Tag Archives: Whisky

Russia’s alcohol market

As vodka comes under the spotlight amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, IWSR takes a deeper look at the Russian alcohol market.

Russia is the 4th largest alcohol market in the world in terms of volume, with imports accounting for 9% of total consumption. Whisky makes up 5% of Russia’s spirits consumption, and a third of its spirits imports. 91% of Russia’s whisky consumption is from imported whisky. While there have been calls to ban Russian-made goods in light of the country’s invasion of Ukraine, boycotts of Russian vodka brands will have a fairly minimal impact on Russian vodka producers. Any significant impact is more likely to be symbolic.

While Russia is the largest vodka producer in the world, with over 30% of global production, the vast majority (over 90%) of Russian-made vodka is consumed domestically.

Outside of Russia, the UK, Germany, the US and Israel round out the top five markets for Russian-made vodka, although volumes are relatively small.

Russian vodka accounts for under 3% of all vodka consumed in Europe (excluding CIS) by volume.

In the US, the world’s second largest vodka market by volume, Russian vodka accounts for less than 1% of all vodka consumed. Approximately half of all vodka consumed in the US is made in the US. While vodka is the country’s largest export, Russia is also a relatively large producer of beer and wine – though much of this is consumed domestically.

Russian beer makes up 1% of the global beer market. Over 99% of Russian beer is consumed domestically.

Similarly, Russia produces 2% of the world’s still wine, with almost all of it consumed locally.

Russia also produces 6% of the world’s sparkling wine, with 99% of it consumed domestically.

Dewar’s Scotch Whisky Celebrates its 175th Anniversary

Dewar’s Scotch whisky marked 175 years of Scotch-making recently. Over the course of these spectacular 175 years, Dewar’s has created some mighty fine products along the way and crafted an unparalleled experience for patrons. The whisky maker has a rich history with over 15 plus products which cater to the premium category. Dewar’s is also widely known for pioneering the double ageing process to serve its drinkers a refined and balanced taste.

Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, the journey of Dewar’s started from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Perth, Scotland to become a global brand that it is today. John Dewar was so proud of the quality of his blended Scotches that he was one of the first Scotch blenders to put his name on a bottle as a guarantee of quality. In 1880’s, Alexander and Tommy Dewar inherited Scotch whisky business from their father. They divided the responsibility between themselves and embarked on a journey to make Dewar’s one of the fastest growing premium whiskies in the world. In 1890, Master Blender A.J. Cameron joined Dewar’s and pioneered the novel Double Ageing process for greater harmony and extra smoothness to all the Dewar’s blend.

Taking inspiration from Dewar’s first Master Blender- A.J. Cameron’s achieved notes, Master Blender Stephanie Macleod created the Dewar’s Double Double whisky range using an innovative four-step ageing process. The unique taste of this double blended scotch has enabled the brand in winning multiple/several prestigious titles and accolades like ‘World’s Best Blended’ and ‘Best in Class’ among others.

Commenting on the wins, Vijay Dev, Consumer Marketing Lead, Whiskies at Bacardi India said, “This is a significant milestone for Dewar’s! We are elated to be a part of one of the world’s most awarded Scotch whisky, after all double is better. With our commitment to serve the smoothest blend to our consumers, we will be bringing multiple variants like Japanese Smooth and Ultra-Premium Double Double Series 21, 27 and 32 year old to India in the near future.”

Currently at the historical achieve of Dewar’s in Glasgow, Jacqui Seargeant, Global Heritage Manager & Whiskies Archivist, Bacardi has been preserving more than 10,000 items from the rich heritage of the DEWAR’S family including bottles from the 19th century, documenting family photos from company founders, curating museum collections, and fact finding the origin stories of classic cocktails. The archive has inspired bottle designs, brand campaigns, and recipes. While going through the archives, Jacqui came across Tommy Dewar’s Original Highball recipe, which is today whisky drinkers’ favourite cocktail across the globe.

