May 6 is National Beverage Day and we couldn’t be more excited. No matter your choice of drink, this day celebrates the cultural importance of something we often overlook – beverages. Treat your taste buds to a trip around the world with these 10 Iconic Beverages You’ve Probably Never Heard Of!
1. Mexico – Pulque
Pulque, or octli, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented sap from the maguey plant. This milky, sour drink has been produced by the indigenous people of Mexico for thousands of years. It is called the ‘nectar of the gods’ because it was historically only drank as part of sacred religious rituals.
2. India – Thandai
Thandai is a cold and creamy milk-based drink popular in the northern parts of India. It is made from almonds, milk, sugar, rose petals, poppy seeds, cardamom, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, saffron, and pepper. This drink is traditionally served during the Holi festival, where people throw coloured water and powders at each other, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
3. China – Pu’er Tea
Pu’er or pu-erh tea, is a semi-rare type of aged fermented tea from the Yunnan Province of China. This tea undergoes a long process of gradual microbial fermentation over time, to produce a sweet black tea that is known for its numerous health benefits. This tea is treated in the same way as a vintage wine – because the tea increases in value the older it gets!
4. Czech Republic – Becherovka
Becherovka is a herbal bitters made in the Czech Republic. With an iconic ‘Christmas’ flavor that comes from a secret combination of herbs and spices, it is commonly consumed as a digestive aid. It is referred to as the ‘water of life’ for its many health benefits.
5. Brazil – Cachaça
Cachaça is a popular alcoholic spirit from Brazil with a strong sweet and spicy flavour that is similar to rum. Made from fermented sugarcane juice, it is used to make the famous cocktail caipirinha. It is traditionally paired with the dish feijoada, a stew of black beans and red meat.
6. Namibia – Oshikundu
Oshikundu is a traditional Namibian drink made from fermented Mahangu and Sorghum flour. It is thick and brown with a strong cereal taste, and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions exist. It is usually consumed in open-air markets and is a popular source of nutrition and energy for workers throughout the day.
7. Lithuania – Aguonų Pienas
Aguonų Pienas (Poppy Seed Milk) is a popular non-alcoholic winter drink for Lithuanians. Made by soaking poppy seeds in hot water, this drink is mixed with honey or sugar and served with Kūčiukai, a small sweet Christmas pastry made with poppy seeds.
8. Argentina – Añapa
Añapa is a traditional Argentinian drink made from the pods of the white carob tree. This refreshing non-alcoholic drink has been prepared by indigenous communities in the Andean Mountains for thousands of years, and is an important nutritional value to the people who make it. This drink is so rare that it is not available commercially, because it is only prepared by local families of this region.
9. Korea – Sikhye
Sikhye is a traditional Korean rice beverage. It is made by boiling malt water with cooked rice. With its sweet flavor, it is typically consumed as a dessert and flavoured with pine nuts or jujube (red dates).
10. Poland – Rabarbar Z Miodem
Rabarbar Z Miodem is a refreshing non-alcoholic Polish beverage made from rhubarb and honey. Served cold, it has a flavor similar to cranberry juice, and can be served with wine, gin or rum.
