Cheers! Na zdraví! на здоров’я! Prost! ¡Salud! Kippis! Skål!

Well, you get the idea! Making new friends and reconnecting with old ones over a couple of drinks seems to be a near universal tradition. No matter where you go, it’s easy to find a local bar/pub/backyard to grab a cold one. But what you’re drinking can vary as widely as what you’re cheering when you clink glasses. I kept a journal as we traveled, jotting down all the delicious and down-right disgusting drinks we tried along the way so I could bring them all to you! Keep in mind, this isn’t meant to be much of a guide of what to drink as you travel, it’s more a peek at some of the fun you can have with a broad palate and an open mind 😉 So without further ado, get ready for a journey around Europe in (not quite) 80 drinks!
☰ Drinks

Norway

As one of the first stops on our trip it seems only fitting that we begin with the magic of Aquavit! I first spoke about this smooth yet spicy spirit way back when we met Nathanael’s relatives in Oslo, Siv and Terje. This particular brand, Linie Aquavit is matured in sherry casks which are sailed across the equator twice. In theory the movement of the waves, saltiness of the air, and whatnot ages and flavours the aquavit.

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At a Glance:

Name: Linie Aquavit

Alcohol Content: 41.5%

Aesthetic: Clear, golden colour

Flavour: Light, smooth, spicy

When, Where, Who: November 8, 2013 in Oslo with Siv and Terje

Thoughts: 4/5, Pretty good!

Poland

Walking into a Polish liquor store can leave you dizzy with their selection of flavoured vodkas, how do you choose?! They have been distilling for centuries and have vodka down to an art. While wiśniówka (cherry-flavoured) and krupnik (honey vodka) are easy-to-drink and well-worth the hangover, it was Żubrówka that won our hearts. Rye vodka is infused with sweetgrass (specifically, Hierochloe odorata) to bring you a drink that will make you sigh dreamily over your glass. Next time you’re looking in the vodka section of your local liquor store, keep your eyes open for the bison on the label and a blade of grass in the bottle, you won’t be disappointed.

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At a Glance:

Name: Żubrówka

Alcohol Content: 40%

Aesthetic: Very light yellow-green tint

Flavour: Sweet, smooth, grassy

When, Where, Who: May 8, 2014 at Tramp Hostel in Kraków

Thoughts: 5/5, this has become a favourite of ours back home

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At a Glance:

Name: Razowy Kwas Chlebowy

Alcohol Content: N/A

Aesthetic: Similar to Coca-cola

Flavour: Like dark rye or barley malt

When, Where, Who: May 22, 2014 in Sejny, Poland with Ola, John, and Nathanael

Thoughts: 2/5, Not my favourite

Scotland

While we were gallivanting through the Shetland Islands, playing with the ponies and stumbling across old viking settlements, we had the privilege of volunteering at the Baltasound Hotel on Unst. We spent many evenings with our fellow volunteers, Kerry and Isaac, popping into Springer’s Bar (the most northern pub in the UK!) next door and we did our best to work our way through their collection of Scotch whiskies. Fun facts: Scotch is whisky produced in Scotland, Scotch whisky must be aged at least three years in an oak barrel, and there are five distinct categories of Scotch: 1) single malt, 2) single grain, 3) blended malt, 4) blended grain, and 5) blended. Here were our highlights:

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At a Glance:

Name: Old Pulteney, aged 12 Years

Alcohol Content: 40%

Aesthetic: Clear, deep amber

Flavour: Smooth with a nice finish

When, Where, Who: March 5, 2014 at Springer’s Bar, Unst with Kerry and Isaac

Thoughts: 4/5, my favourite of all that we tried

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At a Glance:

Name: Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Alcohol Content: 48%

Aesthetic: Clear, amber

Flavour: Very smokey and intense

When, Where, Who: March 5, 2014 at Springer’s Bar, Unst with Kerry and Isaac

Thoughts: 2/5, Nathanael’s most and my least favourite

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At a Glance:

Name: McEwan’s Export

Alcohol Content: 4.5%

Aesthetic: Dark amber with reddish tones

Flavour: Strong roasted flavour and sweet finish

When, Where, Who: Springer’s Bar, Unst with Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, Pretty good, Nathanael’s favourite is McEwan’s Scotch Ale