The All-New Royal Challenge: A Smooth & Rich New Blend

Royal Challenge Whisky, India’s most aspirational whisky brand that’s known to challenge the norms, recently unveiled its brand-new renovation. The new Royal Challenge Whisky has a completely new liquid and a striking new pack that will stand out on the shelf.

Diageo India has created a truly unique blended whisky dedicated to the spirit of Delhi. The all-new Royal Challenge whisky is a perfect fusion of select imported scotch blended with perfection to deliver a sweet profile and subtle notes of vanilla, that will give the consumers a richer and smoother drinking experience.

With the vision to be an iconic millennial brand, Royal Challenge’s new pack has been re-designed for a premium look-and-feel and an elevated experience – the Lion sigil and red and black colours represent the bold and fearless spirit that the brand exemplifies. Further, with this renewed blend, Royal Challenge has evolved to be the most accessible and preferred brand for the younger generation.

Speaking about the renovation, Ruchira Jaitly, VP of Marketing and Prestige portfolio head said, “Royal Challenge is a brand which has always believed that, to build a better tomorrow, we must challenge the stereotypes of today and reinvent the rules. With the vision to become the first whisky of choice that appeals to the people of Delhi, there was a need to reinvent and offer an experience that perfectly blends into the changing consumer palettes and choices. I am excited with what is in store and look forward to the people of Delhi embracing an all-new refreshed Royal Challenge as they have always done.”

The launch of the all-new pack will look to explore an integrated communication strategy in Delhi that builds on this new positioning.

The phased launch will see the refreshed pack on shelves across the city this Festive season.

Oaksmith launched in Delhi

Oaksmith, India’s First Truly International Blended Whisky, crafted by Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, creator of iconic Japanese whiskies Hibiki and Yamazaki – combines the finest Scotch Malts with the smoothest American Bourbons using world class Japanese blending techniques, bringing the best of East and West to Indian consumers

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Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has launched Oaksmith, India’s first International Blended Whisky in Delhi. After a successful launch in December 2019 in Maharashtra and Telangana followed by rapid expansion in West Bengal, Goa, Assam, Chandigarh, UP and Karnataka, the iconic brand is now available in Delhi with both blend variants – ‘Oaksmith Gold’ and ‘Oaksmith International’. The brand has delivered 300,000 cases since its launch in India.

Oaksmith has been created by world-renowned Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender, Suntory, the founding house of Japanese Whiskies – with world-class Japanese craftsmanship, blending high quality Scotch Malt whiskies and smoothest American Bourbons to build a recipe that is unique and designed taking inspiration from the Indian palate. From seed to sip, the whisky is meticulously crafted to achieve a blend like no other resulting in a bold spirit that is rich on the nose yet approachable and well balanced with a bright, smooth and unexpectedly long finish. Launch of Oaksmith Gold and Oaksmith International whisky in Delhi is key to Beam Suntory’s growth strategy, and this expansion signifies the importance of India to the global spirits company.

“We are delighted with the response that the blends of Oaksmithhave received from consumers since it’s launch. The growing premiumisation of the Indian market and the appreciation for finely crafted spirits made this the right time to expand the brand across various markets in India, finally bringing it to the nation’s capital – New Delhi. Delhi’s rich history blended with modernity adorned with touches of its traditional heritage attracts people from across the country and the world. We see a growing opportunity for high quality, world class spirit brands and look forward to receiving the same overwhelming appreciation for Oaksmith Gold and Oaksmith International here,” says Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory India.

Beam Suntory moves towards 2030 goal, launches Oaksmith in North India

Following a massive success in various markets since its launch, Oaksmith, a premium Indian whisky and the Iconic portfolio from The House of Suntory – Yamazaki, Hibiki, Toki – and Japanese craft gin – Roku –  are all set to expand presence in North Indian states including UP, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi.

Beam Suntory, the global premium spirits company, has introduced a range of five premium spirits in markets of North India, signaling its commitment and strategy to grow in India in line with its ambition to reach USD 1 billion in revenue by 2030. Continuing the momentum after launching successfully in pilot markets in 2019, the entry of five premium brands in North Indian market is a huge stride for the company to tread strongly towards its 2030 ambition. The launch of Oaksmith in North India is key to Beam Suntory’s growth strategy in India.

