National drinks
The Scots have whisky and the Russians have vodka but here are some alcoholic winter warmers from other countries around the world.
1. Cachaça in Brazil
A sweet, clear liquor from fermented sugar cane. It has an alcohol content of between 38% and 48% and is used to make the famous Brazilian cocktail caipirinha.
Cheers = Saude (Sow-day)
2. Maotai in China
A brown liquid distilled from fermented sorghum bicolour. It’s made in the Guizhou province and has an alcohol content of 53%. It’s quite an acquired taste but a lot of people liken it to drinking soy sauce.
Cheers = 干杯 (Gan-bay)
3. Schnaps in Austria
A fruity brandy, which is usually made with apples, pears, peaches or apricots. It’s around 40%-50% alcohol in Austria but the UK and US version (Schnapps) is usually between 15% and 20%.
Cheers = Prost
4. Raki in Turkey
A strong, aniseed flavoured, clear drink that turns milky when mixed with water. Other countries have their own versions of this aniseed drink: In Greece they have Ouzo; in France they have Pastis; and in Italy they have Sambuca.
Cheers = Şerefe (Se-ray-fay)
5. Grappa in Italy
A grape-based brandy, which is usually served as an after dinner drink. The alcohol content varies between 35% and 60%.
Cheers = Chin Chin
6. Rakija in Croatia
A fruit brandy (40% alcohol) usually made with plums but can also be made with a variety of herbs. It’s traditionally served as an aperitif at the start of a meal accompanied by dried figs.
Cheers = Živjeli (Zhee-ve-lee)
7. Brennivin in Iceland
A clear, unsweetened schnapps (nicknamed ‘Black Death’). It’s usually drunk as a shot and is around 37%-40% alcohol.
Cheers = Skál
8. Sahti in Finland
A traditional beer flavoured with juniper berries. It is very often home-brewed but can be bought in commercial sahti breweries.
Cheers = Kippis
9. Unicum in Hungary
A herbal liqueur, which is aged in oak barrels for 6 months before serving. It is usually served before dinner but you can drink it afterwards too.
Cheers = Egészégére (Eh-gace-shayg-ai-reh)
