What to drink in Europe

There are plenty of traditional and tasty European beverages to sip on after a long day spent exploring including poppy seed milk in Lithuania, Norwegain mead in Norway, and sangria in Spain. Depending on what European countries you plan on visiting during your trip, it simply makes sense to quench your thirst with as many national drinks as you can, especially since there are so many delicious ones to choose from. To stop you from wasting time on Google when you could be wandering the cobblestoned streets in search of your next snack, we've put together a list of the beverages you must try throughout Europe. Cheers!

1. Becherovka (Czech Republic)

If you've had a heavy meal (extremely likely considering Czech food is known for its heaviness), 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.

2. Tea (England)

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 (the most popular variety) to Earl Grey, drinking tea is often done in the morning as part of a morning or afternoon tea ritual, usually accompanied by little savoury snacks and petit fours. Whether you drink it with milk or by itself, a cup of tea will instantly rejuvenate your mind and body so you can finish your day of exploring the way you started it.

3. Apfelwein (Germany)

If beer and schnapps are not your things, Germany's version of apple cider - Apfelwein - should delight your tastebuds and have them singing your praises. 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.

4. Champagne (France)

You can't get a beverage any more French than champagne - a sparkling wine stemming from the Champagne wine region. Drunk at either formal celebrations and events or at more casual dinners all over the world, 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.

5. Ouzo (Greece)

Go to any restaurant on the mainland or any one 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 most famous beverages in this Mediterranean country 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.

6. Limoncello (Italy)

If you're heading to the Italian coast then you can't go past ordering a limoncello (or two) as a special after-dinner treat. Originally made from Femminello St. Teresa lemons (found in the Sorrento Peninsula), this light and refreshing drink may pack a sweet and tangy punch, but not as much of an alcoholic one with a lower alcohol content than other famous liquors such as vodka or absinthe.

7. Black Balsam (Latvia)

You can't say you've been to Latvia without having a glass of Black Balsam (the national drink of Latvia). Traditionally, the recipe for this notorious liqueur was a secret, only known by a very trusted few at the time of its creation in 1752. Nowadays, there are several ways to make Black Balsam but it's usually made up of 24 ingredients including 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.

8. Chocolate caliente (Spain)

Alcoholic drinks are all well and good but sometimes you just want to have something that's not going to give you an artificial buzz and that something is chocolate caliente when you're travelling in Spain. Spain's version of a hot chocolate is usually made with dark chocolate (apologies to all the white and milk chocolate fans out there) and combines spicy flavours of cinnamon and nutmeg with lots of sugar. Dense in texture and full of flavour, this drink is perfect alongside your favourite Spanish desserts.

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