Enticing national drinks from around the world

One of the best ways to dive deep into the culture of a destination is through its local food and drinks. So, we’ve rounded up some enticing global destinations for the discerning drinker. If you enjoy sampling your way through a vacation, here are a few of the most popular national drinks from around the world, each one guaranteed to get your taste buds tingling. Cheers!

Must-try national drinks from around the world

From timeless recipes to creative cocktails, each sip reveals a story of tradition, innovation, and identity. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just curious about global flavors, this list of the most popular drinks in the world, both national and traditional, will take you on a delightful journey.

Bhutan: ara and Red Panda beer

Bhutan’s national drink, ara (or arag), is a distilled beverage made from local grains like rice or barley. It’s often served warm and infused with butter or eggs for a hearty treat. On the beer front, Red Panda is one of the locals’ favorite drinks. It’s similar to a German-style Weissbier.

Brewed in the Bumthang Valley, this unfiltered wheat beer offers a crisp, malty flavor that pairs perfectly with Bhutan’s serene landscapes. You can take a trip to the brewery and even indulge in some Swiss-style cheese while you’re there, thanks to cheese specialist Mr Fritz Maurer setting up the brewery decades ago.

Peru and Chile: pisco sour

Pisco sour is a source of pride and sometimes friendly rivalry between Peru and Chile. This cocktail features pisco, a grape-based brandy combined with lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a dash of bitters. It’s a favorite in many parts of South America, but in Peru, it’s a cultural heritage drink celebrated with a national holiday on the first Saturday of February.

In the early days of viticulture in Peru and Chile, most pisco was distilled from the fruit of vines that had been brought with the conquistadors from Spain. However, those vines have since evolved into unique South American varieties specifically grown for pisco production.

China: baijiu

Baijiu is one of the top-selling drinks in the world, accounting for about 94% of China’s liquor retail sales, yet it remains a mystery to many outside the country. Distilled from grains such as sorghum, wheat, corn, and rice, this potent drink is often reserved for social gatherings.

The spirit is made from different grains depending on the region of China in which it is produced. Southern provinces tend to use glutinous rice, while the north of China uses sorghum and sometimes barley or wheat. There are many variations of this national spirit, and to an expert, the subtleties of flavor and aroma are endless.

To the uninitiated, baijiu is akin to a rough vodka, although there are more refined versions available if you know what you are looking for. The flavor can be intense, with notes ranging from fruity to earthy. If you’re new to baijiu, try the honeyed fēng xiāng style for an introduction. All varieties of baijiu are usually served at ambient temperature in traditional pottery cups.

Middle East: arak

A traditional anise-flavored spirit in the same family as ouzo or raki, arak (or araq) is an iconic Levantine spirit with a licorice-like flavor. Typically served diluted with water and ice, transforming it from clear to cloudy white—the spirit is often enjoyed alongside a mezze spread.

This Middle Eastern specialty is distilled from grapes then heated; at the end of the distillation process, aniseed is added, lending it a distinctive and refreshing flavor. Most people traditionally drink arak socially, at weddings, family gatherings, and festive occasions.

Russia and Poland: vodka

Vodka is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Russia and Poland. Both countries are credited with inventing the globally acclaimed drink as far back as the eighth and ninth centuries. Traditionally consumed neat, vodka is often paired with pickles, herring fish, caviar, steak, and also cheese. In Poland, you’ll find vodkas infused with fruits, herbs, or even bison grass.

Japan: sake

Sake is more than a drink in Japan—it’s an art form. This rice, water, and koji wine is brewed using a meticulous process that dates back centuries. Served warm in winter and chilled in summer, sake complements a wide range of Japanese dishes like sushi and tempura. During festivals, ceremonial sake barrels are broken open in a tradition known as kagami biraki.

Brazil: Caipirinha

Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha, is a tropical delight. Made with cachaça (a sugarcane spirit), lime, sugar, and ice, it’s both refreshing and tangy. The history of the caipirinha is unclear—some say the drink was created by São Paulo farmers in the 19th century, while others claim it was made as a cure for the Spanish flu of 1918. Regardless of its origin story, it’s a delicious drink and today, it symbolizes Brazilian hospitality and pride, enjoyed with salsa and tortillas.

Spain: sangria

Nothing says summer in Spain quite like a glass of sangria. Although it’s the country’s unofficial national drink, it’s a cornerstone of Spanish culture, often paired with salty and spicy dishes.

This fruity punch combines red wine, chopped fruit, and a splash of brandy or soda. The recipe varies from one region of Spain to another—oranges, apples, and lemons are staples. For a twist, try cava sangria, where one of Spain’s sparkling wines is used to create a tasty cocktail.

Ghana and West Africa: palm wine

Known by many names throughout the region, palm wine is a natural, slightly fizzy drink tapped from the sap of palm trees. Popular across West Africa, it’s artisanally crafted and often enjoyed fresh for its sweet and mild flavor, or fermented for a stronger kick.

