8 Lesser Known But Equally Popular Alcoholic Drinks From Around The World
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Vodka is Russia¡¯s gift to the world and Italian wines are the finest. Then there is Sake in Japan, and a trip to Spain is incomplete without having a glass of Sangria. But did you know that there are some equally popular, although lesser known, drinks from these countries? We put together a list of eight such intoxicants!
How many can you say you've tried?
1. Socchu, Japan
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Shochu is a local drink in Japan. It tastes a bit like vodka, however, there are different flavours depending on what it is made from. It¡¯s distilled only once, either from sweet potato, barley, or rice. The drink is strong and has a 25% alcohol content. Kyushu is where you¡¯ll find the best Shochu. Enjoy it with lots of ice or cold water.
2. Grappa, Italy
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Italy offers some wonderful alcoholic beverages such as Negroni and Bellini, while Grappa is the lesser known digestif. It is prepared using leftover grapes after making wine. It used to be a poor man¡¯s drink, but has gained significance over the years since it aids with digestion. Grappa tastes best with a little bit of coffee or espresso.
3. Kvass, Russia
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Kvass is the other national drink of Russia, and it is equally popular in other Slavic countries. It has a sour taste and a very low alcohol content. The main ingredients for cooking Kvass are wheat or rye flour, malt, water and yeast. If made correctly, it should include a bit of foam. Interestingly, this drink can also be used as a base for soups!
4. Orujo, Spain
Orujo is a Spanish version of Grappa, and is also prepared the same way. While Sangria is the reigning spirit, Orujo has found its rightful place in the liquor fraternity. There are different variations of the drink ¨C all equally potent. There¡¯s a creamy flavour, coffee induced flavour, and fruity mixes. It is consumed mostly in Northern Spain.
5. Amarula, South Africa
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South African wines are world famous, however, the country boasts of another popular drink ¨C Amarula. A lot like Baileys, Amarula is the perfect liquor, that can be used as a digestif, in cooking or over desserts. It is made from the fruit of the Marula tree, which is also known as the elephant tree.
6. Canelazo, Peru
A South American drink common to Peru, Columbia and Ecuador, Canelazo is a hot alcoholic beverage, and consists a fascinating blend of cinnamon, lime extract, and aguardiente (sugar cane based liqueur). Rum can be used as the base instead of aguardiente. Canelazo is mostly served at fiestas and around Christmas time. Ditch the Pisco sour and opt for the Canelazo instead.
7. Guinness Beer, Ireland
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Baileys is quintessentially Irish, but then there is Guinness beer too. Slightly dry and stout, it is one of the most sought after beers in the world. Locally, it is known as ¡°the black stuff¡±. One of the main ingredients in its preparation was fish bladder. However, since 2015, the company has gone vegan.
8. Red Stripe Beer, Jamaica
When in Jamaica, you would most likely be drinking rum or a rum-based cocktail ¨C maybe a mojito or a pina colada. Next time try the Red Stripe beer. Undoubtedly the best beer in Jamaica in the past 75 years, it was first brewed as an ale and has only 5% alcohol.
So, what¡¯s your poison?
