¡Bebamos!
Belgium is an absolute beer lover's paradise, a country with more than 1500 different types of beer brands and nearly 225 distinct breweries. It all started back in the 12th century, when local French and Flemish monks were given permission by the Catholic church to brew and distribute beer to fundraise for their monasteries. At the time the quality of tap water was questionable. Beer was actually the preferred beverage and was perceived to be more nutritious. It wasn't until the late 18th century when the first recorded Trappist brewery was established and the first sale of beer was in the Belgian books.
Today there are officially twelve "trappist" monasteries in the world that continue the tradition, six of them are in Belgium. Their methods have spread beyond religious organizations to modern breweries that produce and distribute the typical Belgian 6 pack in your local store. For the sake of simplicity, we listed five varieties of beer you should try when in Belgium.
Sangria
Word on the street, locals actually don't drink sangria; or they actually prefer beer or wine. That didn't stop us from searching for the perfect glass. It is usually red or white wine mixed with fruit like apples, pears or pineapple. Some places make it with juice, seltzer or lemon-lime soda.
Cava
If champagne is to France, then cava is to Spain. It is light, crisp and bubbly. Unlike some countries where they reserve sparkling wine for special occasions, you see just about every place in Madrid serving up this refreshing drink.
Cerveza - Beer
Cerverza is a staple in Spanish culture. Usually ordered as una cana (small glass) or un tubo (tall glass). Don't be surprised if you walk in the bar and they only serve one kind of draft. But if you are lucky, there some places are starting to embrace craft beers.
Vino - Wine
Like France, Spain produces some of the finest wines in the world. You can find some great vino tinto (red wine) from La Rioja region; or vino blanco from the northern coast by San Sebastian. Ask the bartender for some recommendations.
Tinto de Verano
Tinto de verano is translated "summer wine" in Spanish. Locals choose this beverage over Sangria. It's simple: pour fizzy lemonade soda in a glass of red or wine wine. That's it. Plus it's a great drink for "non wine drinkers."
Vermut - Vermouth
Vermouth is usually seen as an addition to a martini or manhattan. However, Spaniards have embraced this sweet fortified wine straight up or on the rocks. You can mix it with carbonated water or sip on it with a garnish of olive or orange peel.