Drinking Traditions Around the World

Alcohol often acts as a central bastion of cultures all around the world. Through centuries of socialisation, many cultures consume alcohol, but in very different contexts. 

Here at Cellarbration, we do a considerable amount of research into the background of each product we provide. In our hours of reading and writing, we often find ourselves enamoured by the fact that despite each culture being rather different in more ways than one, we always find ourselves tied, as a species, to an innate relationship to alcohol. 

Regardless, this relationship manifests very differently from society to society. Indeed, today’s modernised world has led to the blurring of some of these traditions, but today we’ll take a short trip around the world to see how different cultures enjoy alcoholic beverages. 

Alcohol Culture in Korea

Korea has a very distinct drinking culture that through popular media, has now been thoroughly propagated through the rest of the world. 

 As you may know, Korean society hinges on respect for seniors, and this respect carries over to the drinking arena. When drinking with a social group, the first glass of drink is poured by the most senior person at the table. 

This seniority may extend pass age; if you’re drinking with your colleagues and your superior/manager is younger than you, they would be expected to pour the first glass for everyone.

For the rest of the night, however, the youngest of the group would have the responsibility of filling everyone’s glasses. 

Should you find yourself in the position to pour/receive a drink, take note that there is etiquette to observe! Two hands should be used to either pour or receive a drink. 

When pouring, this is achieved by using one hand to hold the bottle/jug, and another to support the elbow/forearm.

If you find yourself pouring for others, don’t be overzealous with your newfound manners! In Korean culture, you should not fill partially empty glasses; this is usually a sign that they want to take it slower for the session.

In addition, it’s generally considered inadvisable to fill your own glasses - you want to give others the opportunity to return the favour by filling your glass. 

In Korea, the drink of choice is often soju or beer. For starters, a grapefruit soju from Jinro or Hite Extra Cold beer are some popular picks.

Alcohol Culture in Japan

Japan is well-known for their emphasis on drinking, especially when establishing rapport outside of normally formal relationships (i.e., within the workplace). Due to unspoken rules forbidding casual chit-chat within the workplace, Japanese salarymen often resort to after-hour drinks to get to know one another (and their bosses) a little better.

Japanese drinking etiquette is relatively similar to that of their Korean counterparts. You should not fill your own glass - if you wish to have a refill, offer a top up to your neighbour and they are more than likely to reciprocate the action. If you feel like you’ve had enough for the moment, leave your cup filled, and you’re likely to be given time to rest. 

Outside of these similarities, Japanese drinking sessions often start with a group toast. These toasts may signal the beginning of a relatively “wild” night, since Japanese drinking is often done in excess. Be ready to pushed to your limits if you find yourself in the middle of one of these nights; it will be fun but rough!

The traditional Japanese beverage of choice would be sake, but beers and other hard liquors are not uncommon in the bars of Japan. For instance, Nikka Whisky and Suntory’s Yamazaki Whisky have become a well-loved and popular choice globally. If you are new to this exposure, you can try Nikka from the Barrel for starters, a smooth and easy-to-drink blended whisky.

Alcohol Culture in Russia

Russians are synonymous with heavy drinking - for better or for worse. Boasting vodka, a strong, clear liquor as their trademark alcohol, Russians have a huge reputation to uphold as equally strong drinkers. 

Do not be mistaken however - Russians are not alcoholics, and will drink only when there is a reason for doing so. What qualifies as a reason, however, may be slightly more lax than we expect. These reasons can range from big occasions such as weddings and celebrating the New Year to small occasions such as a new job, a new car, or even celebrating Fridays (not unlike their Western counterparts). 

Toasts are a key pillar in Russian drinking culture. At the start of the evening, one member (usually starting with the host) gives a lengthy toast. The length of the toast depends on the formality of the event; the more formal the event, the longer the toast. During the length of the toast, all other patrons must hold a glass in their hand and not lower it until the toast is completed.

Russian toasts aren’t as generic as “Cheers”! They’re often more elaborate, catering to specific aspects of life. In fact, while most cultures are limited to one large toast per drinking session, Russians often find themselves toasting every few minutes. Here are some common Russian toasts: 

“За ваше здоровье” (formal/plural) – to your health!

“За нашу дружбy” – to our friendship!
“За любовь” – to love!

Lastly, after the toast, exhale deeply before downing your drink (if everyone does so). This makes it easier for the drink (likely vodka) to go down.

Cool huh? If you want the full Russian immersion experience, check out our Vodka selection to truly experience the traditional Russian drink. Disclaimer: not all vodkas are from Russia!

We have alcohols from across the globe

Haven’t found what you were looking for? Fret not, for we have a wide range of other alcohol selections coming from all across the globe. What's more, we are having our annual warehouse sale with great prices!

So spoil yourself this season and have a quick browse through our promotions. Receive free next-day alcohol delivery for all orders above $99 or same-day alcohol delivery for orders above $150. If you can’t wait, we’ve just launched our 90 minute express delivery for all orders at $19.90.