Iconic Drinks Around the World

Undeniably, one of the most enticing parts of traveling abroad is tasting the local cuisine and drinks. It’s also a significant part of fully leaning into and immersing yourself in the culture of your travel destination. Below are seven iconic drinks, both non alcoholic and with alcohol, around the world that are a MUST-try when traveling:

Limoncello
Made from the zest of a lemon, limoncello is an Italian liqueur hailing from Southern Italy— more specifically Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Depending on who you ask, the original producer of limoncello is one of those three locations (a dispute that has become quite divisive to the region). Limoncello is typically served chilled after dinner to aid in digestion.

Taste-test this classic Italian liqueur in Italy

Sake
Sake, Japan’s national drink, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented sakamai rice, koji (a fungus), and water. It can be a variety of flavors such as dry, sweet, creamy, floral, or fruity and can be served chilled, at room temperature, or hot. Japan first started fermenting rice into alcohol around 300 BCE, but our modern understanding of Sake originated around the 700s. Sake is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and is commonly served ceremonially at weddings, funerals, festivals, and on New Years.

Experience this ancient tradition and fully immerse yourself in the culture of Japan with Go Next

Ayran
Enjoyed on a hot summer’s day, this savory Turkish beverage is as refreshing as it is delicious. Made with yogurt, salt, and water, Ayran is a frothy, thirst-quenching, and replenishing beverage that can be served chilled in the summer to accompany meals (especially kebabs) or as a stand-alone treat. It is said to have originated from the Turkish tribes in Central Asia around 1000 BC.

Enjoy Ayran and other Turkish delicacies while visiting Turkey

Akvavit
This strong Nordic spirit is not for the faint of heart. Akvavit is distilled from a fermented potato or grain mash and originates from Scandinavia. It was first mentioned historically in a letter from the Danish Lord Eske Bille to the Norwegian bishop Olav Engelbrektsson in 1531, where it was rumored to possess healing powers. Today, Akvavit is enjoyed in a variety of fashions including chilled or room temperature, unmixed or occasionally in a cocktail, as a shot or in a stemmed liquor glass. Typically, it is served during or after dinner or at festivals and celebrations such as Easter, Constitution Day, Midsummer, and Christmas.

Try Akvavit with Go Next on one of our Nordic or Scandinavian adventures:

Norway,  Iceland,  Sweden, or  Denmark

Sangria
Although there are many stories regarding the origins of Sangria, it is most commonly believed that it originates from Spain and Portugal during the Middle Ages. However, the practice of mixing red wines and fruit can be traced back to antiquity-era Rome. Today, Sangria is enjoyed worldwide and often includes red wines (white wines and rose are used as well, although less commonly), fruit, fruit juices, soda water, and other spirits. It is served cold and makes for a refreshing addition to a summertime festival, luncheon, boat ride, or an evening on a patio with friends.

Sip a glass of authentic Spanish Sangria on one of our Go Next cruises stopping in Spain.

Piña Colada
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, the ever-so-popular piña colada is the perfect intersection between cocktail and dessert. This special treat is best served on a gorgeous Caribbean beach relaxing under a palm tree. The piña colada was created by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero at the Caribe Hilton in 1954 and is served frozen with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.

Relax on a tropical beach while sipping a piña colada on one of our Caribbean adventures

Does all this talk of delicious international beverages have you dreaming about booking your next adventure abroad? At Go Next, we’re here to help you every step of the way as you plan your vacation— including on-site support throughout the duration of your trip. You can rest easy knowing everything is taken care of while you focus on more important things— like sipping one of those mouth watering piña coladas in San Juan or celebrating with a glass of sake in Japan!