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At a Glance:

Name: Northern Light

Alcohol Content: 4.0%

Aesthetic: Light, golden

Flavour: Citrus-y, bitter aftertaste

When, Where, Who: Springer’s Bar, Unst with Nathanael

Thoughts: 3.5/5, Pretty good, brewed by the Orkney Brewery

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At a Glance:

Name: White Wife

Alcohol Content: 4.5%

Aesthetic: Light, golden

Flavour: Caramel, bitter aftertaste

When, Where, Who: Springer’s Bar, Unst with Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, Brewed by the Valhalla Brewery on Unst!

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At a Glance:

Name: Irn-Bru

Alcohol Content: N/A

Aesthetic: Electric orange

Flavour: Orange soda

When, Where, Who: February 12, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland with Nathanael

Thoughts: 3/5, Not for me, but you can’t not try this iconic Scottish soda 😉

Czech Republic

So you have found yourself in Czech thinking to yourself, well I can’t pass up trying absinthe, right? Apparently if you’re looking to enjoy the experience, Czech probably isn’t the best place to try it (for some thoughts on that, read here). That being said, it’s hard to escape the allure of absinthe in Prague where it’s advertised in nearly every shop and can be consumed in shots, drinks, ice cream, you name it. My advice is to go for the real experience, distilled absinthe with sugar, an absinthe spoon, and a fountain. We didn’t and I really wish we had, it would have been a very different experience.

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At a Glance:

Name: Euphoria Classic Absinth

Alcohol Content: 70%

Aesthetic: Bright, lime green

Flavour: Intense, liqorice, harsh

When, Where, Who: May 1, 2014 at our apartment in Prague with my Mom, Dad, and Katrina

Thoughts: 1/5, Brutal, do not drink as a shot, ever

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At a Glance:

Name: Becherovka Original

Alcohol Content: 38%

Aesthetic: Clear, amber

Flavour: Pine needles and gingerbread, a little bit sweet

When, Where, Who: May 2, 2014 in Karlovy Vary

Thoughts: 4/5, Imagine Christmas as a shot

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 At a Glance:

Name: Kozel Světlý

Alcohol Content: 4%

Aesthetic: Golden-brown

Flavour: Light and easy-to-drink

When, Where, Who:  May 3, 2014 in Prague (and elsewhere) with Mom

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 At a Glance:

Name:  Vinne Sklepy Müller-Thurgau

Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Aesthetic: Very pale

Flavour: Subtle, with a stronger finish

When, Where, Who:  April 30, 2014 in Kutná Hora with Mom and Nathanael

Thoughts: 5/5, Tasty! Grown in a biodynamic farm alongside the Church of St. Barbara in Kutná Hora!

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At a Glance:

Name: Kofola

Alcohol Content: N/A

Aesthetic: Similar to Coca-cola

Flavour: Sweet, maybe fruity?

When, Where, Who: April 25, 2014 in Prague with Nathanael

Thoughts: 3/5, Not bad, Nat likes Kofola better than Coke

Latvia

Latvia has interesting taste in their drinks! We weren’t sure what to expect as we ventured out from our apartment in Jūrmala to check out the selection of a nearby store. We were recommended the traditional Black Balsam as a starting point. Bitter and herbal, it wasn’t an instant favourite in our books but it’s pretty good in mixed drinks. If you’re feeling spicy, check out Piparu rūgtais for a unique experience you won’t soon forget.

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At a Glance:

Name: Black Balsam

Alcohol Content: 45%

Aesthetic: Thick, dark brown, syrupy

Flavour: Herbal, astringent, bitter aftertaste

When, Where, Who: June 2, 2014 in our Jūrmala apartment

Thoughts: 2/5, Very strong with a bitter aftertaste but not bad mixed with currant juice

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At a Glance:

Name: Piparu rūgtais

Alcohol Content: 35%

Aesthetic: Clear, amber

Flavour: Sweet and spicy!

When, Where, Who: May 31, 2014 in our Jūrmala apartment

Thoughts: 3/5, Very spicy finish similar to black pepper, but not bad!

