Let’s drink to a cultural thing
This weekend we celebrate a 3 day international holiday. And, you’re going to need it. It’s International culture of drinks day from August 2 through 4. What the heck is that, you may ask? It’s a day where we encourage you to try something new or something you are already familiar. But, as you enjoy a cocktail, beer, wine, or liqueur, take into account where it comes from and the culture surrounding it. It doesn’t matter if you’re Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, or anywhere else on the religious, or even political, spectrum, We want you too become more aware of the world, and have a better understanding of all cultures through drinking. So, let’s drink to a cultural thing.
At first glance, you may say, well that’s silly. What culture is there in a glass of booze? Well, even a glass of bourbon has culture and history. Bourbon is a staple in much of the south. To Americans it’s just what you drink. But, to someone from another country, or other region of the country, it represents a whole culture. Now, expand your horizons. Try some Ouzo, and find yourself in the Greek Isles. How about some rum from Belize or Guaro from Costa Rica? Try some Korean Soju or Japanese Shochu. Or maybe you can try some South African Amarula (cream liquor) or Indonesian Arrack. Just keep in mind, in addition to having fun with booze, this is also a learning experience. Put yourself in the wooden clogs of A Danish peasant with some akvavit. Let google or someone familiar with the drink be your guide.
The world in a bottle
Often, people drink to forget and/or shut the brain off. But, this weekend, it’s the opposite. Think of it as a scavenger hunt where you can find a world in a bottle. Even if you choose beer, Let’s drink to a cultural thing. Remember, beer is a truly universal beverage. And, it’s easier to drink lots of it before getting too tipsy. And, you can get really specific about the culture when you drink beer, since there are so many places it’s brewed. With the recent proliferation of micro-brews and artisan beers, chances are, there’s one near you. And, you can get the culture of a specific town, not just a country. Plus, in addition to cultural drinking day, today is international beer day. So, you can’t go wrong.
But, don’t be afraid to try other drinks. There are so many to choose from. And, people have heroic stories of how drunk they got on whatever liqueur it may be. Things like Grappa, ouzo, and Jagermeister evoke tales of drunkenness. Still, you don’t have to get stupid drunk. In fact, this time, we want you to think about these drinks. Picture an Italian countryside be-speckled with vineyards, the azure seas of the Greek isles, or a cozy cabin in the Bavarian mountainside. With all the turmoil throughout the world, maybe drinking the liquor of another society can open eyes to the peace possibilities. Perhaps if Israelis and Palestinians shared a bottle of Arak, or, Russians and Ukranians passed around a bottle of vodka, maybe things wouldn’t be so bad. There is shared humanity in every bottle.
What happens when Americans say Let’s drink to a cultural thing?
Despite being a cultural mosaic or “melting pot”, many Americans have no tolerance for things outside their comfort zone. Different types of booze are high on that list. The football crowd just want their Cheap American lager and shots of jack Daniels or Fireball to prove they’re manly. But, what happens when they try a liqueur from a foreign country for the first time? It usually leads to cursing and/or derision of whatever it is they are trying. This video captures that essence.
Ironically, the people in this video are actually more accepting than a lot of Americans. You won’t see any of those drinks at a Superbowl party. But, with the Olympics going on now, maybe people will be more open to trying something different. But, don’t just focus on the booze. Think of where it came from. When we picture Bud, Miller, and Coor’s light, we think of a big sanitized factory in the midwest. But, when you drink Kahlua, you think of Cancun or Tulum. Try it today. You could even stick with one type of booze. Take rum, for instance. You can try rum from Haiti, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, even overseas areas like the Indian subcontinent. Each drink reminds us of a certain area. The thought of the culture can actually influence the taste of the liquor itself.
Break out those glasses and Let’s drink to a cultural thing.
While American culture focuses on drunken karaoke and football, in other parts of the world there are more important things, like Soccer (aka football) and drunken singing in a pub. On second thought, perhaps there is a lot in common with the rest of the world. So, let’s get our drink on, with the goal of world peace. Maybe we can even combine some international beverages for an even better combination of flavors and see how well different cultures can blend and complement each other.
- Try a Black or White Russian: Kahlua and vodka (with cream for white)
- Moscow Mule: Vodka with Ginger beer and Lime
- New Zealand’s Lemon & Paeroa, Gin with lemon soda
- Of course, there are many variations on the Spritz ,like: Aperol, Limoncello, and Campari
Of course, some things may not work well together, like Jagermeister with almost anything. It’s claim to fame is the bitterness. So, it created its own culture without geographical boundaries. Their big ad campaign was people making faces after drinking it. But, getting back to the assignement at hand, drink something today that evokes a different culture than your own, and really think about that culture.
Nostrovia! Prost! Salud! Slainge! KanPai!
