From the time the first travelers to ancient Egypt tried the local "hqt," (what we would now call "beer,") sampling the regional suds has become a staple of world travel. But with great booze comes great responsibility. Before you pull up a bar stool at the watering holes in these international ports of call, you may need a lesson on their distinctly unique drinking traditions.
Bottoms up!
China
"Gan bei" is what you'll typically hear around a table full of beer drinking buddies in China, but before you take that first swig, it is best you adhere to the country's drinking rules so you won't be considered a rude guest.
It could be that you find yourself around a table in China, drinks and conversation flowing, when you notice your glass is empty. Your first inclination would be to reach over and pour yourself another round. But if you want to be invited again, it will be best to acknowledge someone else's glass needs to be filled, who will then repay your gesture by refilling yours. Just make sure that your glass isn't constantly overflowing because getting hammered in China (or anywhere else for that matter) is never cute. However, the trick of not acting like a drunken fool is to keep your glass full at all times. But rejecting another round of beer the first time may cause a round of evil stares from the table instead.
Czech Republic
It could be the slew of negative publicity that has made absinthe such an alluring drink. Or maybe it's exploring the various ways it is typically downed.
Absinthe became banned because of its high alcoholic levels, which were demonized as causing drunkeness to the point of hallucination. However, it wasn't long before this highly publicized drink made its way back on the shelves of local bars and liquor stores across the globe. While there are a myriad of different measures taken to drink it, the Czech-style method erupted by the Czechs in the '90s, which results in the dynamic drink getting set on fire. Here is how it's made:
After the drink is poured into a shot glass, a sugar cube is then added into it. Once the cube is saturdated in drink, it is then taken out and lit on fire for about a minute until it becomes carmelized. Cold water is then added to the cube, which is then stirred in the Absinthe right before it ready to be served.
Some purists will tell you the Czech method does little to enhance the drink's flavor or impact, but you have to give it serious style points for showmanship.
And when you've reached your limit, a coaster on top of your glass signals to the server that you've had enough.
Germany
There's no doubt that the art of beer drinking is no joking matter in Germany. Even while indulging in a binge-a-thon at Oktoberfest, visitors are still expected to maintain decency. But before you and your fellow beer-chuggers make a prost (toast), you must compete in the ultimate staring contest. Until your drink has been placed down for your consumption, you must look your server dead in the eyes as a form of respect.
It is also very important to maintain eye contact with a person giving a toast. Especially if you want him to think you're completely interested in what he's saying. Let's see how long it takes you to blink - and most importantly, don't forget to say "Prost!"
Russia
If you're the type who can't stand vodka without the appropriate mixer, you may want to think twice before opening a bottle in Russia. Russians take their vodka drinking to the heart, so to avoid spending an eternity on their bad side you will want to finish the entire bottle, regardless of how many doubles you're beginning to see.
And don't even think about diluting your beverage. Unless you want your drinking days in the country to be completely over for being offensive, vodka must be downed straight with no chaser. Sorry, screwdriver fans.
Japan
You'll soon find yourself drinking alone if you dare pour your own glass in Japan because a chief pourer is selected for each round of drinks.
Don't be surprised if you unwittingly grab your glass and take a gulp and a sudden a quiet hush enters the room. It just means you have broken a major drinking rule, which is no drinking before everyone has been served and the traditional raising of glasses has been made. So until you hear "Kampai" keep your hands off your glass.
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