Bulgaria

Ahhh, Bulgaria, we will always have a soft spot in our hearts for our time in Bulgaria. We volunteered at a hostel in the small town of Malak izvor and spent our days hiking in the idyllic hills surrounding. It goes by a variety of names throughout the Balkans and depending on the flavour, but we were introduced to it as Rakia, a delicious plum liquor. One of our most memorable experiences in Bulgaria was actually over a shot glass of home-made Rakia! While hiking in the woods near Teteven we encountered an older gentleman out for a walk who invited our little group to his nearby home to share drinks of home-brew and some good company.

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At a Glance:

Name: Rakia

Alcohol Content: 37.5%

Aesthetic: Clear

Flavour: Sweet grape and cinnamon

When, Where, Who: Septemeber 17, 2014 at Little Spring Guesthouse in Malak izvor with Max

Thoughts:  5/5, Delicious! A favourite for Nathanael

Italy

What can I say about Italy that hasn’t already been said elsewhere, likely in a more eloquent and poetic fashion than I could ever manage? Italy is lovely, in so many ways, and we saw some amazing places. My mom and I are big fans of wine, so needless to say we fit right in and here’s a glimpse at just a few of our samplings.

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At a Glance:

Name: di Lenardo Chardonnay

Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Aesthetic: Bright yellow, clear

Flavour: Tart with a fruity finish

When, Where, Who: April 16, 2015 in the di Lenardo Winery with Mom

Thoughts: 5/5, Our favourite of the wines we tasted, lovely!

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At a Glance:

Name: Soave Classico

Alcohol Content: 12%

Aesthetic: Pale yellow

Flavour: Dry, fruity

When, Where, Who: April 15, 2015 in Verona with Mom

Thoughts: 4/5, Lovely!

Hungary

Cycling the streets of Budapest with our couchsurfing host I found myself thinking I was in love. With the evening, the city, the country! Hungary is a special place, one we have repeatedly recommended to friends and family. Something we hadn’t realized prior to visiting is that Hungary is well-known for its beautiful wines and liqueurs! I have listed sweet, golden Tokaj wine below under Slovakia, as that was where we first tried it, but the Tokaj Wine Region within Hungary is actually on the World Heritage List! The Eger region is famous for the delicious “Bull’s Blood of Eger” red wine, so be sure to tour the wine cellars of the “Valley of the Beautiful Women“.

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At a Glance:

Name: Egri Bikavér

Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Aesthetic: Rich red

Flavour: Rich, round, full

When, Where, Who: November 3, 2014 in Tiszaigar with Koby, Klaus, and Mary

Thoughts: 5/5, Amazing, a favourite from the Eger region

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At a Glance:

Name: Felső-Magyarország (unfortunately this is all I had written for this entry)

Alcohol Content: 11.5%

Aesthetic: Rich purple

Flavour: Very sweet and berry-like, think blueberries and blackberries

When, Where, Who: November 2, 2014 at our Airbnb in Eger

Thoughts: 4/5, Loved it this first time, but found it a bit too sweet after trying Egri Bikavér

Slovakia

Slovakia! Home to warm, welcoming people, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, and some pretty spectacular castles. It’s a hikers paradise, with the Tatras ranges providing ample opportunities to get lost in the rugged landscape. When you make your way back to civilization be sure to try a shot of slivovica, a particular favourite of Nathanael, and gather with friends to toast with drinks of Tokaj!

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At a Glance:

Name: Tokaj

Alcohol Content: about 12%

Aesthetic: Golden yellow

Flavour: Sweet and rich, like plums

When, Where, Who: January 2, 2015 in Nitrianske Rudno with Mario and his family

Thoughts:  4/5, A delicious special occasion wine!

Spain

We visited Spain in the height of summer, so I think it goes without saying that we actively sought out the most refreshing drinks available! Spain is world-famous for its wines and it’s no surprise they have created the perfect drink for cooling off on the patio. Typically a chilled blend of red wine, fresh fruit, and fruit juice, a cool glass of sangria is the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona and Madrid. A little less well-known, you can find horchata in market places and it’s a delicious, creamy treat while you shop!

