The 10 Most Typical Alcoholic Beverages of the World

Whether we like it or not, alcohol is part of a country's gastronomy and culture just like the writers are part of the essay writers team, the apple is part of the apple tree, and the child is part of the family. In addition to wine, there are many stronger alcoholic beverages. If you are one of those who like to try everything typical of the place, here are 10 of the most typical alcoholic beverages in these world countries that you must try on your next trip.

Of course, always in moderation and, of course, never at the wheel!

Pisco in Peru and Chile

Chileans and Peruvians fight over who invented pisco and which is the best. The ones imported to Europe usually come from the city of Pisco in Peru (with IGP), but honestly, it's still just as good whether in Arequipa or Valparaiso!

Pisco is obtained by distilling grapes, like cognac. The alcohol obtained is white in color and has an alcohol content of 30º to 45º.

The most typical cocktail with this alcoholic beverage is the pisco sour, the national drink in Peru and Chile.

Indonesian arak or Lebanese?

Ten thousand kilometers separate from Bali from Beirut, but people from both these very different countries agree that arak is the best drink in the world for a good party. However, is it really the same alcohol?

The word arak comes from Arabic and means "sweat." It is strong white alcohol obtained from palm (and/or rice) sap. It is usually between 40 and 50 proofs.

In Indonesia, it is usually drunk with Coca-Cola. Pure alcohol, although also some taste it as it is, is used rather treat some diseases or even, in Bali, the Hindus sometimes use an arak-like offering to their gods to move away the bad spirits.

In Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East, arak is a brandy made from distilled and fermented grape must to which anise seeds are added. Pure arak contains between 40 to 50 degrees of alcohol, but it is drunk mixed with water and ice cubes.

Mezcal in Mexico

Similar to tequila but more potent! Mezcal is another of Mexico's most typical alcoholic beverages. This one is made from the distillation of agave. The main difference between tequila and mezcal is that tequila is only produced from blue agave, while mezcal can be made from about fifty different "manguey" plants. In addition, the alcohol content of tequila is 38%, while mezcal can be distilled at 37%, 45%, and 50%. It is not alcohol for wimps!

Cape Verde grogue

Grogue is an aguardente made from sugar cane and high alcoholic content. It is the national drink of Cape Verde. Its production is primarily artisanal, and almost all sugar cane is used in the production of grogue. Grogue is also used as a base for medicinal preparations, adding herbs such as rue, rosemary, or anise.

Grogue usually originates from the island of Santo Antão and, in particular, from the Ribeira do Paul valley.

Grappa in Italy

Grappa is a grape marc produced in Italy. There are several types of grappa:

• Grappe giovani (young grappa): bottled immediately after distillation, it has a dry and pleasant taste.
• Grappe invecchiate (aged or matured grappa): matured for 12 months in wooden casks (or 18 months for the very mature version, also called reserve). Its color is more golden/amber.
• Grappe aromatiche (scented or flavored grappa): grappa flavored with medicinal plants (juniper, sage, eucalyptus, mint), spices (e.g., cumin), and fruits.
• Grappe di monovitigno (monovarietal grappa) is monovarietal if 85% of the pomace used belongs to a single grape variety.

Italian Fernet-Branca consumed by Argentines

Fernet-Branca is a bitter herbal liqueur invented in Italy in 1836. It contains, among others, gentian, rhubarb, aloe, chamomile, saffron, etc. Although nowadays it is an alcoholic beverage, this liqueur was originally used to treat headaches and stomach aches after Italian wine nights.

This liqueur fell into disuse in Italy, but it is still very popular in Argentina and Uruguay, where it is generally consumed mixed with Coca-Cola. This cocktail, commonly known as Fernet-Cola, was born in Córdoba.

Japanese Sake

Sake is a word from the Japanese language that means "alcoholic beverage" and refers to rice alcohol, produced in fermentation, and has between 14 and 17 degrees of alcohol. The rice is carefully selected from about fifty varieties of "sake."

Cachaça in Brazil

Cachaça is obtained from fermentation and distillation of vesou, sugar cane juice. It is white alcohol distilled between 38 ° and 48 °, weaker than agricultural rum.

The most typical cocktail with this alcohol: is the caipirinha, emblematic of Brazil and the Carioca beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana). The secret of a good caïpi: lots of lime and cane sugar!

Ouzo in Greece

Ouzo is an aniseed liqueur of Greek origin with a strong sweet taste and licorice smell. Made based on ripened grapes and aniseed, it is commonly served at wedding parties, family gatherings, etc. Its alcohol content is between 37° and 50°. Since 1989, European regulations specify that ouzo must be produced in Greece in order to bear this name.

The etymology of the word ouzo is uncertain: it could come from the Italian expression: "Uso Massalia" (to be consumed in Marseille), which was written on shipping crates from Greece to Marseille. Others believe it comes from the Turkish üzüm, a "bunch of grapes."

Cuban rum

Cuban rum is one of the most famous spirits worldwide. The rums distilled on the island of Cuba bear the name "ron de Cuba". Among them Havana Club (a partnership between the Cuban government and Pernod Ricard) is the best known. Although initially distilled in Cuba, its competitor Bacardi moved its headquarters to Bermuda and now produces its rum in Puerto Rico, escaping the Castro regime's era of nationalization.

Thanks for your attention and "love" alcohol responsibly!