fermented tea are most popular for their perceived health benefits. And to serve guests or for personal consumption, Longjing or Tie guan ying are some of the most popular.

Ireland

Guinness
Not surprisingly, it’s hard to come up with a drink more Irish than Guinness.  Drinking Guiness in a pub is one of the most typically Dublin experience one can have. Or head right into the belly of the beast at the Guiness Storehouse.

Whiskey
And if you’ve had your fill of Guinnes, but you’re looking to keep it local, keep in mind that Jameson Whiskey is also produced in Dublin.

Cha
Ok, to be fair cha is really just Irish slang for tea, which we’ve already listed. But it’s pretty safe to say they’re not drinking too much Longjing on the Emerald Isle. Ireland is one of the largest consumers of tea in Europe and for a local option, try Barry’s from Cork. And don’t forget to add milk.

South Africa

Amarula
Haven’t you seen all those drunk elephants wandering around the national park?  Well, that’s because they’ve been eating the marula fruit, the main ingredient in Amarula, a delicious South Africa cream liquer. Ok, fine, the part about the elephants is somewhere between folklore and an urban myth, but the part about it being a great local drink is 100% true!

Rooibos tea
It seems the world just can not get enough tea! The most famous type in South Africa is Rooibos, typically consumed with milk and sugar.  And a new take on Rooibos is a Red Espresso which is Rooibos tea made through espresso machines, so it’s a coffee-esque tea. They have a ton of different options, like a Red Latte, a Iced Red (with cloudy apple juice), etc. etc.

Savanna Cider
And for a proud South African choice, there’s Savanna Cider. According to their Wikipedia page, “the name Savanna stems from the term “African Savannah,” as both the cider and the grassland ecosystem share characteristics of being dry and out there.

Salud! Cheers! Salut! Gān bēi! Sláinte!

mate photo credit  sangria photo credit  amarula photo credit  baijiu photo credit guinness photo credit