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At a Glance:

Name: Sangria

Alcohol Content: about 7%

Aesthetic: Cloudy, red

Flavour: Fruity and refreshing

When, Where, Who: July 23, 2015 at our Airbnb in Barcelona

Thoughts: 5/5, Perfectly refreshing for the heat of a Spanish summer

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At a Glance:

Name: Horchata de Chufa

Alcohol Content: N/A

Aesthetic: White, creamy

Flavour: Sweet, refreshing, delicious

When, Where, Who: July, 2015 at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona

Thoughts: 5/5,  Unique and ice-cold, perfect for wandering the market

Belgium

When it comes to alcohol consumption, Belgium is hard to beat! Beer is arguably Belgium’s most-famous beverage of choice and they have some pretty unique offerings. Spontaneously fermented lambic beers are delightfully tangy, though a bit of an acquired taste. These lambic-style beers can be blended together to produce gueuze beer or with fruit (such as sour Morello cherries) to create varieties like kriek. Trappist beers are traditionally brewed within Trappist monasteries by monks. Trappist monasteries recognized by the International Trappist Association are almost exclusively located within Europe, with six of the 14 recognized monasteries (as of 2019) located within Belgium.

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At a Glance:

Name: Cantillon Gueuze

Alcohol Content: 5%

Aesthetic: Light

Flavour: Sour, a bit citrusy

When, Where, Who: July 14, 2015 at our campsite in Brussels

Thoughts: 3/5, Lambics are pretty unique, I really like them but Nat isn’t a fan

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At a Glance:

Name: Cantillon Kriek

Alcohol Content: 5%

Aesthetic: Dark

Flavour: Sour cherries

When, Where, Who: July 14, 2015  at our campsite in Brussels

Thoughts: 5/5, A favourite of mine! Imagine a beer that tastes like sour cherry candies

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At a Glance:

Name: Trappistes Rochefort

Alcohol Content: 9.2%

Aesthetic: Dark

Flavour: Sweet and malty

When, Where, Who: July 14, 2015 at our campsite in Brussels

Thoughts: 4/5, Nathanael is a big fan!

Germany

Where to even begin with Germany? Beer is a pretty obvious starting point. Boisterous beer halls, Oktoberfest, and distinctive local flavours are just a few of the reasons why the German love of beer is so well-known. Don’t be afraid to join in! Beer halls often feature long tables or beautiful outdoor areas perfect for meeting friends and enjoying the afternoon in great company. And don’t forget to sample other German delights, such as the wide array of interesting liqueurs and digestifs!

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At a Glance:

Name: Schlenkerla Rauchbier

Alcohol Content: about 5%

Aesthetic: Dark

Flavour: Smokey, like bacon

When, Where, Who: May 4, 2015 at Schlenkerla in Bamberg with Braeden

Thoughts: 3/5, Interesting smokey flavour, like drinking bacon

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At a Glance:

Name: Eierlikör (homemade)

Alcohol Content: ?%

Aesthetic: Creamy

Flavour: Similar to eggnog or cake

When, Where, Who: July 6, 2015 in Tülau with Anita, Manfred, and Ingrid

Thoughts: 5/5, Delicious! Very rich

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At a Glance:

Name: Mezzo Mix

Alcohol Content: N/A

Aesthetic: Orange Coca-cola

Flavour: A mixture of Fanta and Coke

When, Where, Who: May 4, 2015 in Nuremberg with Uli, Braeden, and Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, Surprisingly good!

Wales

Wales is a small country bordering England with a beautiful, rugged coastline and enough castles packed into it to satisfy anyones medieval craving! Welsh beers are among the more popular local beverages of choice, but make sure you try the mead and locally distilled whiskeys!

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At a Glance:

Name: Conwy Mead

Alcohol Content: 18%

Aesthetic: Clear and golden

Flavour: Very sweet but the whisky cuts it nicely

When, Where, Who: April 20, 2014 in Conwy

Thoughts: 4/5, Touristy, but some of the best mead we’ve had

Lithuania

If any country can give Belgium a run for its money in terms of alcohol consumption, it’s Lithuania. The most southern of the three Baltic countries, Lithuania is an enchanting blend of cultural tradition, scenic natural landscapes, and interesting perspectives. Many countries have their own spin on herbal liqueurs and Lithuania is no exception. As you travel through make sure you try them all and find your favourite cure for whatever is ailing you!

