The world is full of strange surprises, and things are bound to get stranger in this article. There are many cultures around the world that take drinking very seriously and if you happen to be there, it’s nice to know what you’re getting into. Here are some of the strange drinking traditions around the world that’ll make you roll your eyes, and learn something new.
8 Strange Drinking Traditions Around The World
- Mixing Honey Wine With Cow’s Blood – Tanzania
- No Bottoms Up! – Thailand
- Drinking Wine On The Rocks – Japan
- No Empty Glasses On The Table – Russia
- Kidnapping The Bride-To-Be And Taking Her Bar Hopping – Germany
- Drinking From The Bride’s Shoe – Ukraine
- Never Turn Down A Drink – South Korea
- Must Maintain Eye Contact During Toast – Sweden
1. Mixing Honey Wine With Cow’s Blood – Tanzania
Let’s start with the one that gave us the chills. Tanzania is a country in East Africa where the tribe of Maasai warriors lives. These warriors take their warrior instincts very seriously and it reflects in the way they drink too. They usually consume honey mead, which is also believed to be one of the oldest alcoholic beverages on earth. These tribes drink their mead wine with a living cow’s blood. Yes, you read it right!
So, to get the blood, they shoot a blunted arrow into a cow’s neck. The blood starts squirting and they collect it to mix it with their honey mead. We’re sure you’re concerned about the cow’s well being but you can take a breath here. The cow is later fixed with cow dung and people say that the cow goes on to live a regular life. Drinking cow’s blood with wine is also not a regular practice. In fact, it is a ceremonial thing that is generally done during special occasions or weddings.
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2. No Bottoms Up! – Thailand
If you’re someone who can get drunk after chugging their drink, Thailand might be a difficult place for you. In Thai culture, it’s considered extremely rude to finish a drink. It’s not just that you can’t finish your drink by doing bottoms up, they take it a step further where you’re not allowed to finish your beverage completely.
It’s important to keep at least half a glass filled at all times which you can only finish after the oldest person in the party finishes their drink. Waiting for the oldest person to finish is considered a sign of respect. So, you’ll need to figure out the eldest person at a party and wait for them to finish their drink if you want to empty your glass.
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3. Drinking Wine On The Rocks – Japan
We’re sure that many wine connoisseurs are turning in their graves by just reading the heading but it is true. Mixing red and white wine with ice is pretty popular among the locals and it’s been a part of their drinking culture for ages. Mixing with wine is not just limited to ice, Japanese also likes to add soda, water, and even water to their wines to experiment with the notes and taste. Wine on the rocks is so popular in Japan that many bars serve it as a cocktail, just like whiskey.
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4. No Empty Glasses On The Table – Russia
Russians love their alcohol! Russia has always been among the top alcohol consumers, so it’s a no-brainer that they’ll contribute to strange drinking traditions. Russians drink a lot but one thing they don’t entertain is leaving empty alcohol glasses on the table; it’s considered rude to do so. Mostly, you need to keep the empty glasses underneath the table so it’s accumulated together. This also makes the post-party cleanup easier for the host so definitely a tradition we can get on board with.
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5. Kidnapping The Bride-To-Be And Taking Her Bar Hopping – Germany
Just like you, we’ve gone through many emotions with this article too, and this is one tradition that we’ll enjoy being a part of. In the spirit of pre-wedding celebrations, the groom’s best man is given the task to kidnap the bride-to-be and take her to various bars.
Bar hopping with the bride works as an icebreaker. This tradition also eases the bride-to-be and takes her mind away from all the wedding preparations while the groom tries to find her. The best man and bride can drink till the groom finds her and finally pays off all the bills. Sounds like a fun blast of wedding and bachelorette at once, right?
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6. Drinking From The Bride’s Shoe – Ukraine
Trust us, you’re not the only one feeling grossed out by the title but it’s not as bad as you’re thinking. Weddings in Ukraine are pretty fun, colorful, and involve plenty of booze and games. As a part of their wedding tradition, people try to steal the shoes of the bride. Whoever finds the shoes can make demands and one popular demand is making someone drink from the bride’s shoes. Hey, again, it’s not as smelly or gross as it sounds because the people will not be drinking directly from the shoe. Generally, a glass will be strapped to the shoe and guests will be drinking from that.
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7. Never Turn Down A Drink – South Korea
When it comes to strange drinking traditions, South Korea definitely isn’t behind. If you aren’t someone with a good drinking capacity, we’ll advise you to think twice before entering a party in South Korea. You have to accept a drink if someone offers; refusing is not a choice. Not accepting a drink is considered a sign of disrespect, and let’s just say that you wouldn’t want to be in that position.
If it gets too much for you, you’ll need to select someone to drink in your place and only then you can get out. While we’re talking about parties, another thing is that you can never say no to karaoke. So, practice your drinking capacity and karaoke skills before you decide to be a part of a party in South Korea.
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8. Must Maintain Eye Contact During Toast – Sweden
Last, but not least, we’re sure you’ve heard about this tradition in some capacity. Not maintaining eye contact might not spoil your intimate life, but it’s considered a sign of disrespect in Sweden. The tradition started during the days of yore when drinking together while maintaining eye contact was a way of avoiding an attack. Your enemy was looking directly into your eyes while you were looking at them which eliminated the risks of betrayal and built trust. Times changed, wars stopped but Sweden stuck with this drinking tradition nevertheless.
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Summing Up
Drinking can be toe-curling and you might have some of your own drinking traditions that only make sense to you and the people involved. Drinking in itself is an activity with many layers which is why it makes sense that different cultures approach it differently. We’re hoping that our picks of strange drinking traditions around the world have broadened your knowledge of drinking cultures. So, flaunt your alcohol knowledge during the house parties and if you happen to visit any of these countries, you’ll feel a little prepared.
FAQs
What Countries Have Wet Drinking Cultures?
Wet drinking means a culture where drinking is easily accessible and has become a part of daily routine. With the increasing popularity of alcoholic beverages, the majority of countries are inkling towards wet drinking. France, Italy, Greece, Japan, and Korea are some fine examples of wet drinking culture.
What Is The Drunkest Country In The World?
As per research, Australia is considered the drunkest country in the world.
What Cultures Don’t Drink Alcohol?
The majority of Muslim countries have a complete ban on alcohol. Countries like Kuwait, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are some examples of it. Drinking is forbidden in the religious texts of Muslims which is why these cultures don’t encourage alcohol consumption.
Who Has The Highest Alcohol Tolerance In The World?
Andre The Giant holds the record for the highest alcohol tolerance in the world. The pro wrestler used to consume 7,000 calories of alcohol a day and used to drink 12 packs of beer before any wrestling match.
What Country Drinks The Most Vodka?
Vodka was first produced in Russia and Russians take their loyalty very seriously. Russia is the biggest vodka consumer in the world and has been consistent at it for years.
Do Italians Drink Every Day?
Wine is an everyday thing in Italy. The country follows a wet drinking culture so you’ll see Italians consuming at least one glass of alcohol every day. Of course, there are exceptions but generally, alcohol is a common part of their meals.
What Country Drinks The Most Whiskey?
India is the biggest consumer of whiskey in the entire world. To give you more perspective, roughly Indians consume 1.5 billion liters of whiskey each year which is more than half of the total whiskey production in the world.
What Country Has The Lowest Drinking Age?
Mali and the Central African Republic have the lowest drinking age where they allow 15-year-olds to consume alcohol.
