We’d argue that authentic drinks are really only found in the country of origin as the culture surrounding the drink itself makes for the authentic drinking experience. It seems as though nearly every country has a special drink of some sort that is shared with others. Drinking around the world means something different in each country you visit.
Communities are built around sharing drinks with others. Friendships are formed and cultivated with the sip of a liquid. And so much can be learned when taking the time to slow down and drink around the world.
Now, before you think we have a drinking problem that we’re trying to pass on to you, we must clarify that’s not the case at all. Having “authentic drinks” in different countries grants a deeper understanding of the culture. It’s truly not about the drink itself, but instead enjoying the drink as the locals do… and hey, some of them are non-alcoholic drinks, so we’ve got that going for us! 😉
Looking for authentic drinks in a specific location? Jump to the area below…
- Authentic Drinks to have in Europe
- Drinks to have in the United Kingdom
- Traditional Drinks to have in North America
- Authentic Drinks to have in South America
- Drinks to have in Africa
- Local Drinks in Asia
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Authentic Drinks to Have in Europe
Trappist Beer in Belgium
Belgium is well known for its beers, and while there’s no such thing as “bad” beer in Belgium, there’s one type of beer you must try. And that’s the Trappist Beer. True Trappist beers are beers made by monks at a Benedictine abbey. They originally could only be purchased at the Abbeys themselves, however, a few Trappists beers can now be purchased in stores across Belgium.
{Traveler’s Tip.. The Trappist Brewery, Westvletern is one of the most sought-after Trappist Breweries in Belgium. If you’re visiting Ypres, or the surrounding area, pop into this brewery!}
Like most other beers in Belgium, you should enjoy the beer under the impression of not getting drunk, but instead as a place to converse with those around you. We’ve found that many times having a beer with others in Belgium means opening one bottle at a time, sharing it in glasses with those around you, and then when everyone’s near done with their glass, crack open another one.
Sangria in Spain
Sangria is wine served traditionally in a pitcher with different fruit soaking inside. You’ll find different types of sangria depending on what region of Spain you’re in. Head to a restaurant and get a pitcher of sangria with some tapas and enjoy eating (and drinking) in the Spanish streets like the locals!
A Stein in Germany
Beer… a lot of beer. A stein is a ginormous pour of German beer. Half a liter to a full liter of beer! You legit need to have some muscles to be able to even hold the glass.. it really is that huge! German beer is super light and refreshing, and the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day!
Pilsner in the Czech Republic
At a restaurant called Lokal in Prague, they serve never-ending beer and all-you-can-eat sides. The food is all locally sourced traditional dishes, and the beer is easy to drink. In fact, almost too easy! Try the half and half beer. It’s half dark, half light beer, and stays separated with the pour!
Champagne in France
For champagne to be called champagne it has to come from the Champagne region of France, so it’s rather obvious that you need to have a glass of champagne in France! Reims is a short train ride from Paris, and is a perfect place to have champagne and even tour many different champagne cellars!
Watch more | Ringing in the New Year in Reims
Glühwein (Mulled Wine) in Germany
Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering just thinking about Glühwein. Glühwein, or in English, mulled wine, is a spiced wine served warm. Found at any and all European Christmas markets, mulled wine is to die for! If you’re visiting Germany in the winter months, head to a Christmas market, get a cup (made specifically for that Christmas market), and enjoy mulled wine as you stroll through all the Christmas stalls!
Guinness in Ireland
Guinness is an Irish Stout. And before you say, “no-way josé” to a dark beer.. you’ve got to give this one a try. It’s has a rich creamy taste and is absolutely full of flavor. The best way to enjoy a Guinness is from the tap. Go into any pub and ask for a pint. You can thank us later! 🙂
Ouzo in Greece
Not going to lie, we actually didn’t like Ouzo when we had it. We were much younger then, didn’t understand the culture behind drinking… and also didn’t like alcohol at all. I’d say it’s about time we go back to Greece just to enjoy this drink. Ouzo is the national drink of Greece, and again, has a culture behind it, not just meant for taking shots of, but instead meant to share over a meal of small tapas-style plates.
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Espresso in Italy
Popping into a café for a quick espresso shot for a euro is such a common thing in Italy. It’s also a really fun thing to take part in. Head to the coffee bar, order an espresso, and stand and drink it, then head on your merry way!
My jaw still hits the floor when I think about the time we were in Cinque Terre and we were ordering lattes each morning and not until the third morning did we realize that ordering an espresso with a shot of Bailey’s was actually cheaper than the latte! Espressos are the way to go in Italy.
Limoncello in Italy
Traditionally served in a chilled glass ice-cold (with no ice), as a refreshing drink, Limoncello is a liquor from the southern region of Italy. It can be used as a mixer in cocktails, but it is often served just on its own.
Drinks to Have in the United Kingdom
Whisky in Scotland
This one is a no-brainer. It’s hard to find words to explain what whisky in Scotland is like. In fact, writing this sitting in Oregon is making me teary-eyed just thinking of having a proper dram in Scotland. With so many different types of whisky to have in Scotland, there is something for everyone. Do a few distillery tours to figure out what kind of whisky you like, and then enjoy a dram at any of the many Scottish pubs as you sit and talk with the Scots!
Irn-Bru in Scotland
Supposedly made as a non-alcoholic drink to encourage people to not drink as much in Scotland, Irn-Bru is now known as a hangover cure. It tastes like cotton candy and has a bright orange color to go with the candy taste. It’s said that there are only three people in the entire world that know the exact recipe for Scotland’s Irn-Bru. The drink itself has quite a fascinating history, read more about it here.