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At a Glance:

Name: 999

Alcohol Content: 35%

Aesthetic: Amber with a greenish hue

Flavour: Sweet with a gentle licorice flavour

When, Where, Who: May 27, 2015 in Vilnius

Thoughts: 4/5, Similar to Jägermeister but smoother and sweeter

Denmark

Grab some friends, pour yourself a drink, and get hygge! Denmark was among the first countries we visited on our adventure. We made some amazing new friends and I would easily put Copenhagen among my top picks for cities to live in. The energy of Denmark is warm and friendly, you will instantly feel at-ease and welcome as soon as you arrive. Enjoy rich, dark coffee in cafes lining the canals and pub experiences peppered with rounds of jovial singing and cold beer. Don’t forget to tour the breweries!

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At a Glance:

Name: Jacobsen Original Dark Lager

Alcohol Content: 4.5%

Aesthetic: Dark, warm

Flavour: Malty, sweet

When, Where, Who: November 14, 2013 in Copenhagen with Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, All-around a great beer

Finland

We enjoyed our time with our Solbacka family so much we actually visited twice, the winter and summer! This gave us a wonderful, well-rounded appreciation for the beauty of Finnish countryside and the kindness of its inhabitants. Helsinki and Sveaborg are great places to explore and get a sense of Finland’s history and urban life, but make sure you make your way out into the countryside and forests as well to appreciate the natural beauty Finland has to offer. Wash down your lingonberries and leipäjuusto with refreshing Long drinks or, better yet, a Finnish beer!

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At a Glance:

Name: Lonkero, Original Long Drink

Alcohol Content: 5.5%

Aesthetic: Cloudy, carbonated

Flavour: Refreshing, grapefruit

When, Where, Who: January 19, 2014 in Helsinki with Nathanael, Jeff, and Laura

Thoughts: 5/5, I have a soft spot for gin mixed drinks 😉

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At a Glance:

Name: Lapin Kulta Luomu

Alcohol Content: 4.6%

Aesthetic: Dark, reddish

Flavour: Easy-drinking

When, Where, Who: December 20, 2013 in Solbacka with Petra, Charlie, Pia, and Nathanael

Thoughts: 3/5, An easy-drinking, organic beer

Estonia

While we weren’t able to explore as much of Estonia as we would have liked, we LOVED Tallinn. We visited in both summer and winter, enjoying the Christmas lights and festivities in the quieter winter months and the lively, outdoor concerts during the summer. To this day, Nathanael and I both agree that the all-time favourite meal of our trip was at Põrgu, so don’t forget to check it out! If you’re wanting a quick meal and a step back in time at a memorable spot, go spear some pickles and enjoy mugs of ale at Draakon!

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At a Glance:

Name: Pühade Porter

Alcohol Content: 6.9%

Aesthetic: Dark

Flavour: Strong, malty, roasted like syrup or dark bread

When, Where, Who: January 12, 2014 in Tallinn with Nathanel

Thoughts: 3.5/5, A bit strong but tasty

Ireland

I am such a sucker for a tall, cold pint of cider. We spent a decent amount of time pub-hopping in Ireland, from our local in Greystones to the packed tables of Temple Bar in Dublin. There’s nothing like multiple, cold drinks and some local music after spending a day following the footsteps of Cúchulainn or climbing the Giant’s Causeway. Obviously I couldn’t even begin to list the various ciders, beers, and beverages of Ireland, but the few below will at least give you a starting point. And if you indulge a little too much, a heavy breakfast of eggs, blood sausage, baked beans, toast, and tomatoes is just what the doctor ordered.

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At a Glance:

Name: O’hara’s Irish Red

Alcohol Content: 4.3%

Aesthetic: Dark and red

Flavour: Smooth, caramel

When, Where, Who: Clement’s home in Greystones, Ireland with Nathanael

Thoughts: 5/5, Nice with a sweet aftertaste!

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At a Glance:

Name: Magners Irish Cider Original

Alcohol Content: 4.5%

Aesthetic: Light, yellow-gold

Flavour: Nice, light, tart!

