Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe

There’s no question about it – travelling the world is a lifestyle. Traveling Europe is a popular pastime for the wealthy, and those who know how to plan their budget smartly. While visiting European cities, it’s imperative to soak up the local culture. Foods, drinks, amenities, and sights, are all important to check out while you’re travelling abroad.

Even if you’re staying for just a few nights, the best European countries for travel will have a selection of drinks or cocktails for you to unwind with. In this guide, we’ll present the top cocktails you can have while enjoying the beauty of Europe.

Further Reading: Europe Travel – 13 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe

6 of the Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe

Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe #1

Malta

Did you know? Malta is the home of online casino games and lavish land-based casinos. The local fine and dine cuisine mostly relies on international drinks and meals. However, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a cocktail (or two) while you take in the scenery.

One of the most popular cocktails in Malta is the ‘Kinnie Spritz‘. This refreshing drink combines Kinnie – a beloved Maltese soft drink known for its bitter-sweet flavour of bitter oranges and aromatic herbs – with prosecco or sparkling wine. Garnished with a slice of orange, it’s a local favourite that’s perfect for enjoying the island’s Mediterranean ambiance.

Another popular drink to have on the island is the Pina Colada. It’s not an original Maltese drink, of course – it originates from Puerto Rico. But, seeing how Malta is a popular tourist destination, you can expect the top bartenders preparing drinks for you, and this one is at the top of their list.

The Pina Colada is made with coconut and pineapple juice as well as a decent shot of rum. It’s sweet and a top choice to have at the best Maltese bars and restaurants. The tropical flavour and decent price make it a favourite of many, but keep in mind the phrase ‘enjoy responsibly’.

Further Reading: 4 Reasons Malta Should be on Your Holiday Shortlist

Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe #2

Italy

Italy is one of the most popular travelling destinations in Europe. There’s no single place to recommend. You can enjoy Rome, Naples, Firenze, and even Sicilia with numerous great cocktails in hand. Whether you’re visiting art galleries, or simply enjoying the beaches, there are many Italy-specific drinks to keep you company.

One notable example is the Negroni. It was first created in 1919 by Count Camillo. Over a century later, it’s one of the most popular Italian cocktails. This is a dry and bittersweet cocktail that packs a punch. It combines gin, Campari, Vermouth, and the Angostura Aromatic Bitter in a delicious glass. It’s a balanced cocktail and the ultimate aperitif while visiting the boot.

If you’re looking for something lighter, you can try the globally popular Aperol Spritz. It’s not an Italy-specific cocktail, but nevertheless, it’s one of the ultimate refreshments in Europe. With hundreds of thousands of searches online on average, it’s safe to say people love it. Unlike the Negroni which is stronger, Aperol Spritz is a mix of soda water, Prosecco, and an orange twist which makes it refreshing and tasty.

Further Reading: Italy Travel Guide – 10 Historical Places to Visit in Italy

Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe #3

France

Just like Italy, France has many places to visit. You can hit Paris and visit the Louvre, head southwest to the vineyards of Bordeaux, go down south to the coastal town of St. Tropez and chill on the beach or party at one of its many nightlife offerings and from there you could even take a trip to next-door country Monaco and play a round of high stakes poker in James Bond’s Casino De Monte-Carlo! Regardless of the spot you’ve picked, there are also many specific cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else.

There’s probably no better drink that represents France as a glass of champagne. But, if you’re looking for a twist to the original, why not try the French 75 cocktail? It was created in Paris over a century ago, and remains a legendary drink like no other. Its zingy flavour from the mix of gin or cognac with lemon juice and simple syrup makes for a perfect refreshment while hitting the casino tables or simply enjoying life at a French café.

The best part of it all is that it’s not expensive. Instead of paying thousands for a bottle of champagne, you can get a French 75 and try something new.

Further Reading: Five Fabulous Reasons to Visit Collioure, South of France

Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe #4

Germany

In Germany, apart from the Italian originated ‘Aperol Spritz‘, which has become a favourite across the country, particularly during the warmer months and enjoyed in outdoor cafes and beer gardens – a popular choice is the ‘Hugo‘. The Hugo cocktail is a light and aromatic cocktail made with prosecco, elderflower syrup, mint leaves, and sparkling water. Both cocktails are refreshing and well-suited for Germany’s social and outdoor drinking culture.

