Wherever you are in the world, you won’t be hard pressed to find a Brit abroad sipping a second pint of the day, or cracking open a chilled bottle of white wine at lunch.
And while European countries generally have the highest per capita consumption of alcohol, according to the World Population Review, our European counterparts have totally different drinking habits.
Depending on whether you’re in ‘wine’ Europe, ‘beer’ country or the ‘vodka belt’, drinking habits across the continent vary widely.
Some nations prioritise slow, leisurely sipping, while others encourage a vivacious atmosphere and enthusiastic drinking.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the drinking etiquette around Europe – are you more of a British booze-lover or a French fine wine fanatic?
France
In France, a relaxed approach is favoured when it comes to drinking
France and wine go hand-in-hand – and the culture here centres around social connection and food, rather than finding the fastest path to inebriation.
‘In France it’s traditional to drink wine with food. To know how to pair wine properly is considered a skill, and it’s quite normal to go to a wine shop and ask the people who work there to help you to pick a wine to go with the food you’re serving,’ says The Good Life France.
‘The French have a sometimes academic attitude to wine that can seem snooty, but actually has nothing to do with snobbery and everything to do with a true appreciation of the quality.’
Two things matter here in France: one, L’Apéro (Apéritif), a pre-dinner ritual involving a light snack and drink. And two, the meal with which you consume your drink – most likely wine.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You like to drink the right wine, not the cheapest one.
Germany
Beer is the beverage of choice in Germany – with pale lagers often preferred
There are two stereotypes most commonly associated with Germans and Germany: a penchant for precision, and a love of crisp, pale lager.
Combine the two and you have German drinking culture; you’ll enjoy a beer, but the bill will be split perfectly in proportion with what you ordered.
And, as reported by the BBC, here in Germany there is an unspoken rule of not buying one another drinks.
‘Germans have a very strong sense of justice,’ bartender Julian Berger told the publication. ‘They feel more comfortable if everyone pays for themselves. They don’t like it when there is an imbalance.’
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? If you had three pints and your neighbour had four, you’re only paying for three.
Spain
Spaniards are known for staying up into the small hours drinking
Drinking in Spain often takes place in open terraces, local bars and alongside snacks – with a relaxed, sociable environment encouraged.
Tapas is emblematic of the nation’s approach to drinking: each beverage is accompanied by a small snack, such as olives, and is to be enjoyed slowly.
And if you don’t wish to expose yourself as a tourist, avoid ordering sangria. Instead, most locals will opt for tinto de verano (red wine with lemon soda), a beer or vermouth.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You like each drink with a snack – crisps, olives, tortillas…
Italy
Wine is quite literally the order of the day in sociable Italy
Drinking wine is a veritable ritual in Italy. You savour each sip, and can expect a restaurant’s house wine to be decent.
‘Wine isn’t a status symbol in Italy – it’s a daily pleasure,’ says Kiss from Italy cultural site. ‘A conversation starter. A reason to linger at the table just a little longer. Because here, wine is not about drinking. It’s about enjoying life… one sip at a time.’
The aperitivo, between around 6pm and 8.30pm, is like the French or Spanish alternative – a light bite and sip.
There’s also emphasis on ordering a local wine here, with each region having its own specialties.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You drink Chianti in Tuscany, Frascati in Rome and Nero d’Avola in Sicily (and can at least pretend to know the difference).
UK
Across the country, the pub is the very epicente of British drinking culture
British drinking is centred around one core institution: the pub.
And Brits know how to have a good time. It is estimated that in the UK, adults consume 10.7 litres of pure alcohol per person per year on average, equivalent to around 21 UK units per week.
Rates of heavy episodic drinking (sometimes referred to as ‘binge drinking’), which is defined as drinking eight or more units of alcohol in a single session, have remained steady in recent times, according to Alcohol Change.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – for many, the pub is the heart of a community and social life.
Taking turns buying rounds is commonplace – as is keeping track of your place in the queue (which looks nothing like a queue).
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You love the pub more than life itself, and somehow know exactly when it’s your turn to pay for a round – even though no one is seemingly keeping track.
Czech Republic
The way you drink – and toast – in the Czech Republic matters
From that very first ‘Na zdraví’ (cheers), drinking in the Czech Republic is all about the beer – and the attitude.
Make sure you toast correctly, though: make direct eye contact, clink individual glasses with everyone and never cross arms with someone else while toasting.
As for paying, the Czech Republic has its own unique system.
Explains Beer Spa Bernard: ‘The beer coaster under the glass serves not only as a coaster, but also as a record of the beers you have drunk. The bartender gradually marks it with lines according to how many beers he has brought you during the evening.’
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You’re vigilant about how you say ‘cheers’!
Ireland
Guinness is the drink most associated with Ireland and its booze culture
The home of Guinness, Ireland is often thought of as a paradise for drink lovers. The pub in Ireland is a community hub, and buying rounds is commonplace here.
Guinness is key – as well as the way it’s ordered and served.
According to Irish Getaways: ‘Guinness isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual. Violating these norms marks you as a tourist.
‘It takes time. A proper Guinness requires 119.5 seconds to pour. Don’t rush the barman. The pause is part of the experience.
‘Don’t drink it immediately. Wait 30-60 seconds after receiving it. Let it settle.
‘The head matters. A proper Guinness has a finger-width of creamy white head. If something’s wrong, mention it politely.’
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You always order a pint of Guinness – then judge how well it is poured.
Baltics
Each Baltic nation has its own drinking culture
These days, drinking in the Baltics is all about socialising.
Indeed, there has been a steady move to shift drinking culture in these countries away from binge drinking – with which they are usually associated.
Here, you might try vodka, as well as the thriving brewery industry that is on the rise.
Honey spirits and mead might also be on the menu.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You like vodka – but also enjoy a bougie craft beer.
Scandinavia and the Nordics
Scandinavian drinking culture differs from one nation to another
In a number of Scandinavian countries – Sweden, Iceland and Norway – there’s a focus on drinking during the weekends, less during the workweek.
In Finland, however, there is a unique concept you should know: kalsarikännit.
This translates to ‘underwear drunk’ – and refers to the concept of drinking at home alone, in just your underwear or comfortable clothes.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS? You only ever drink on the weekends. Or in your underwear.