10 Unusual Alcohol Traditions Around the World
Discover the most surprising rituals, customs, and celebrations related to alcohol, from Japanese sake to Quebec’s Acerum. Fun, strange, and fascinating!
Germany: Polterabend and Broken Dishes
Before a wedding, it’s traditional to break dishes to bring good luck to the newlyweds. Guests toast with schnapps, and the louder the crash, the better the fortune!Scotland: Whisky Ceremonies
In some distilleries, whisky is blessed or accompanied by ancient rituals. Certain festivals even celebrate the drink with parades of giant barrels and collective toasts.Japan: Sake and Agricultural Ceremonies
Sake isn’t just a drink—it’s used to pray for rain or bless the harvest. In some regions, drinking a glass of sake during these rituals is considered sacred.South Korea: Soju Etiquette
Soju is drunk according to strict rules: serve elders first, hold the glass with both hands, and never pour for yourself in front of them. Ignoring these rules can be seen as disrespectful.Russia: Vodka and Toasts
Vodka toasts are highly codified. Every glass must be emptied completely before being set down, and toasts can last for hours, celebrating health and friendship.Mexico: Mezcal and Insects
In some regions, mezcal contains a live worm. It symbolizes luck and a connection with nature, and drinking this shot is almost a sacred ritual.Sweden: Snapsvisor
During festivals like Christmas or Midsummer, Swedes sing special songs before every shot of aquavit. Each toast is a mix of tradition and fun.West Africa: Palm Wine
Palm wine accompanies weddings and religious ceremonies. Sharing this drink with ancestors is a way to connect the living with protective spirits.Australia: Beer and Bathtubs
During sports competitions or festivals, some celebrate victory by plunging headfirst into bathtubs filled with beer. Fun, festive, and completely over the top!Iceland: Beer and Superstition
Iceland banned beer until 1989. Today, some villages celebrate “Beer Day” with quirky rituals, like throwing beer on statues to chase away evil spirits.
Drinking traditions tell us much more than what we consume: they reflect culture, heritage, and shared moments. Every country has its own rituals, sometimes surprising, sometimes deeply symbolic. What drinking traditions in Quebec do you think deserve to be added to this list?
