Best Alcoholic Beverages to Try On Your Honeymoon
Every country has its own identity, its own cultures, traditions, ambience, scenery and traditional foods and drinks. Alcoholic beverages on your honeymoon destination are only fraction of what you may wish to try out, but it’s always a fun way to see what that particular country is all about. Most places you go, there will be a beverage that is particularly notorious and cherished amongst residents, something that they will be very proud of and that is bound to taste better in that country that anywhere else in the world. We have written this blog so you know what to try on your honeymoon escape, how to drink them and a bit about their history! If you want to take a look at our honeymoon resorts for each destination,
Mexico – Tequila
It is thought that tequila is to go hand in hand with a shot glass and some salt and lime, known as the classic tequila slammer. Think again! If you want to drink tequila like a true Mexican, it should be savoured and sipped, as though it were a whiskey! This may not sound pleasant, but you would be surprised at just how much better proper tequila from Mexico can taste compared to the ones you may buy in a supermarket here in the UK. ‘Mixto’ tequilas should be avoided, as these have sugar canes added in (which is what leaves you with that horrible hangover!). When you buy a bottle, make sure it says 100% agave, that way you know its purely made from blue agave plants. For tequila with a kick, choose a blanco/silver version (perfect for mixing with cocktails). For a smoother taste, go for reposado tequilla, which matures for months after distillation, and is great for sipping out of a snifter glass or more flute like glass – the Mexican way!
France – Wine
French wine has undoubtedly set the highest of standards for winemakers around the world, with its long history and with the most popular grape varieties grown there. France produces, consumes and exports more wine than any other country, and we can certainly see why! To master your knowledge in French wine, it would take a very, very long time, with 56 grape varieties and different flavours depending on where it is grown, the climate and terrain. A more Mediterranean climate is present in the south, ripening the grapes, creating more fruity wines. The North being a cooler region, produces lots of white wines that are high in acidity. The eastern regions, such as Burgandy and the Rhone, and the west, such as Champagne, produce their own unique styles of wine too. In these areas the weather and soil conditions combine to form a wine the French describe as ‘terroir’, characterised by its earthy taste.
Thailand – Mekhong
Although it is branded as Thai Whiskey, Mekhong is actually a sweet and spicy rum with hints of honey, toffee, vanilla, herbs, citrus and ginger, often found at the bottom of Thai buckets, with an AVB of 35% (which is why it is known to leave backpackers with a hangover the next day!). Established in 1941 as Thailand’s first ever branded golden spirit, it was not long before Mekhong climbed the ladder to become Thailand’s most popular drink amongst travellers and Thais alike. You can enjoy Mekhong’s unique flavour with a dash of cola or redbull, and if you are feeling like experimenting, there is also Sangsom (5% higher alcohol content and also extremely popular) and many other Thai spirits to try for a fun but possibly forgotten night!
Greece – Ouzo
Ouzo plays such a part in Greece culture that the Greek government in 2006 claimed exclusive rights to the name Ouzo. Greek people spend hours sipping and savouring a glass of Ouzo for two reasons; the first being it is fiery and potent in its liquorice flavour, which is probably a good thing, because the second reason is that its high sugar levels mean that the alcohol sneaks up on you. You may sit happily assuming you can handle the drink, then before you know it you may be very drunk! Ouzo is 40% alcohol and is therefore to be drank responsibly! Adding ice will turn the liquid from clear to cloudy, and Greek people very much turn their noses to adding mixers to their native beverage, so to avoid embarrassment, stick to drinking it straight (add water if you think it needs to be diluted!) Ouzo is also found in many Greek dishes.
Jamaica – Rum
Jamaica was the first country to commercially produce the sugar-cane spirit, and statistics show that Jamaicans drink 3 times more rum than any other kind of alcohol. Appleton Estate is the most popular brand and the oldest, possibly dating back as far as 1655 when England took over power of Jamaica from Spain. Like with wine mentioned above, the taste of rum is significantly impacted by terroir, something that Appleton Estate are particularly renowned for. Their rum has a slight sweetness due to the spring water from the limestone hills where the sugar-cane is grown, and the micro-climate of the area (sunny mornings and rainy afternoons) gives it its notorious buttery and fruity notes, something very unique to Appleton Estate.