“India is a strategic market for Beam Suntory, and we are thrilled by the appreciation that Oaksmith, Toki, Hibiki and The Yamazaki have received from consumers in India. The growing premiumization of the Indian market and the appreciation for finely crafted spirits make this an exciting time to expand the launch of these brand in India. Indians today are exposed to global trends, which inspired the creation of Oaksmith for whisky lovers in India,” says Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory India. On Oaksmith and Oaksmith Gold, he said, “The beautiful blend incorporates our East Meets west competitive advantage and incorporates years of tradition that the Beam Suntory family upholds while showcasing Shinji-san’s award-winning blending capabilities making it a whisky that, quite simply, no one else could possibly create. We are excited to launch our brands across North India with its diverse offerings in terms of culture, people and places. We see a growing opportunity for premium quality spirits across these states”

Marking the Million Milestone: Royal Green Celebrates 10 Million Sales

Home grown Brand, Royal Green whisky from the house of ADS Group has crossed a massive milestone in the highly competitive Indian Made Foreign Liquor – deluxe segment dominated by multinational companies. The brand recently announced the crossing milestone sale of 10 million cases (cases of 9 ltrs) since it was introduced in the market in 2015.

ADS group started by First Generation Entrepreneurs – Maan Family, launched Royal Green in the deluxe segment with an objective of providing a premium quality product at an affordable price. Crafted by a seasoned master blender for the most discerning palate, Royal Green Whisky is a carefully curated melange of the finest premium Indian Grain spirits and imported scotch malts. Packed in an exquisite green bottle, the blend is far superior in terms of taste, smoothness and after feel.

Pan-India presence

Royal Green was initially launched only in Delhi and Haryana, but slowly has imprinted a strong presence pan-India. Today, it is available in 20 states in India and exported to other countries as well. The Royal Green Whisky has an alcohol percentage of 42.8% V/V, similar to other brands in its category, and is available in 1L, 75cl, 37.5cl, 18cl, and 9cl bottles. In India, the Royal Green Whisky price varies from territory to territory due to the variation in liquor taxation across Indian states and union territories. However, generally, it’s considered an Indian whisky brand priced under `1000.

Fastest growing millionaire Indian whisky brand

In spite of the pandemic induced lockdown in 2020, when most of the brands reported drop in their volume, Royal Green continued its march and grew to become (Source – Millionaire whisky Brands – 2020 by Drinks International) Fastest Growing Millionaire Indian Whisky Brand along with the following tags – fourth fastest growing whisky in the world, 26th biggest whisky brand in the world and 80th biggest spirits brand in the world.

It was quite an impressive show by a home-grown new brand within a short span of time. The sale of 10 million cases has been the major highlight.

Commenting on achieving this milestone – Mr. Virat Maan – CEO – ADS Spirits stated, “We thank all our consumers, Trade Partners and Team at ADS who made it possible. We commenced our journey with a passion to create a whisky brand which would be a treat for the consumer’s senses, and that was the genesis of Royal Green. We take utmost care to ensure best of the quality in each and every ingredient that gets into this blend and also ensure last mile delivery of our product through right channels. I feel that passion for quality and ADS team’s passion to excel in all aspects has made this milestone achievement possible”

To celebrate this breakthrough and to thank its loyal customer base, Royal Green is planning a celebratory campaign with a special commemorative pack bundled with exciting consumer rewards.

Epitome Reserve Whisky Review

In this video we review the limited edition Epitome Reserve Rare Grain Whisky that was launched recently by United Spirits, a Diageo Company. With only 2000 bottles made yet this is India’s first 100% Rice Grain whisky which celebrates India’s iconic people that have shaped the various landscapes and industries that they’ve been in.

The ABV percentage is 46% of this whisky and check out our Exclusive First Review of what we thought.

