Liquor
always depends on their places of origin. Most countries create their type of
liquor depending on the availability of the materials (fruits, grains), and the
climate where these materials also depend on. There are many European liquor varieties
as there are countries in the continent, if not more.
For
the adventurous traveler who wants to find out each of the national liquor
these countries boasts of, the following short list is offered for reference.
However, what is listed is by no means representative of any one country, as
there are countries where there are several favorite drinks.
Also,
the list is not complete since we list down only the most famous ones from each
country, and ones that are also familiar with the rest of the world.
France
In
France, you cannot go wrong with wine, and champagne is on top of the list. In Champagne region, there are strict
fermentation rules that make the bubbly beverage one of the world’s most famous
and a “must try”.
Pastis
is anise-flavored liquor first created to respond to the ban on drinks with
more than 16% alcohol. Modern Pastis is 40% ABV and enjoyed without additives,
except a dollop of water.
Germany
With
annual events like Oktoberfest, you have to get a go on German beer. You can
also try the country’s schnapps, first discovered by monks investigating its
medicinal properties.
Today’s
schnapps are distilled from a mélange of fermented fruits and enjoyed straight
up. On the other hand, German law dictates that beer’s only ingredients should be
barley, hops and water.
Ireland
Irish
and whiskey go hand in hand, although they get their first distillers in the
British Isles. It nearly got extinct when the Scots fought back, but it is in
full swing now.
No
Irish pub would be complete without Guinness, either. This Irish dry stout was
originally brewed in 1759, after Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on a
vacant brewery. St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin still exists and still brews
Guinness which is the top-selling alcoholic drink in the country.
England
James
Pimm got the credit for creating this gin-based beverage, which he used to
serve up to his London oyster bar customers in the 1800s. He later bottled and
sold the concoction, and then sold the rights to it.
It
contains gin, lemonade, mint, cucumber, lemon, other fruit and spices. While
Pimm first stirred up the drink as a digestion aid, Pimm’s Cup has grown into a
Wimbledon phenomenon. It is now served at any English pub.
Russia
Vodka
comes from the Russian word, “voda” meaning water. This drink flows freely in
Russia and is also a favorite in Poland.
Vodka
standards have ensured the quality of the drink. Made from fermented potatoes
or grains, it can be enjoyed straight up or mixed with anything.
Spain
Named
for its blood-red color, sangria is a mix of red wine, chopped fruit, sugar,
and a dash of brandy. It is very popular with tourists, relishing its sweet
taste and some punch. These are just some of the world-famous European liquor
known by all from their countries of origin.
Comments
Post a Comment