When, Where, Who: Greystones, Ireland with Nathanael

Thoughts: 5/5, So good

Turkey

Turkey is a beautiful country and usually one of the first I recommend when people ask where they should consider visiting. In our experience everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, we were offered ekmek and çay by strangers when we looked lost and made new friends whenever we visited the local market. When it comes to favourite drinks, an unexpected contender of mine is a cool, frothy glass of ayran. We visited Turkey in the height of summer and on those brutally hot days there was nothing better than a cool, slightly salty glass of ayran which you could find just about anywhere.

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At a Glance:

Name: Efes

Alcohol Content: 4.8%

Aesthetic: Light

Flavour: Smells floral, slightly sweet

When, Where, Who: July 18, 2014 in Izmir, Turkey with Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, Refreshing!

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At a Glance:

Name: Ayran

Alcohol Content: N/A

Aesthetic: White, creamy

Flavour: Yogurty, a little salty, refreshing

When, Where, Who: July, 2014 in Kabakum, Turkey with Nathanael and Hülya

Thoughts: 4/5, I wasn’t sure about the flavour initially, but this was perfect on crazy hot days

Romania

Dracula-paraphernalia abounds in Romania, but don’t let stories of fanged creatures of the night deter you!  The cities are beautiful, laid-back, and rich with history. Timișoara and Sighișoara look like they are straight out of a fairy-tale and Brașov is a fun, modern metropolis, there’s something for everyone. Strong beers were favourites of ours during our visit and they are a great companion to a hearty dish of roasted pork, mmmm.

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At a Glance:

Name: Silva Strong Dark Lager

Alcohol Content: 7%

Aesthetic: Dark

Flavour: Roasted caramel with a smooth, sweet finish

When, Where, Who: February 10, 2015 in a restaurant in Cluj-Napoca, Romania with Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, A sweet, strong beer, very nice over our pasta dinner

England

Like Ireland, we enjoyed many a fine night in the pub with new friends and with visiting family! Nathanael fell in love with pints of dark Guinness, while I continued my on-going love affair with refreshing drinks of cider. Also like with Ireland, I couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the fine drinks your can find on tap in your local pub. Whether it is a small, quiet hillside local or a rowdy joint with sandwiches passed around and an Elvis impersonator giving his all (true story, it was a great night), you are sure to have a memorable time discovering a favourite brew of your own when you visit!

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At a Glance:

Name: Charmer

Alcohol Content: 6%

Aesthetic: Amber

Flavour: Crisp, light

When, Where, Who: April 20, 2014 in Bath Spa, England with Braeden and Nathanael

Thoughts: 4/5, Delicious, made by Orchard Pig in Glastonbury

Croatia

A favourite of my whole family, we had an amazing adventure in Croatia. Whether you visit to experience idyllic island life, incredible natural beauty, or cities showcasing Croatia’s rich, blended history, Croatia is a country that will leave you sun-kissed and smiling wherever you visit. Local wines and liqueurs were popular drinks of choice for us, and among the most unique was the lavender-flavoured liqueur my Mom and I tried in Poreč. While I can’t say it was a drink I would go out of my way for anytime soon, it certainly was memorable!

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At a Glance:

Name: Lavanda

Alcohol Content: 28%

Aesthetic: Pale purple

Flavour: Very sweet and heavy lavender flavour

When, Where, Who: April 21, 2015 at the Sempervivum distillery in Poreč with Mom

Thoughts: 2/5, Pretty overpowering, okay in some cocktails, Nathanael still makes fun of me for buying a bottle of this

Greece

As soon as we landed in Greece we eagerly rushed out to try some of the local specialties we had been looking forward to trying. For me, I could have eaten euros and souvlaki daily for our entire stay, I was in heaven. For Nathanael, he loved the cloudy, anise-flavoured drink of choice, ouzo. One of my favourite experiences in our local town of Mohos was heading to the local tavern with our workaway host and enjoying drinks of ouzo with the local variation of mezé with dishes of fava beans, snails, olives, and cheeses.

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At a Glance:

Name: Ouzo

Alcohol Content: 40%

Aesthetic: Clear

Flavour: Strong anise

When, Where, Who: May 25, 2015 in Chania with Nathanael

Thoughts: 1/5, I hated it but Nat loved it