This video is for entertainment purpose only and the magazine, channel and the host do not promote alcohol consumption.

Glengarry Highland Scotch Whisky

Not to be confused with the similarly named Glen Garry, Glengarry takes its name from the traditional Scottish bonnet worn for centuries, including the days when tartan and kilts were banned.

It is an ongoing part of the range of whiskies produced by the Loch Lomond Distillery Company, and includes an NAS blend and two single malt expressions.

The blend is described as full-bodied, with a hint of peat smoke, while the NAS malt also has a smoky edge. The 12-year-old single malt is light and floral in character with grassy tones, matured in a mix of Bourbon, refill and recharred casks.

Glengarry is distinct from the much older Glen Garry blended Scotch brand, which was first produced by John Hopkins & Co in the late 19th century, before being acquired by the Distillers Company Ltd (DCL) some decades later.

First launched into the US in 2015, Glengarry is produced at the multi-functional Loch Lomond distillery in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, which was built in 1966.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple introduced in India

Consolidating its leadership position in the flavoured whiskey segment, Jack Daniel’s recently announced the introduction of Tennessee Apple in India. It will be the third flavoured whiskey to be introduced in India after Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire. The company would like to add more consumers to the whiskey category.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple is crafted from the iconic Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, charcoal mellowed and matured in new American oak barrels, and apple liqueur made from the highest quality ingredients to deliver a delicious Jack Daniel’s experience. Jack Apple is a deliciously smooth and refreshing apple-flavoured whiskey that’s uniquely Jack.

The initial launch has taken place in Mumbai, Goa, Pune and Gurugram and will soon be rolled-out in other parts of the country.

“Mr. Jack was known for being an innovator and always exploring how to do things differently, including adding different flavours and ingredients,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher. “Tennessee Apple is a perfect blend of crisp, green apples enhanced by the sweet bold notes of Jack. It is like a freshly picked apple in a glass of Jack.” Currently, they have no plans to launch another flavour in the near future, he points.

Says Siddharth Wadia, General Manager – India, Middle East and North Africa, Brown-Forman Worldwide LLC, “After a great response to our other flavoured whiskey brands, we are excited about our latest offering to our consumers in India and I am sure will help us expand the Jack Daniel’s consumer franchise in the country. With in-home consumption on a rise and consumers looking for varied options, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple will surely connect with not only existing friends of Jack, but also enable us to make new friends.”

It’s available in retail stores (at 70 proof, 750 ml bottle) with a starting price of `2300 and it is recommended to serve Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple chilled – neat, on the rocks or with tonic water for people who love cocktails.

Best places for Drinking Around the World

While drinking at night is very popular, day drinking during Covid times has also gained traction. There are a huge variety of day drinking destinations and beverage options around the world, from public parks in South Korea to cozy bars in Belgium to the beaches of Brazil. We look at some of the best drinking destinations in alphabetical order, first by country and then by city.

Mendoza, Argentina is ideal for day drinking

The entire Mendoza wine region is designed for day drinking, with its affordable wine tastings, winery lunches with wine pairings and beautiful weather year-round. But the creme de la creme of Mendoza winery lunches is the five-course lunch with (bottomless!) wine pairings at Bodega la Azul in the Uco Valley.

Yerevan, Armenia

The best things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, is drink wine. Saryan Street is the city’s “wine street”, famous for its Karas Wine. A great atmosphere for getting work done while enjoying a glass of wine or two.

Maffra, Australia

On a sunny day, both locals and visitors love to do some weekend day drinking by meeting up with friends, sitting around and trying some of Blue Gables’ amazing wines. There is nothing better than sipping from a chilled bottle of Moscato wine, sharing a wood-fired pizza and relaxing in this chilled-out environment.