In many local communities, it plays a central role in ceremonies and celebrations. In Ghana it’s often shared over a meal with family and friends—the same goes for neighboring countries.

Mexico: Tequila

Distilled from the blue Weber agave, tequila is synonymous with Mexican culture. While it’s one of the most famous beverages for partying around the world, sipping tequila is an art in itself. Premium tequilas, known as añejo or reposado, are aged in barrels, giving them complex flavors. In Mexico, tequila is traditionally served neat with salt and lime, or as a cocktail.

Ireland: Guinness and Irish coffee

Ireland offers two iconic beverages: Guinness and Irish coffee. The former is a rich, creamy stout with a distinct roasted barley flavor. Irish coffee, on the other hand, combines coffee, whiskey, sugar, and cream for a warming treat. Both are staples in Irish pubs, across the country and worldwide.

Australia: lemon, lime and bitters (LLB)

LLB is a non-alcoholic favorite in Australia. This fizzy mix of lemonade, lime cordial, and bitters is both refreshing and tangy, and is a standard drink at backyard barbecues and beach outings.

India: chai

Masala chai, India’s well-known and much-loved spiced tea, is a daily ritual for millions. Brewed with black tea, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, it’s both comforting and invigorating. Street vendors, known as chaiwalas, serve it in clay cups for an authentic Indian experience.

Pacific Islands: Kava

Kava is a traditional drink deeply rooted in the culture of Pacific Island nations like Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and other parts of Oceania. Made from the root of the kava plant, it’s prepared by grinding or pounding the root, mixing it with water, and straining it to create a cloudy drink.

Kava is known for its calming and mildly sedative effects, making it a popular choice for ceremonies, social gatherings, and relaxation. Sharing a bowl of kava is considered a sign of friendship and community in the islands.

Norway: Akvavit

Akvavit, a caraway- or dill-flavored spirit, is popular in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. It’s often enjoyed during festive occasions, accompanied by traditional songs. The name akvavit translates to “water of life”, reflecting the drink’s cultural significance in many Nordic countries.

Cuba: Mojito

Its origin is highly debated, but Havana, Cuba, is the proclaimed birthplace of the mojito. Made with white rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water, they’re light, refreshing, and perfect for warm evenings. A cameo in the James Bond film Die Another Day has popularized this internationally-loved tipple.

Canada: Caesar cocktail

Canada’s signature cocktail, the Caesar, is a savory drink made with vodka, Clamato juice (a mix of clam and tomato juices), hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce – think along the lines of a Bloody Mary.

Often garnished with celery, pickles, or even seafood, it’s a popular choice for brunch and celebrations. This cocktail was created in Calgary in 1969 and remains a must-try for anyone visiting Canada. Today it’s a national cultural icon, with over 400 million consumed each year.

South Africa: wine, beer and rooibos tea

South Africa’s beverage scene is a melting pot of flavors, and although there is no official national drink, some of its popular beverages are well worth mentioning.  Loved for its earthy taste and health benefits, rooibos tea is a caffeine-free infusion grown exclusively in the Cederberg region.

South Africa is also known for its world-class wines, both red and white, from fruity Pinotage to zesty Chenin Blanc, best enjoyed in the Cape Winelands. Major wine regions Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia are perfect for a few days of road trip cruising, stopping at historic wineries, of course, wine tasting. Take some time to also admire the well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture.

For beer enthusiasts, the country’s craft industry offers a variety of brews, such as pale ales, lagers, and stouts. So, there’s plenty to indulge in during your dream vacation in South Africa!

Italy: limoncello

Limoncello is not Italy’s national drink; that title belongs to Campari. Still, in our view it deserves a spot on this list, given that it’s the second-most popular liqueur in Italy, and a deliciously zesty digestif made by steeping lemon peels in alcohol and then mixing these with syrup. Native to southern regions like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, it’s best enjoyed ice-cold after a meal. Its bright, citrusy flavor makes limoncello a favorite souvenir for visitors.

The best drinks in the world: frequently asked questions

What is the best drink in the world?

The best drink depends on your taste, of course, but cocktails like mojitos and caipirinhas are always bound to be crowd-pleasers, while spirits like tequila and sake offer depth for sipping. Beer is another firm favorite, with annual sales continually increasing. For those who don’t drink alcohol, tea and coffee are the best.

What is the best virgin drink to get?

For non-alcoholic options, try chai from India or Australia’s iconic LLB. Both are flavorful and unique, and truly representative of their country, so you can enjoy an immersive experience without feeling woozy afterwards.

What is the most-consumed alcoholic drink in the world?

Beer is the world’s most popular alcoholic beverage, followed by spirits like vodka and whiskey.

What are the most consumed beverages in the world?

Water, tea, and coffee are the best beverages globally, loved for their versatility and accessibility.

Make it happen

Ready to explore the world through your taste buds? Find out more about booking with us and let our local experts craft the perfect itinerary for you. Whether it’s sipping sake in Japan or enjoying sangria in Spain, your culinary adventure awaits!