Jack Maxwell - the host of the new show "Hot Travel" on the Travel Channel, an entertainment TV channel, embarked on a true men's tour around the globe to learn about the traditions of making and drinking the most unusual alcoholic beverages in the world.
Peru
Peru is a great place that combines ancient culture and modern rhythm of life. In this country, I had the opportunity to taste a large number of delicious drinks.
One of the traditional drinks, which was used during various rituals by South American Indians, is "chicha". Shamans used this drink in order to free their consciousness and enter a trance. The technology of preparation of this strong drink has not changed much since that time. Women chew corn grain and spit it into a special container with water, and then the resulting substance ferments, after which chicha is obtained. Fruits such as citrus fruits or bananas are added to the drink.
Another popular alcoholic drink is "pisco", which means "flying bird" in Indian dialects. This drink is made from Muscat grapes, and, in fact, is one of the varieties of grape brandy. Pisco is one of the main ingredients in the Pisco Sour cocktail, which is the country's national drink. In honor of Pisco Sauer every year, on May 15, there is even a celebration. In the photo, Hacienda la Caravedo is the oldest Pisco distillery in Peru.
Interestingly, in order to get rid of a headache after tasting local alcoholic drinks, Peruvians drink a cocktail, the main ingredient of which is … frogs! This drink is said to have many medicinal properties and help relieve asthma symptoms, improve well-being and boost immunity.
Iceland
Iceland is a cold country, nevertheless, traditional alcohol saves residents from freezing. Despite the fact that the state is doing its best to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed and, in this regard, introduces high taxes and excise taxes on alcohol, residents do not stop drinking. It is because of, first of all, its cheapness, that an alcoholic drink called "Brennivin", which is distinguished by its high degree and strong taste, is very popular in Iceland. It is prepared on the basis of potatoes and resembles schnapps according to the cooking method. Icelandic hakarl is a traditional snack for brennivin, the main ingredient of which is rotten shark meat (don't try). Due to the high content of ammonia, fresh shark meat is dangerous to human health, so the shark carcass is cut and buried in the sand for a period of two weeks to six months, and only after that the snack is ready for consumption. In the photo I am drinking Brennivin with local Vikings living in the port city of Habnarfjordur (about 10 kilometers south of Reykjavik).
Spain
Spain combines several different cultures: Catalan, Galician, Basque and others, and this is noticeable not only in the language, but also in the variety of alcohol that is popular in each of the regions. In Andalusia, the traditional drink is sherry, also known as Sherri. According to legend, the second name appeared thanks to the Moors, who at one time lived in Spain and called the wine "sherish".
Pacharan liqueur is popular in northern Spain. It is customary to drink it after meals, as it helps to better absorb food. The production of this strong drink began in the 19th century and has not lost its popularity to this day.
Another popular wine-based drink is the world famous sangria. It is said that the drink originated from an Italian who came to Spain in the hope of making wine not from grapes, but from fruits. However, disappointed by the failures, in his hearts he threw the remnants of the fruit into the decanter of wine, and the first sangria came about. This alcoholic drink is easy to drink, and drunkenness is not felt immediately, it is because of this insidious property that sangria was nicknamed "the blood of the devil."
South Africa
South Africa is known primarily for its wines, however, this is not the only type of alcohol that is in the country.
Palm wine or, as the South African people themselves call it, "ubusulu" is extremely popular among the local population. The drink is obtained by fermenting palm juice. Ubusulu is so popular with the local population that certain varieties of wine palms are even endangered. Traditionally, this drink is always present at weddings, official events and other significant celebrations. In the photo, I'm talking to local alcohol producers in anticipation of trying palm wine.
Another well-known drink among the inhabitants of South Africa is "mampoer", which vaguely resembles fruit schnapps. According to legend, it is named after the tribe in whose territory this drink was first invented. In South Africa, there are more than 23 different types of this drink, in every village there is at least one family that produces it. In the photo, I'm choosing mampoer at the Nyati distillery.
Nepal
Nepal, like other countries, has its own alcoholic traditions. One of the national alcoholic drinks is "Tongba", it is made from boiled and fermented millet. Legends say that this is the favorite drink of Bigfoot, who prowls the villages "in the hope" of a hangover. Alcohol is not the only thing that makes tourists lose their heads.
Popular among the Nepalese drink called "Bhang-lassi" is considered the sacred drink of the god Shiva. In addition to water, milk, sugar and spices, it contains a unique ingredient - hemp extract. This drink becomes extremely popular during the Holi Festival, which is held in honor of the Spring Festival. At other times, bhang lassi can be tasted in many restaurants, and you can order it by pronouncing the "code" name "special lassi". As the Nepalese themselves assure, this drink helps to relieve tension, improves mood and well-being, and even promotes a state of spiritual ecstasy. In the photo, I talk to the locals about the use of cannabis in drinks and food.