Melbourne, Australia

There is no better way to spend a sunny day drinking in Melbourne, Australia than sipping prosecco outside at one of Melbourne’s many famous bars.Light, bubbly and refreshing, prosecco is the perfect drink to linger over as you relax in the sun.In recent years, Australian producers have mastered the art of Italian prosecco and you can find their drops all over town. The Australian proseccos come from the King Valley region, produced by Italian migrant families Dal Zotto and Pizzini. A seat at Arbory Bar on the Yarra River, next to Flinders Street station, offers a change of scenery and a unique venue in the middle of the river. Ponyfish Island is where your prosecco adventures in Melbourne continue in the shade of the Southbank bridge. It’s the kind of quintessential hidden bar that Melbourne is known for.

Sydney, Australia

The Bondi area in Sydney, Australia is the perfect place to day drink among other cheerful day drinkers. This is mainly due to the Bondi beach and Bondi Junction areas being popular with backpackers who don’t need much of an occasion to get their party on. It’s a popular pastime for the working holiday-makers in Sydney, who often start day drinking after an early finish on a Friday. This can continue throughout the weekend and culminates in the Sunday session which starts sometime on Sunday morning and ends when the pub closes.Most pubs in the area open early and have a very casual feel so you needn’t get dolled up for day drinking session.The ideal day drink in Bondi is beer and wine is also perfectly acceptable for those of us who can go the day-drinking distance on the vino.

Brussels, Belgium

A mere 20 minutes from the bustle of Brussels’ Grand Place, you’ll find the commune of Saint Gilles. Described by its mayor as the place where the world comes to meet, it’s an opportunity to see the real Brussels, Belgium. Here, alongside fabulous Art Nouveau buildings by the architect Victor Horta, you’ll find life lived among friends and family. You’ll find that life plays out both around you and with you in the bars of Saint Gilles.If you’re a fan of Belgian beer, then there are plenty of choices to sit back and enjoy day drinking in Brussels with a favourite brew. One popular venue is Union and Egalite which keeps more than 90 beers in a long bar studded with chandeliers. Make a day drinking date with a glass of the splendid Orval, and feel the sheer pleasure of being in Brussels.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Without a doubt, the favourite location for a spot of day drinking is Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.Either way, Copacabana Beach is awesome at all times of the year. And the drink of choice is Caipirinha. This is the most famous cocktail anywhere in Brazil. It is made from a spirit called cachaça, which comes from sugar cane. The cocktail is very simple to make: simply crush ice, lime juice and brown sugar, and then mix in some of the cachaça.Capirinhas are incredibly refreshing and very, very cheap to get anywhere in Brazil, making them perfect for day drinking in the hot sun.

Calgary, Canada

Although it’s not your typical cocktail, any good Canadian will tell you there is nothing like a Caesar to kickstart your day drinking session. Caesar is its birthplace, Calgary, Alberta.Think of a Caesar as the spicy, wilder cousin of a Bloody Mary – vodka, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Clamato juice (yes, that’s clam and tomato juice!), served with a celery salted rim and typically topped with delicious garnishes such as pickled beans, asparagus or olives. But don’t let the clam juice throw you off! This cocktail is super popular across Canada.

Ontario, Canada

For a day of activity visit Prince Edward County, Ontario, for a craft brewery tour by bicycle. The County lies a few hours outside of Toronto, and is an increasingly popular craft beer hub for locals and tourists alike.Prince Edward County (PEC) is farmland-turned-wine and beer region with a vibrant art scene and food that compliments it. As the day wears on, try Grandpa’s Coffee Stout at Parson’s as you relax in oversized Muskoka chairs. If you like sour beers, 555 Brewery is for you with its Jail Cell Sour Series. Their pizzas are delicious.Finally, end your day of beer and biking at Sandbanks Provincial Park in PEC. Here you’ll find Ontario’s white sand beaches lining some of the clearest freshwater in the world. It’s the perfect place to have a campfire and toast some marshmallows, and maybe enjoy a couple more evening brews as you relax beneath the stars.

Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba is known for its nightlife, but the truth is Cubans also love to drink rum during the day. Most tourists spend their time in Old Havana, which is a gorgeous and home to several bars claiming that Hemingway once drank there, but the more modern side of Havana, is where the locals go drinking.A good spot for day drinking in Havana is Playa del Estes, just outside of the city center. This beach is where locals visit on weekends. For a cocktail in Havana try 403 O’Reilly in Old Havana, a popular gin bar that also has other mixed drinks.

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Czech Republic is known for its beers. Český Krumlov is also filled with wonderful locations for an afternoon glass of local wine. The veranda at Papa’s Restaurant is ideal for a little picnic beside the Vltava River in the shadow of Krumlov Castle and indulge in some day drinking as you watch the kayakers pass by.

Épernay, France

Épernay is a great destination for champagne lovers. In fact, Épernay is the capital of the Champagne area! It is in Épernay where the most famous champagne brands like Moët Chandon and Mercier have their headquarters and vineyards, but there are also other independent champagne makers with interesting proposals.The champagne is produced in a very limited area, with very specific kind of grapes and a very specific process. Any drink produced out of this area or without following these rules cannot be called champagne; that’s why the champagne is so exclusive!Épernay is well connected by train, which makes of Épernay an excellent day drinking day trip from Paris or Reims.

Berlin, Germany

Beer is German’s drink of choice. Berlin, Germany is to join the locals for a frosty glass of cold beer, preferably at a sidewalk picnic table or another busy location that lends itself to people watching and meeting new travel friends.

Munich, Germany

Munich’s annual Oktoberfest festival is one of the best places in the world for some serious day drinking and a great party atmosphere.

Dublin, Ireland

O’Donoghue’s Bar is a historically significant drinking place located 15 Merrion Row in Dublin, Ireland. It is a popular pub that has attracted tourists from all over the world for over 50 years. O’Donoghue’s is known for its amazing, live, traditional Irish music, and it’s the place that introduced the popular band The Dubliners in 1960s. The bar is also frequented by other world renowned Irish traditional music bands and artists, whose pictures are displayed inside the pub.Considered to be one of the most authentic Irish pubs in the country, this bar does not only offer good entertainment, but also good drinks. A popular day drinking pub as well, O’Donoghue’s Bar is open from 10 am to midnight daily. There’s no better place to experience Ireland in an authentic way other than to gobble down a pint or two of Guinness while listening to traditional Irish songs.

Verona, Italy

Dining al fresco in the town square, dressed to the nines, wearing designer shades and sipping a great cocktail might seem like the ways of the rich and famous, but any Italian tourist can enjoy this day drinking tradition!Walk along the rim of Piazza Bra in the heart of Verona, Italy to see cafes filled with locals and visitor alike. Mid-day they might be enjoying antipasti, formaggio, or a late lunch, but in their glasses, many will sport the blood orange aperitif very popular in this region, an Aperol.Nicknamed “Ape” by the locals, this liquor can be served on the rocks, or more commonly in an Aperol Spritz – a combo of Aperol, Prosecco, soda and an orange slice. However you serve it, this drink is meant to be enjoyed during happy hour, to open your palate for the evening meal to come!

Negril, Jamaica

When you are in Jamaica you will always hear people say “give me a Red Stripe” when they are at the beach bar. They are referring to Red Stripe beer, the most popular beer brand in Jamaica.Negril Beach is a few miles of white sand beach dotted by hotels and the quintessential beach bars. You can basically work your way down the beach, stopping at the various beach bars to enjoy a Red Stripe beer or a rum. The beach bars are also a great place to people watch, enjoy the vibes and make new friends. At the end of your day drinking, you’ll get to watch the famous Negril sunset.

Maldives

Day drinking cannot get any better than on an exotic island resort in the Maldives. The Paradise Island Resort, otherwise known as Lankanfilnolhu in the north atoll in the Maldives, is a pristine white sand luxury resort island best for strolling around… with vodka, of course!The Maldives is a tropical country and it gets pretty humid during the daytime, so the best way to beat the heat is by sipping a coconut vodka cocktail. The extremely refreshing coconut vodka is served at the Hulhangu bar, a sea-facing bar at the Paradise Island Resort. To give it a more exotic touch, the drink is served in a traditional Maldivian coconut. The refreshing flavour of the coconut, mixed with vodka and topped with lemon and mint leaves, is the ideal beverage to drink on a sunny afternoon at the beach.Hydrating and refreshing, sipping a coconut vodka cocktail at the Hulhangu bar’s seafront porch is something that everyone should have the good fortune to experience.

