National drinks

4th October 2016

Emily Robertshaw

The Scots have whisky and the Russians have vodka but here are some alcoholic winter warmers from other countries around the world.

 

1. Cachaça in Brazil

A sweet, clear liquor from fermented sugar cane. It has an alcohol content of between 38% and 48% and is used to make the famous Brazilian cocktail caipirinha.

Cheers = Saude (Sow-day)

 

2. Maotai in China

A brown liquid distilled from fermented sorghum bicolour. It’s made in the Guizhou province and has an alcohol content of 53%. It’s quite an acquired taste but a lot of people liken it to drinking soy sauce.

Cheers = 干杯 (Gan-bay) 

 

3. Schnaps in Austria

schnaps.jpg

A fruity brandy, which is usually made with apples, pears, peaches or apricots. It’s around 40%-50% alcohol in Austria but the UK and US version (Schnapps) is usually between 15% and 20%.

Cheers = Prost

 

4. Raki in Turkey

A strong, aniseed flavoured, clear drink that turns milky when mixed with water. Other countries have their own versions of this aniseed drink: In Greece they have Ouzo; in France they have Pastis; and in Italy they have Sambuca.

Cheers = Şerefe (Se-ray-fay)

 

5. Grappa in Italy

A grape-based brandy, which is usually served as an after dinner drink. The alcohol content varies between 35% and 60%.

Cheers = Chin Chin

 

6. Rakija in Croatia

A fruit brandy (40% alcohol) usually made with plums but can also be made with a variety of herbs. It’s traditionally served as an aperitif at the start of a meal accompanied by dried figs.

Cheers = Živjeli (Zhee-ve-lee)

 

7. Brennivin in Iceland

A clear, unsweetened schnapps (nicknamed ‘Black Death’). It’s usually drunk as a shot and is around 37%-40% alcohol.

Cheers = Skál

 

8. Sahti in Finland

A traditional beer flavoured with juniper berries. It is very often home-brewed but can be bought in commercial sahti breweries.

Cheers = Kippis

 

9. Unicum in Hungary

A herbal liqueur, which is aged in oak barrels for 6 months before serving. It is usually served before dinner but you can drink it afterwards too.

Cheers = Egészégére (Eh-gace-shayg-ai-reh)

 

 

 

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