Warming Winter Drinks of Europe

Hot drinks are something that are so much a part of our everyday lives, but we seldom wonder or even appreciate what the rest of the world drink to get them going/help them sleep (They can’t all drink Nescafe, you must think).

Now we’re still in the depths of winter, it seems fitting to cover a few of the drinks that the rest of Europe’s slurping down between chapped lips.

Hot Chocolate -Europe

Every nation in Europe has its own version. The beverage that was supposedly invented by South American Tribes who found cocoa beans precious and even used them as currency, when they weren’t mixing them with Chili. It was discovered by the Spaniards in the 1500’s, and then over the years taken up by all over Western Europe, who ditched the chili and added milk and sugar and vanilla to counteract the bitterness. One unforgettable variant that I’ve experienced was Lithuanian Hot Chocolate, which was literally Black and Milk Chocolate melted in a small espresso mug eaten with a teaspoon.

Bicerin – Italy

Bicerin is an Italian Drink that originates from Turin. It consists of a tasty combination of Espresso, Hot Chocolate, and Whole Milk poured in 3 separate layers – essentially a unique version of a Mocha Cappuccino. Only the Italians could be so inventive with their drinks. Three Musketeer’s Author Alexander Dumas wrote that his morning habit of starting the day with one was something unforgettable.

Tea – England

Summer, winter, springtime, harvest – there’s always a time for a cup of English Tea. It’s one of the only drinks that manage to be both relaxing and stimulating. Some of the most well known favourites are “Earl Grey” and “English Breakfast”, the former being one of the strongest. Traditionally, Tea was accompanied by a scone, toast, or sometimes crumpets (small, pancake-type flour and yeast bread product). Tea in Britain was for centuries treated like Coffee and served with Milk and Sugar, although this practice is becoming less common with the increasing popularity of Green and Herbal teas, which are incidentally disgusting with milk and sugar (I trust the reader can detect the tone of regretful experience from the author’s early morning forays).

Glühwein – Germany

Glühwein is a mixture of red wine, vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and lemon – all heated up. A popular Scandinavian variant of Glühwein is Glögg, (or Glögi), which is similar except served with almonds and raisins.

It’s traditionally served at the world-famous Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Markets) to warm the spirits (and blood supply) of frozen seasonal shoppers up – the best markets are said to be at held at Nuremberg, Münster, Aachen, Leipzig, and Dresden. Sounds Interesting? More information on German Christmas Markets can be found elsewhere on this blog.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

Photo of hot chocolate by paPics

Topic:  Restaurants & Food | 4 Comments
Tags:  chocolate, Germany, Turin, UK, winter

About the author

Paul Crompton is an avid reader and has a passion for cars and technology, primarily. He loves traveling to whichever exotic travel location which is cheap. His dream is to become an advertising executive.