Mexico City, Mexico

Xochimilco in Mexico City is a series of canals that wind around chinampas, or artificially created islands with small farms, sometimes referred to as ‘floating gardens’. Bright, gondola-like boats crowd the canals, manoeuvred by a driver with a long pole. A boat can fit up to 20 people, and you can rent one by the hour. Smaller boats weave around the bigger ones, selling all kinds of snacks and beverages.Michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail. A litre-sized soda cup is filled with lime juice and Dos Equis beer, then the rim is smeared with spicy Mexican tamarindo candy and chili powder.Mexican Tequilas too are world famous. Mezcal is a Mexican spirit made from agave. Tequila is technically a type of mezcal, but while tequila is only made from one type of agave plant (blue agave), mezcal can be made from 28 types of agave, including blue agave.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

One of the best places to enjoy a day of relaxing day drinking is in Amsterdam. It’s actually acceptable in the Netherlands to sit on a lovely cafe balcony and sip on a beer in the afternoon while you people watch and chat with friends. Luckily, you don’t need to only drink Heineken. There are lots of great cafes and beers to choose from. A favourite spot in Amsterdam is Brouwerij ’t IJ. This craft brewery in Amsterdam (next to a windmill!) is open all afternoon and closes early in the evening, so you actually need to get started early if you intend to sample their fantastic beers. Otherwise, you can head up to Amsterdam Noord to sample beers from the Oedipus, another great craft brewery.

Marlborough, New Zealand

The New Zealand wine region of Marlborough is superb area in which to day drink your way through a series of amazing wineries. You can easily rent a bicycle and cycle through ten wineries in a small area… or you can hire a driver and make it a heck of a lot easier. Whichever way you decide to go, Marlborough is a great wine region where Sauvignon Blanc dominates, but smaller grapes will win your taste buds.Here in Marlborough you’ll find small boutique wineries like Gibson Bridge Winery and the up-and-coming Wairau Cove, alongside internationally known Cloudy Bay, and if you want a beer at the end of the day, there’s always the craft brewery, MOA!

El Nido, Philippines

When considering the best places in the world for day drinking you’d be amiss to exclude El Nido in the Philippines from your list. El Nido is an eco-tourism hotspot with beaches are to die for and (very importantly!) the booze is cheap!When you’re sitting on the beach, being served chilled, fresh coconuts filled with generous amounts of Filipino Don Papa rum is the best experience.

Krakow, Poland

Hot mulled wine is quite popular in many places, but have you heard of hot beer? “Hot” and “beer” are two words that one wouldn’t normally associate together, but hot beer is actually is an interesting beverage and if you are visiting Poland, you must try it.Hot beer is served in most bars all over Poland. However, the bars in Krakow are especially popular.Wrega Pub is located in the Kazimierz area of Krakow, making it an ideal place to enjoy some day drinking after a spot of sightseeing.

Lisbon, Portugal

Ginjinha is a liqueur synonymous with Lisbon, Portugal. Made from Ginja or Morello cherries, sugar and fortified wine, it is the go-to drink for locals and visitors alike, and any visit to Lisbon would be complete without sampling at least one Ginjinha in Lisbon.The famous cherry liqueur was drunk by the late Anthony Bourdain when he filmed his television show, No Reservations, in Lisbon. Apparently, he enjoyed a number of glasses of Ginjinha with the locals.Porto’s most famous tipple is undoubtedly port wine. This sweet, fortified wine originates a few hundred kilometres upstream in the Portugal’s Douro Valley, but thankfully you don’t need to go far to start enjoying it. The cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto, have been storing oak barrels of port wine for centuries.

