It can be a challenge to experience all sorts of cultures when you’re used to just one way of life. However, traveling opens your eyes to different customs and beliefs and allows you to interact with people from all walks of life.
It’s an opportunity to learn about new foods, music, art, history, and more. While it can be daunting, embracing other cultures is a truly enriching experience. You may find that you have more in common with someone from another culture than you thought possible. Or, you may learn something completely new that changes how you see the world. Either way, travel is an excellent way to broaden your horizons and explore the many different cultures that exist in our world.
One interesting approach to discovering new cultures is to taste certain beverages that are either unique or specialized by a particular country. Beverages are an essential part of any culture and can tell you a lot about a place. For example, wine is integral to French culture, while kava is vital in Fiji. Sampling local beverages is a great way to get a taste (literally) of the culture you’re visiting. Here are six beverages you should try worldwide and different things you can do in these places.
Mango Lassi, India
India is a place of many different cultures, and you can find a wide variety of beverages to try. One of the most popular is the mango lassi, a yogurt-based drink often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Mango lassis are usually made with fresh mangoes, yogurt, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom or saffron. They’re thick, creamy, and delicious.
You can find mango lassis all over India, but they are widespread in the north, where mangos are grown in abundance. So if you’re traveling through Rajasthan or Punjab, give this refreshing drink a try.
Pisco Sour, Peru
Peru is home to many different types of cuisine, and its national drink is the pisco sour. This cocktail is made with pisco (brandy), lemon juice, egg whites, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. It’s a refreshing and tangy drink perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Pisco sours originated in Lima, the capital of Peru, but you can now find them all over the country. So if you’re visiting Peru, try one (or two) of these delicious cocktails.
Pina Colada, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico gets four million visits from tourists worldwide, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and tasty food. And, of course, no visit to Puerto Rico would be complete without trying a pina colada.
A pina colada cocktail is made with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for sipping by the pool or beach. You can find pina Coladas all over Puerto Rico, but they’re especially popular in the tourist areas such as San Juan and Ponce.
Coffee, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and it’s no surprise that this country has a strong coffee culture. Coffee is an important part of daily life here, and you’ll find many different types of coffee to try.
Ethiopia is home to a wide variety of coffee beans, so you can expect to find coffees with different flavors and aromas. If you’re traveling through Ethiopia, be sure to sample some of the local coffee. You may even want to visit a Coffee Plantation to learn more about this important part of Ethiopian culture. However, if you don’t have the budget at the moment, feel free to purchase some beans from cafes that use high-altitude beans, like Beans and Brews Coffee House. It can give you a taste of what you should expect in Ethiopia.
Kava, Fiji
Kava is a traditional drink of the Fijian people, and it’s made from the root of the kava plant. It’s often drunk during ceremonies or social gatherings, and it’s said to have relaxing properties.
Kava is usually prepared by crushing the kava root into a powder, which is then mixed with water. The mixture is then strained and drunk. Kava can have a bitter taste, but it’s often served with fruit juices or honey to sweeten it.
If you’re visiting Fiji, be sure to try some kava. It’s an important part of Fijian culture, and it’s a great way to relax after a long day of exploring.
Green Tea, China
China received over 140 million visitors before the pandemic hit, making it one if not the most visited country in the world. And with good reason too, as there’s so much to see and do in this vast country. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, there’s something for everyone in China.
And, of course, no visit to China would be complete without trying some green tea. Green tea is the national drink of China, and it’s an important part of daily life. Green tea is made from camellia Sinensis leaves, and it has a wide range of health benefits.
You can find green tea all over China, but it’s especially popular in the south, where the climate is warmer. If you’re traveling through Guangdong or Yunnan, be sure to try some of the local green tea.
There are many different types of drinks to try when you’re visiting different countries. From the pisco sour in Peru to the green tea in China, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to research the local drinks and find something that interests you.
