What to drink in Europe

Also known as ‘fire drink’, this one is from Galicia, Spain, and drunk as part of an ancient Celtic ritual believed to ward off evil spirits. It’s made by simmering lemon peel, coffee beans, cinnamon and a strong alcoholic liqueur called orujo over a big stove pot, then it’s set on fire until the flame turns blue. You're likely to come across this fiery drink in villages across the Camino!

This one is for the coffee lovers and we mean coffee lovers because this cup of caffeine is intense. In Turkey, coffee and teas are less about caffeine and more about culture and connection. Finely ground coffee is simmered in a small pot and served unfiltered in tiny cups. It’s thick and intense and should be paired with something sweet. Bonus – you can get your fortune read in the leftover grounds.

Scotch whiskey is whiskey made in Scotland, so it’s only right that you try it while you’re there. It’s typically made from malted barley and aged in oak barrels for a few years before it makes it to your glass. For many Scots, this drink is a symbol of national pride and heritage.

If you've had a heavy meal, one of the best ways to help settle your stomach is to drink becherovka – a herbal liquor that's drunk as a digestif. But be warned, this refreshing cinnamon-y, clove-y liquid has an alcohol content of 40% so while it might taste really good, a couple of sips is enough to have you feeling its effects. It shouldn't deter you from trying it, though.

You can't get a beverage any more French than champagne. This sparkling wine hails from the Champagne wine region and is drunk all over the world on special occasions. It makes sense to have at least one glass of the bubbly stuff in the country where it originated. Unique and slightly sweet in flavour, this effervescent beverage is one to be enjoyed.

If beer or schnapps aren't for you, Apfelwein, Germany's version of apple cider, might be. Made with a combination of sour-tasting apples like Bohnapfel or Speierling, this sparkling cider makes for a refreshing meal accompaniment and is considered to be one of Germany's signature beverages.

Go to any restaurant on the mainland or any of the islands in Greece in the late afternoon or early evening and you'll notice people shouting "opa" quickly followed by a sip from a glass of ouzo. That's because it's one of the country's most famous beverages and is brought out at any and every chance. Not just reserved for celebrations or special occasions, ouzo is to be slowly savoured when the temperatures are warm and the vibes are high.

Drinking tea in England is like eating meat pies in Australia – it's something that's so far ingrained in the country's culture that it would be a crime to travel there and not embrace it. From black tea to Earl Grey, drinking tea is often a morning or afternoon ritual accompanied by savoury snacks.

If you're heading to the Italian coast, you can't go past ordering a limoncello (or two) as a special after-dinner treat. Originally made from Femminello St. Teresa lemons from the Sorrento Peninsula, this light and refreshing drink packs a sweet and tangy punch. It has a lower alcohol content than other liquors such as vodka or absinthe.

Black Balsam is Latvia's national drink. Traditionally, the recipe for this notorious liqueur was a secret only known by a very trusted few in 1752. Nowadays, there are several ways to make it, but it typically includes 24 ingredients from plants, berries and spices. While that might sound delicious, it's also extremely strong and is one of those love-it or hate-it drinks.

A strong fruit brandy popular across the Balkans, Rakija is Croatia's national drink. The most common types are made from plums, grapes, or figs, each reflecting regional fruit harvests. Be careful, though – it usually contains 40-50% alcohol and homemade versions tend to be much stronger!

Port wine is one of Portugal’s sweet gifts to the world – perfect for sipping after dinner or pairing with a nice cheese spread. You've got styles like Ruby – fruity and bold – or Tawny – nutty and smooth, both made in the Douro Valley and worth a try on your next trip to Porto.

What you pack for Europe will depend on when you go, where you go and what you do, but here's a great starting point no matter what your trip entails.

Europe is generally welcoming to LGBTQIA+ travellers, but there are still some things to know before you go. Bigger cities have more positive attitudes, whereas some rural towns can be more conservative.

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