Ouzo

Where is it found?

Greece and Cyprus

What is it?

It’s an Anisette, an aniseed-flavoured aperitif, that is widely associated with Greek culture and seems to taste better in glorious sunshine.

Clear aniseed flavoured drinks that turn white when mixed with water are traditional in many Mediterranean countries, including:

• Italian Sambuca, this headache-inducing sweet liquor is a favourite among shot-drinkers.
• The French version, Pastis, is less sweet and is rarely drunk neat in favour of being watered down (popular brands include Ricard and Marie Brizard).
• The Spanish Anís (the most traditional brand is Anís del Mono) comes in dulce (sweet) and seco (this means dry, but it’s all relative since this anisette is still pretty sweet).

Little-known fact:

There is an art and etiquette to drinking this social stimulator – try and do a little bit of research before you go so you can impress the locals!

Vintage Tequila

Where is it found?

Mexico

What is it?

It is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant. A far cry from the cheap, clear Tequila served in UK bars, Mexican Vintage Tequila is aged between 1 and 3 years in oak barrels.

Little-known fact:

Really good tequila should be sipped slowly and appreciated like a fine whiskey rather than a shot.

Lassi

Where is it found?

Goa and Thailand

What is it?

Enjoy this traditional yoghurt drink on your holiday to Goa that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It’s made from water, yoghurt and spices. It can be enjoyed in sweet or savoury varieties and is best enjoyed chilled in the sunshine.

Little-known fact:

Be careful not to confuse Lassi with Bhang Lassi, which is a form of lassi made with a derivative of cannabis!

Cuban Rum

Where is it found?

You can find it everywhere these days but it doesn’t taste as good as it does in Cuba.

What is it?

It’s a distilled spirit made from sugar cane elements such as molasses.  It is produced in a huge number of varieties and is used in everything from cocktails to cooking.

Little-known fact:

No one really knows where the word rum comes from. Some think it comes from the term ‘rumbellion’ (meaning ‘a great uproar’), others think it comes from Dutch glasses called ‘rummers’ and some think it comes from the Latin for sugar – ‘saccharum’.

Moroccan Tea

Where is it found?

Morocco

What is it?

Moroccan Tea is a green tea served in ornate glasses.

Green tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant and is mainly imported from China. It’s become widespread throughout North Africa where it’s typically served with sugar and mint leaves and, if you’re lucky, pine nuts.

Your best bet for a good cup of traditional Moroccan Tea will be a shisha bar. Making good tea is considered an art form, and an expert will pour your tea from quite a height in order to aerate the tea and improve its flavour.

Little-known fact:

Green tea is the main drink used to welcome guests and it’s actually considered rude to refuse it – indulge in green tea to get your holiday started on the right foot!