South Africa

Wine tasting is a great excuse for day drinking, and it allows you to sample delicious wines in beautiful settings.Visiting South Africa’s Cape Winelands is the perfect excuse to start day drinking delicious wines early in the morning.

Soju in South Korea

South Korea is by far one of the best day drinking destinations in the world. South Korea is actually the country that consumes the most alcohol in the entire world, because of their great love for soju, a traditional Korean spirit. You will find day drinking to be a common activity among the locals. Most convenience stores have tables and chairs set up outside for people to enjoy their snacks, beer and soju any time of the day or night.

Girona, Spain

There is one form of day drinking that is perfectly acceptable throughout the Catalan province of Spain – taking a vermouth.Vermouth is a big deal in Catalonia, with Vermouth bars opening around 11:00 am, and closing around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. Vermouth is a fortified wine, served over ice, with a lemon slice and often an olive stuffed with anchovies on the rim. It is best enjoyed with a few little tapas, including a tortilla espanola, olives or anchovies.The best place for vermouth in Catalonia is in Girona, in the Costa Brava.

Malmo, Sweden

Winters in Sweden are a challenge. Enter Akvavit, or Aquavit, to the rescue. Aquavit is an alcohol that has been used to warm the Scandinavian body, mind, and spirit since the 15th century.Akvavit is distilled from grain and potatoes, and is flavoured with herbs and spices. It has a distinct flavour that admittedly has to grow on you. But once it does, yippee, as it provides a nice warm feeling to ward off the early darkness and short winter days.Not for the faint of heart, Aquavit is 40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof by US standards. It will kick your butt and take you prisoner if you have too much.Still, Aquavit is such an important part of Scandinavian culture that it is used to toast weddings, graduations and Christmas dinners. Typically served as shot, it is consumed after singing a song, called a snapsvisa or a “schnapps song”.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is good for many things – seeing all the temples, eating your body weight in pad Thai and spending the day in the sun with a Chang beer. And if you’re going to do this, there’s only one place to do it right: Khao San Road.

New Orleans, USA

While you can find daiquiris and Irish coffees anywhere, only the Tropical Isle Bar in the French Quarter sells Hand Grenades. The recipe for the Hand Grenade originated here in the late 1980s and is patented by its owners. The drink is frozen and sugary sweet, with a melon flavour, and it is served in a tall green container shaped like a hand grenade. This is all perfect to mask what it actually contains – vodka, rum, gin, grain alcohol, and melon liqueur!The Tropical Isle Bar even has its own mascot for the Hand Grenade and over a million drinks are sold every year!

San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA

When it comes to day drinking piña coladas, there is no better place to enjoy the pineapple, coconut and rum concoction than Barrachina in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Barrachina, a restaurant nestled in the heart of Old San Juan, claims to have been the birthplace of the piña colada in 1963. Be advised though, there is disagreement that the piña colada originated a few years prior at the Caribe Hilton.

Santa Ynez, California, USA

The Santa Ynez Valley in southern California, USA, is a fantastic place for drinking! The Santa Ynez Valley is a wonderful part of the world where the sun shines warmly for much of the year and winters are mild. The rolling hills are covered in vineyards and horse ranches. The quiet roads curl around between fields and buildings.This region is also renowned for its chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, and is home to around 120 wineries. Many of these California wineries open their doors to people who want to come and indulge in some wine tasting.

Sonoma County, USA

Wine is life in Northern California. The north part of the state is known for its vast range of wineries, wine makers and wine culture.Sonoma County is one of the spots that you can’t miss. If you are looking for a day of great wine, day drinking and some beautiful scenery, Sonoma County is the place to go. It is a short twenty-minute drive from the Santa Rosa Airport or roughly two hours from San Francisco International Airport. Bourbons, Tennessee whiskies are also popular in US bars.In India, Goa and Pondicherry are also ideal locales for drinking. Feni is a popular tipple of Goa. Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore are big markets. Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata and Nashik are other popular cities for drinking.