Travelling around Europe introduces you to some of the most delightful drinks on the planet. Every region has something to offer, whether it is a tart cocktail, a sweet wine, or something in between.
So, which areas should you be visiting to enjoy the finest beverages the European continent has to offer?
Sorrento & Limoncello
Sorrento’s most famous drink is limoncello which local artisans make with the zest of local lemons. The climate is conducive to lemon trees, meaning there is a supply of the fruit for most of the year. People in the region usually serve this liqueur-style drink as a digestif to complement hearty meals.
While spending time in Sorrento, you can enjoy the Amalfi Coast and its beautiful Mediterranean vistas. Visitors often wander through its lemon groves, relax in the city’s main square, or visit Piazza Tasso for fine dining when in the area.
Sicily & Marsala Wine
Sicily is famous for its Marsala wine, a fortified wine product from the region of the same name. People use it in cooking, but it is also useful as a digestif for those looking for something different from conventional port.
Making your way around this region, you may also come across Zibibbo. This sweet dessert wine is made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, giving it a unique, rich flavour you won’t find anywhere in traditional wine-growing regions, like France.
As for travel, Sicily is home to some of Italy’s richest cultural sites, like the markets of Palermo and Temples at Agrigento. Enjoying these sites and returning home for one of the region’s sweet wines is the recipe for a perfect day for many people.
Lake Garda & Cedrata Soda
Still travelling in Italy, you can also find unique drinks in Lake Garda like Cedrata Soda. A syrup made from cedar fruit found on the banks of Lake Garda was created in 1921 and the soda was born in the 1950s with a refreshing original taste. You’ll find their iconic clear glass bottles with a citrus peel throughout the area and what better way to try it than in its home town!
Of course, Lake Garda offers more than just mouthwatering soda. This region is also home to some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and villages. Many travellers start at the Villa del Balbianello and move onto the quiet settlements that sit along the lakefront, like Bellagio. These areas provide an insight into Italian culture while also providing the ideal backdrop for leisure and fun.
Tuscany & Holy Wine
As for Tuscan drinks, you’re spoiled for choice. This wine-growing region is famous for its vineyards and Derbyshire-style rolling countryside. If visiting the area, we suggest trying vin santo (meaning “holy wine”). It’s a sweet dessert that local people consume alongside almond biscotti.
You can also get Negroni wine here, which was invented in Florence. It’s an absolute classic and goes well with traditional Napolitano cuisine. For wine lovers, Tuscany is a dream come true. Travellers can sample the region’s products in local vineyards or when visiting regional towns like San Gimignano and Siena.
Prague & Kofola
Did you know that the Czech Republic have a soft carbonated drink that’s the principal rival of Coca-Cola and Pepsi? Next time you visit Prague, make sure to try Kofola. Available in bottles, cans and on tap, it is less sweet and more bitter than Coke and hugely popular across Czech Republic.
When visiting Prague, we recommend visiting the city’s Astronomical Clock. This unique machine, installed in 1410, appears on the front face of the Old Town Hall. While in the area, check out Prague Castle and other popular tourist hotspots, like the Charles Bridge. These provide plenty of photo opportunities to remember your visit for a lifetime.
Dubrovnik & Fruit Brandy
Croatia’s Dubrovnik is famous for its Rakija fruit brandy, similar to the Czech’s Becherovka. It has a kick while offering a flavour that can’t be found elsewhere. You can also find Malvazija Dubrovacka white wine here. Its gentle, neutral flavour goes well with the region’s seafood dishes.
Interestingly, Dubrovnik Old Town is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. As such, it is similar to Prague, allowing wine aficionados to tour local wineries while enjoying the city’s beauty.
Madeira & Fortified Wine
Madeira is famous for its namesake fortified wine. Its flavour comes from the unique ageing processes producers use. Contrary to popular opinion, Madeira wine can be dry or sweet (or a combination). Drier versions from Negra Mole and Sercial grapes have neutral grape spirits added to arrest the sweetening process during production.
Madeira is one of the best locations for enjoying wine while looking out over dramatic landscapes. Many villas and hotels offer stunning views and vistas of the surrounding countryside. Furthermore, you can also hike along the island’s many public trails, exploring new areas and hidden coves.
Athens & Three Cents Soda
One thing that’s worth trying in Athens is Three Cents soda. Made from 100% natural flavourings and colourings – no fruit juice, only zest – it is a tasty, sweet and fragrant range of artisanal soft drinks that are sure to catch your eye. Highly carbonated and completely unique, it’s a soft drink you can enjoy on your breaks from exploring the city.
For history buffs, Athens is perhaps the top destination in the world. Its culture stretches back thousands of years, with iconic landmarks to explore left, right, and centre.
The Acropolis and Parthenon are the most famous attractions and a testament to the glory of Ancient Greek culture. However, you can also have fun off the beaten track in places like the Plaka neighbourhood that serve traditional foods and alcoholic beverages to tourists.
Florence & Chianti Wine
Finally, it is worth heading to Florence to try chianti wine, a hallmark of Tuscan tradition. Drinkers describe this beverage as tart with cherry, earth, and balsamic vinegar notes.
While you’re doing this, it is worth touring the city that has since become known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s home to the Uffizi Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo, alongside numerous piazzas and side streets where you can dine on delicious, home-cooking-inspired food.
No matter where you visit in Europe, there is plenty of opportunities to admire architecture, explore lively cities or escape into nature all with a cultural tipple in your hand. Start planning your next holiday with Travel Department and uncover the top sights to see in Europe.