However Germany is a country of beers – not cocktails. So, we’ll drop the exclusive cocktails for a bit and focus on beer for a moment. Because, no matter if you’re visiting Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, or any other German city, there’s a great chance you’ll try some of their famous beers.

The most popular of these is the ‘Pilsner‘. Known for its crisp and slightly bitter flavour, Pilsner is a pale lager that dominates the German beer market.

And because Germany is famous for its beer culture, you’ll find it offers a wide variety of local brews and regional specialties – and they’re all frothy and chilled to perfection. Our tip: instead of getting a bottle, try the pub’s special – that can range from simple lagers to dark pints with bold flavour. Examples of regional specialities include ‘Weißbier’ (wheat beer) in Bavaria, ‘Altbier’ in Düsseldorf and Helles Beer from southern Germany – an example being ‘Schanzenbrau Helles Beer’.

Beer plays such a significant role in German traditions and festivals that it even has a dedicated annual and world renowned festival called ‘Oktoberfest’ in Munich. Germany is every beer drinker’s paradise. So, if you’re planning to travel to Germany, don’t miss out on the hop-delish train.

Further Reading: 20 Enchanting European Cruise Ports You Will Dream About Sailing Into.

Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe #5

Austria

If you’re in for colder regions with fantastic architecture, Austria is the perfect country to travel to. The most popular alcoholic drink in Austria is beer. Austrians have a strong beer culture, with a variety of local brews and traditional beer halls. And like Germany, Austria is also known for its regional lagers and pilsners, with popular brands like Stiegl, Gösser, and Ottakringer.

However, Austria is also famous for its wine, especially white wine varieties like Grüner Veltliner, which is widely consumed and exported. In regions like Vienna, the tradition of ‘Heuriger’ (wine taverns) is very popular, where locals enjoy young wine.

When it comes to cocktails, Austria doesn’t have many cocktail originals but thanks to a number of top-notch cafes, bars and restaurants, led by renowned bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, so you’ll be in safe hands when ordering your favourite. And on that note when visiting Austria and …

Since it’s a colder country than most on this list, you’ll find many hot beverages with a kick. The Gluhwein is a kind of mulled wine and a staple of Christmas markets. If you’ve never been to an Austrian Christmas market, you’re missing out on the fun. Gluhwein is the most popular drink there, combining warm red wine with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and citrus fruits for the ultimate liquid sugary treat with a kick.

Further Reading: Travel Inspiration – 5 of Europe’s Secret Romantic Retreats

Best Cocktails to Have While Travelling Europe #6

Ireland & The UK

Ireland is renowned for its beautiful landscape and ancient history – and so you’ll find it top of many travel bucket lists. And when it comes to drinks, of an alcohol nature, Irish whiskeys, Irish gins and stout (dark beer) certainly top the list.

In fact some of the most popular cocktails often reflect the country’s rich traditions and famous Irish spirits. Here are a few of the favourites:

‘Irish Coffee‘ – a classic cocktail combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream on top. It’s a warm and comforting drink, perfect for cold evenings.
‘Whiskey Sour‘ – made with Irish whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes a dash of egg white for a frothy texture.
‘Baby Guinness‘ – despite its name, this cocktail doesn’t contain Guinness beer. Instead, it’s a layered shot made with coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) and Irish cream (like Cool Swan or Baileys), designed to resemble a small pint of Guinness.

Further Reading: 10 Things to do in Ireland on a ‘Rainy Day’: Budget Friendly

The UK has numerous sights you’ll want to see, and London has some of the best cocktail bars in Europe. Londoners take their cocktails pretty seriously, with a range of unique drinks available at the same bars. In addition to all kinds of cold pints at pubs, of course.

If you’re not a beer fan, you’ll want to try something different such as the Espresso Martini. As the name suggests, it’s a mix of strong coffee and booze, which is the ultimate boosting beverage to have at the start of the night.

If you’re in for something zingy, you can try the renowned John Collins cocktail. With a mix of lemon juice, sugar syrup, gin, and soda water, it’s the perfect follow-up to the Espresso Martini.

Further Reading: 8 of the Most Scenic Trails for Walking Holidays in the UK

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