If you love drinking, then you may have, at one point, imagined what it would be like to sample drinks around the world. Most seasoned drinkers love trying different levels of alcoholic beverages to test how much they can withstand. As liquor fun, one of the first things you could try in a foreign country is tasting their national drink. How else will you know if your home country is the master in this art? But, did you know that national liquors per country differ significantly not just in the percentage of alcohol but even the ingredients used?
Every country has a liquor that is known and consumed widely by its citizens. Drinking such alcohol is almost like saying, “Hey, I’m your fellow countryman.” These liquors also have traditions associated with them. In most countries, drinking is done jointly with friends.
Below are a few GoTo drinks per country that will give you an idea of the alcoholic beverages, which make a statement in other countries. If you are planning a trip to any of them, you better not miss out on these symbolic drinks. Please have a look at them.
Pisco (Peru)
Peru is well known for making Pisco. Pisco is prepared by fermenting eight different grape varietals for a few weeks, then distilling the resulting wine into copper pot stills. The liquid is then vaporized and condensed into a high-alcohol liquor. Pisco must rest for three months in stainless steel or glass containers before its ready for consumption. The people of Peru do not dilute Pisco or add any additives when drinking it. It is consumed in its pure form, and anyone seen mixing Pisco with anything is regarded as a clueless drinker. Pisco has a fresh taste of sweetness on the palate though others can have a bitter to herbaceous flavor. It is colorless to yellowish-to-amber in color.
Singani (Bolivia)
Singani is a native Bolivian spirit that has been produced in Bolivia for hundreds of years. Singani is made from a unique wine that is fermented in a natural environment. The grapes used to prepare singani are grown in the country and fermented into wine then to spirit. Singani is produced from only one specific varietal grape grown at very high altitudes. The extreme cold temperatures in these altitudes make the grapes develop a thick skin to protect themselves. It is in this thick skin that lies the secret to singani’s uniquely rich aroma and taste. Singani is best enjoyed with ice and a slice of lime.
Grappa (Italy)
Grappa is a distilled Italian beverage traditionally made from pomace. Pomace is a by-product of the winemaking process that comprises of grape seeds, stems, and stalks. If you are in Italy and want to pose like a typical Italian, concluding your meal with Grappa will do the trick. Grappa is 80 to 90 proof. It is distilled then stored in glass bottles for around six months before distribution. This Italian liquor is available in different tastes, depending on the grapes used to prepare it. It is however, generally known to be potent and dry. Some producers in the American market like adding a little syrup or herbs to give it a sweeter taste. Grappa is sold by most American liquor retailers and is available in almost all American wine stores. Your nose plays a critical role in confirming if your Grappa is perfectly prepared. Once you are struck with a pleasant aroma from the serving glass, relax and sip your Grappa slowly, knowing you’ve got the real deal.
Vodka (Russia)
Russia is well known for their vodka. Vodka is a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from water, ethanol and occasionally with some traces of impurities and flavorings. This Russian national liquor is prepared traditionally by distilling liquid from fermented potatoes or cereal grains. Modern distillers use fruits or sugar as the base. Russians typically serve vodka chilled accompanied with salty snacks. Chilling vodka softens its taste. It is best drinking it in a gulp then take the snacks afterward. Vodka is believed to clear the taste buds, and you can taste every bit of whatever you take after it. Russians love drinking vodka in groups, and they have to make a toast before beginning to drink.