12 odd drinking traditions around the globe

MANILA, Philippines – Alcohol is an imbibed substance that often requires a sense of decorum upon its consumption. There are certain practices all around the globe, which may seem odd to other people.

If you are planning to travel and explore the different booze that are popular in each of your destination, here are some things that you should know.

France
In France, it is always necessary to serve the ladies first. Their glasses must only be filled halfway.  Lastly, DON’T YOU DARE take a drink until everyone else has already been served because it is a sign of disrespect.

Spain
In Spain, if you do not want to put a bad luck in your sex life, do not ever toast with a glass of water.

Italy
Italians only drink water or wine with their meals.

Germany
In Germany, groomsmen kidnap and take the bride-to-be the night before the wedding to the bar. The groom shall then find the groomsmen and buy them drinks to get his bride back.

Georgia
Georgians toast from 20 to 30 times at every meal; and if you are with them during the meal, you are expected to participate. This is only done with wine. Toasting with anything else is basically an insult.

Russia
In Russia, it is common to give long, anecdotal toasts that end with a punch line. Empty bottles and glasses are placed under the table, never on top.

Kazakhstan
The national drink of Kazakhstan is ‘kumis,’ a drink made from fermented horse milk.

China
In China, elders hold their glasses higher than juniors during the toast. Also. when distributing toasting liquid make sure you pour all glasses completely full, and serve the eldest – and those considered most superior – first.

Nigeria
In Nigeria, the groom and bride are considered officially married just after drinking the traditional palm wine.

Canada
At the Sourdough Saloon in Yukon, Canada, you can be initiated into the Sour Toe Cocktail Club if you finish a drink with a human toe in it. This weird tradition began in 1973 with what was rumored to be the severed toe of a miner.

Czech Republic
When toasting, make direct eye contact with everyone you clink your mug with, and don’t forget to say (“Nozdravy”). And, whatever you do, never cross arms with anyone during the clinking process. If this occurs you will be struck with seven years of unsatisfactory sex.

Japan
In Japan it is tradition for a group of alcohol consumers to pour drinks for one another. This is a sign of friendship and respect for the drinking buddies.