Read + Watch More | 15 Foods and Drinks You’ve Got to Try in Scotland
Tea in England
If you can manage to have afternoon tea, then you bring tea in England to the next level. But, if not, sitting in a traditional pub or even at a hotel and having a pot of tea offers the same English feel. It’s tempting to order coffee with breakfast or on a cold day, but trust us, a cuppa tea with some milk is delightful in England!
Traditional Drinks to Have in North America
Margarita in Mexico
Margaritas are made with Tequila, a distilled alcohol made from agave plants in Mexico. While you can take shots of tequila, served with a salted rim and lime, having the tequila mixed in a traditional margarita on the rocks is our favorite!
Wine in Oregon, USA
We’re from Oregon, so we had to include a local favorite from where we grew up. But don’t let that sway the authenticity of this recommendation. Wine from the Applegate Valley in Oregon is known around the world, and is truly something to enjoy in the area!
Milkshakes in the United States
Oh, my land, not until we were living outside of the United States for quite some time did we realize that milkshakes really are a true delicacy in the United States. Proper American milkshakes are unlike any other. Thick, with more ice cream than milk, and coming in an unreal amount of flavors, milkshakes are a must when visiting the United States.
Moonshine in the United States
Apple pie moonshine to be exact. Moonshine is an unfiltered Bourbon — and since we can’t recommend bourbon whiskey in the states due to how amazing Scottish whisky is… we’ll recommend moonshine instead. Applepie moonshine is a sweet, cinnamon moonshine that’s perfect on a crisp evening!
Authentic Drinks to Have in South America
Wine in Argentina
Dare we argue that wine in Argentina is actually better than Italian wine? Our favorite Argentinian wine is Malbec. These grapes originally came to Argentina in the 1800s, though are now the most popular Argentinian grape for wines. They hold more flavor than other grapes, and as one may expect, pair great with red meats — hello, perfect pair to amazing Argentine steak and lamb!
Maté in Argentina
Technically a drink that is served in many different countries in South America, maté is basically a very caffeinated tea. While you can get maté now in many grocery stores around the world, there’s nothing quite like drinking it in the traditional sense with Argentines! Maté should be served in a cup, traditionally made from a gourd, with a straw that doubles as a filter, filtering out the chunks of maté tea as you drink.
Fruit Juice in Bolivia
There’s nothing quite like fresh fruit juice in Bolivia. Whether you buy it at a market or from some random guy on the street, you’ll not be disappointed! Make sure you try fruit juices with the local fruits, that you may not even be able to pronounce for a true sip of an authentic Bolivian drink!
Coca Tea in Peru
Coca tea is a tea drank in the Andes region of South America, and specifically all over Peru. This tea is a hot topic in the narcotics world, as it is made from the same plant that cocaine is made from. When chemically extracted from the plant, the alkaloids are used to make cocaine. Don’t worry, the leaves by themselves aren’t a narcotic drug.
Coca tea is often drunk as a way to cure altitude sickness. Chewing on just the leaves help in the same way. It’s illegal in the United States and other places around the world, so you truly should try it when in Peru.
Pisco in Peru
The national drink of both Chile and Peru, Pisco is an alcoholic beverage usually served as a mixed drink called a pisco sour. A pisco sour is a drink made with pisco, egg whites, lime juice, and simple syrup. Before you go knocking the egg whites, give one a try.. they’re absolutely great!
Water in Patagonia
If water is making the drinks of the world list, you know it’s some real good water! Patagonia, a region of South America in both Chile and Argentina, is one of the cleanest places in the world. Its waters are so clean, you can actually drink water straight from rivers, streams, and lakes without filtering it! Hiking here is fantastic as you often don’t have to carry water with you, but instead just a cup!
Quinoa Beer in Bolivia
Just as the name sounds, this beer is made from quinoa. If that doesn’t sound like the craziest thing, we don’t know what is! Just give it a try!
Mote con Huesillo in Chile
A traditional summertime Chilean drink that has a whole peach with corn kernels in it… Again, one of those things that doesn’t sound the least bit appetizing, but after a long hot hike to a viewpoint in Santiago, this drink was a real treat! Authentic drinks around the world can’t get more real than this!
Drinks to Have in Africa
Mint Tea in Morocco
Drinking mint tea in Morocco was one of our favorite ways to really enjoy the Moroccan culture. Mint tea is just as it sounds, tea made from mint leaves. However, when in Morocco, you also add loads and loads of sugar to it. Served traditionally in a pot, on a tray, accompanied with a clear glass and a bowl of sugar cubes. Definitely the best of all Morocco drinks!
Read more about drinking authentic mint tea in Morocco here.
Smoothies in Tanzania
When living in Tanzania, every weekend I would go to the local smoothie shop and sit and enjoy a fresh smoothie made with all the local fruits. It was such a fantastic way to wind down and just find rest. While I may have a bias opinion on smoothies in Zanzibar, it’s a no-brainer to drink drinks made with the local produce — and smoothies were the drink of choice!
Authentic Drinks to Have in Asia
Coconut Water in Thailand
No, not your average coconut water served in a can. Coconut water in Thailand consists of a person pushing around a cart of coconuts. When coconut water is ordered, they whack off the top of the coconut with a machete, and then serve it whole with a straw inside for you to drink the freshest coconut water around! All for a whopping price of 1 USD!
Passion Fruit Juice in Thailand
While Jay was head over heels for the coconut water in Thailand, I was drooling over the extremely fresh passion fruit juice! With the juice being made with only the freshest fruit, you won’t find passion fruit juice all the time in Thailand, however, we’d bet any kind of fresh fruit is good.
Sake in Japan
Unfortunately, we’ve never actually been to Japan and had sake in the traditional sense. But from our experience having sake at Japanese restaurants, we can only imagine how great it would be to have sake in Japan — so we had to include it on here! If you do have sake in Japan, let us know.. as it’s an experience we’re dying to have!
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