Tracing The Local Brews Of Europe

If you’re planning to visit Europe, rest assured that this is the best season to pay a visit. From blossoming tulips, to breezy cafés - buzzing with friendly strangers watching football matches and cheering their team on, European summers are an experience in themselves. The best thing about a Euro trip though is planning your alcohol trail across the continent. With local wines and crafty brews, Europe has one of the best ranges of alcoholic beverages varying in taste and alcohol content. There’s something for everyone in here. Whether you like to enjoy hard liquor or perhaps a dainty fruity wine, Europe is where you’ll get it all. Here are all of the must-try alcoholic beverages of Europe: 

1) France

Wine is to France’s beverage scene as much as croissant is to its food scape. While you’re in France, try the wines from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Languedoc, Champagne, the Loire Valley, Alsace, Rhône, Provence and Corsica. You’ll find a distinct taste and style of brewing in each of these regions. France’s aperitif like Kir and liquorice flavoured liqueur like Pastis are also a must-try. Did you know that Kir was named after the French Politician Félix Kir, who was the mayor of Dijon? 

If you’re visiting Greece you can not miss what the Greek consider their national drink - Ouzo. This liquor is made by distilling alcohol with cereals and molasses. It is enjoyed along side Meze platters. Another drink worth a try at Greece, is the Tsipouro which is made from grape skins and leftover wine. 

3) Italy 

One way to enjoy your stay in Italy is to taste the Campari. This bitter alcoholic beverage is consumed before food. It’s red in colour and has an orange-ish taste. The way to enjoy Campari is to have it in a cocktail so that the bitter taste of the beverage is as guised as possible by the delicious taste of cocktails. Italy is also known for it’s regional wines. The local brews of Veneto, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont etc are a must-try. 

4) England 

Welcome the England breeze with a Gin and Tonic in your hand. England’s ages old association with Gin makes this drink a must-try here. It is also recommended to taste Pimm’s - a spirit that has gin, fruits and spices. If you’re a beer enthusiast, don’t forget to drink some English Brown Ale - the favourite malt beer of everyone in England. 

When you’re around the Dutch, make sure you have a glass of Advocaat with you. This egg based alcohol that’s enjoyed with desserts is a must-try. Apart from Advocaat, Jenever which is the Dutch counterpart for Genever (a Belgium alcohol) is a drink that is flavoured with juniper berries and is a tasty drink that's consumed neat, on the rocks. Another popular drink in the Netherland is Oranjebitter, an orange-flavoured alcoholic spirit that can be used to boost the flavour profile of other beverages. 

6) Spain 

A creamy bowl of pasta can only be complimented with the best sparkling wine out there - and this is where Cava comes in to picture. Whether you choose white wine or rosé, this drink pairs well with almost all Italian food. Another signature beverage of the Spanish is the Sangria. Sangria is made from wine, fruits and spices, and has become a favourite alcoholic beverage of people from all parts of the globe. 

While the magnificent alps never fail to impress, turn your attention to Williamine and Röteli. Both of these alcoholic beverages are a must-try on your Euro trip. While Röteli is a cherry flavoured brew, Williamine is a fruit flavoured brandy that is distilled from William pears that are locally grown in Switzerland. 

8) Germany 

When visiting Germany, expect there to be rules around alcoholic beverages that’ll take you by surprise. We are talking about the laws that were passed by Duke William IV of Bavaria in 1516 and which are still in force today. The rules are called Reinheitsgebot, and they basically state that the use of only barley, malt, hops and water is permitted in the brewing process. The two drinks to look out for in Germany are the Kirsch and Jäegermeister. The latter is an iconic liqueur that was developed in 1934 and has since become inseparable from the landscape of the Germans. This brew has a blend of 56 botanicals including saffron, citrus, juniper etc. Kirsch on the other hand is a transparent, fruit brandy, native to Germany, that’s double distilled from fermented cherry mash. 

9) Ireland 

The Irish are known to raise the roof when it comes to alcoholic beverages. One of the most popular stouts to have originated from Ireland is the Guinness Draught. The flavour of this nitrogen infused beer made by Guinness & Co. Brewery comes from malted barley and roasted unmalted barley. It is distinctively dark with a rich and creamy taste. Hugely popular with tourists and locals, this alcoholic beverage is a do-not-miss. Other than the Guinness Draught, Baileys and Irish Whiskey are two liquors of Ireland that warrant a try.