Summer might be coming to an end faster than you can say, “Please no pumpkin spice.” But, there’s still time to take one more adventure before the days grow darker and the leaves turn from green to yellow, to red, to various versions of baby poop. Obviously, an international trip takes time to plan, so you might want to keep your journeys to local. But, the best way to end the dread of the impending winter (#WinterIsComing) is to plan an international vacation for next year. On top of experiencing historic sites and witnessing breathtaking views, many foreign countries also offer unique drinking experiences that can’t be found in the US.
In truth, you can probably just throw a dart at a map of the world and track down a great experience. But just in case you want an expert, we asked some of the best bartenders in the country to tell us their favorite foreign countries to imbibe in.
England
“My favorite foreign country to drink in is without a doubt, England! The pub isn’t just a place to drink; it’s about a culture, and that’s what makes it so special. The pub is a place to gather with your friends, enjoy a Sunday Roast, or relax after a hard day of work. I can go to my local for a perfect pint of bitter by myself and somehow always be surrounded by friends. It’s one of the things I miss most about living in London.”
“The country I really want to explore is Cuba. The Floridita bar there has an amazing Mojito recipe which I’ve studied and adapted for Mr. Cannon’s Tableside Mojito Service, and the bar is also famous for being where Ernest Hemingway downed way too many Daiquiris; can’t go wrong trying to emulate your my heroes.”
“My favorite country to drink in would have to be Hungary. Not just because I’m from there, but because you will find a wide range of cultural rituals and drinking habits that fit every occasion. The drinking culture is rich—from wine making to beer producing; and distilling, celebrating and just having people be more loose about drinking than in the US. Younger adults are able to enjoy and have fun, which creates a strong ritual amongst friends.”
“I adore drinking in Italy, a lazy day in the sun taking in the country or city views makes for a perfect way to enjoy Aperol Sprits and conversation – not to mention the amazing wine selection and food! France is also on my short list. The undeniable amount of history and culture behind Wine and Alcohol in that country is an education I can’t wait to explore.”
“This is a toss-up between Stockholm (Sweden), Singapore and London. All three have vibrant and innovative cocktail scenes with incredible bars and some of the most talented bartenders. You can go out for five nights in a row and have a different drinking experience every night because of the plethora of options and amazing hospitality.”
My trip to Brazil pleasantly surprised me from a drinking standpoint. The creativity from the ingredients selected all the way down to the vessel used were extremely unique, tasteful, different, and executed with great pride and sincerity.
“Georgia. Not only one of the most hospitable countries I’ve ever visited, Georgians only know how to have a good time. Georgian feasts are called “supras” and last for HOURS, drinking Georgian wine from horns that you can’t put down until they are empty and ending the night with a bottle of chacha, their version of unaged brandy made with grapes. The night life in Tbilisi is equally as fun, where nights out end when the sun comes up.”
“As far as what country I would love to drink in, it would have to be Spain. I keep reading about the growth of their bar scene. A specific reason is the tradition of “La Hora Del Vemut” which is a quick snack and sip of vermouth to open one’s appetite. My mother told me that she usually had vermouth before dinner with her grandfather and the more I try vermouth the more I like the concept.”
“I would love to visit Scotland so I could tour as many distilleries as my poor liver could handle.”
“I really like drinking in southern France. There’s something deeply authentic about the drinking culture and sense of community in the tiny cafes or bars. The sun and a patio and conversation.”
“I had a great time drinking in Mexico on a recent trip to Jalisco! Everywhere I went, the hospitality was almost as amazing as the tequila.”
“Drinking is occasional and situational, so sometimes what you’re drinking where doesn’t necessarily make sense unless “you were there,” but I’d have to say my favorite foreign drinking occasions were equally memorable, but very different. One included Icelandic vodka that was served to me on top of a glacier. I’d just wrapped up snowmobiling up the glacier and we pulled off to try their local fermented shark meat chased by a bottle that was literally plucked from the glacier.”
“My favorite city/country to drink in would have to be Copenhagen, Denmark. The level of creativity, talented bartenders, local spirits, locally foraged botanicals and root vegetables make for a very diverse cocktail scene. If I had to pick a favorite bar in Copenhagen, I would say Balderdash hands down.”
