As a Gator, drinking is kind of really important. It’s a part of our lives, and we’re not really sure what our social lives would be like without it. Except a lot more boring; that’s for sure. So, when we travel, we want to incorporate social drinking into that. But it can be hard when you don’t have your old reliables like Swamp Mondays, penny wine and Cantina all day every day, where you know exactly what’s good and cheap. But have no fears, I’ll do my best to give you the scoop on drinking around the world.
Beer
According to ratebeer.com, (don’t worry; I didn’t know it existed either) Schenider Aventinus is the best beer in Germany and comes from Kelheim, Germany, but you can probably find it anywhere in Germany. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not a beer person at all, but the description even sounds good to me. “Strong notes of ripe bananas, raisins and plums meet liquorice and roasty aromes. Full-bodied and warming, with a well-balanced and smooth finish.” Yummm.
I honestly wouldn’t have guessed this, but the BEST BEER IN THE WORLD is in Westvleteren, Belgium called none other than- Westvleteren 12. Apparently, it’s full of caramel flavors and isn’t too heavy. I might be a beer convert. What about you?
Sangria
I absolutely love sangria, but I always struggle to find really good sangria. It seems to either be too sweet or too bitter. But in Spain, I felt at home. Even the sangria that wasn’t amazing was still quite good. After doing extensive research, hoping to find the secret to buying sangria in Spain, all I found was conflicting answers and sites that said there is no magic way to find good sangria there. But the advice I do have for you is this- stay away from super touristy restaurants when on a sangria hunt because you’ll spend way too much for mediocre sangria. It’s like water to them; so don’t think you have to pay a lot to get something good.
Red Wine
Fortnum’s Claret, Chateau Fongaban is touted as the best red wine in the world. And surprisingly, it’s not from Italy; it’s from France. It’s supposed to have a long finish and silky tannins but will also impress those with more contemporary tastes. Book your flight; you’re coming to France for the best wine of your life.
White Wine
Delicious, sweet white wine can be found all over Europe, including Greece, France and Portugal. France’s Champagne region’s Joly-Champagne Cuvee Speciale is supposed to be amazing. And if you’re as addicted to sweet white wine as I am, don’t just go there, hit up southern France and get a bottle of Banyuls; it’s delicious.
Kepp traveling and drinking. After all, that’s what being young is all about.
