9 Rules Of Drinking Etiquette From Around The World

One of the best places to socialise and mix with locals when you’re abroad is at a local watering hole. A bar or pub is an excellent place to make new friends or to understand the people and their culture. However, if you don’t want to look out of place, be sure to follow the drinking etiquette and traditions of the place.

In many countries, drinking often follows some sort of ritual and getting it wrong may unnecessarily cause offence. Here are some extremely specific do’s and don’ts from around the world to brush up on before you travel. Here’s a guide to drinking etiquette around the world.

# If someone offers you a drink in Russia, it’s considered rude to turn it down

If you are offered a drink in Russia, it is seen as a sign of trust and friendship. Traditionally, you should accept it, as otherwise, it’s like you’re saying “I’m not interested in your friendship”. Also, remember that vodka should be taken straight, with no mixers. Also, when you open a bottle, its considered rude not to finish every drop.

# Don’t make a toast with beer in Hungary

When in Hungary, don’t raise a toast with beer. It is considered discourteous, as in 1848 the Austrian defeat of the Hungarian revolution was celebrated with lots of beer.

# In Spain, never toast with water

It is believed in Spain that toasting with water instead of wine will bring you seven years of bad sex!

# Don’t fully fill your glass in France

In France, never fill your glass to the brim – the French like to savour their wine, so expect to do the same. This also means that you shouldn’t guzzle your drink. It is also considered good manners to serve women first.

# Be prepared for long toasts in Georgia

Toasts are an important part of life in Georgia. Every meal with Georgians will be accompanied with at least 20-30 toasts, often along with speeches.

# In Kazakhstan, try to finish your kumis

Kumis (which is made from fermented horse milk) is the national drink of Kazakhstan. According to local custom, any leftovers must be poured back into the kumis jug so that none of it is wasted.

# Make eye contact when making toasts in Germany and the Czech Republic

When making toasts in the Czech Republic or Germany, be sure to maintain eye contact with until the glasses are put back on the table. It is considered a sign of trust and respect.

# Never pour your own drink in Japan

Don’t pour your own drink in Japan. Instead, you’re expected to pour the drinks of others and they’ll do the same for you. Ideally, you should have enough rounds of drinks for every person in the group to have poured the others a drink. If you’ve had enough, don’t serve others, or they’ll be obligated to fill your glass.

# In China, remember the complex drinking etiquette

China has a complex series of rules surrounding drinking at gatherings, especially when it comes to toasts. A few major points to keep in mind are to pour for elders or superiors first, to make sure that the glasses are filled completely, and to ensure that juniors don’t raise their glasses higher than their elders.