Every country has its own unique way of saying cheers, filling glasses, and enjoying a drink together. Knowing a bit about drinking etiquette can make your travels smoother and your social moments richer.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of drinking etiquette from around the globe. Understanding these traditions not only helps you avoid awkward moments but also lets you fully enjoy the social and cultural experience that comes with sharing a drink. Let’s dive in!
Drinking Etiquette
When enjoying drinks around the world, small gestures and customs can make a big difference. Knowing local drinking etiquette not only shows respect but also helps you enjoy the social experience fully. Here are a few examples of drinking etiquette from around the world:
1. Don’t Make a Toast with Beer in Hungary
If you find yourself in Hungary, here’s a tip: never raise a toast with beer. This might seem strange at first, but it has historical roots.
Back in 1848, after the Austrian defeat of the Hungarian revolution, beer was used to celebrate the loss, making it a sensitive gesture even today.
So, when raising a glass in Hungary, opt for wine, pálinka (fruit brandy), or another local spirit instead. This small gesture shows cultural awareness and respect for Hungary’s history.
2. Don’t Fully Fill Your Glass in France
In France, wine is treated with elegance and care, and your glass should reflect that. Never fill your glass to the brim; the French prefer to savor each sip rather than gulp it down.
Doing the same shows that you appreciate the wine and the social experience. Another point of French drinking etiquette is to serve women first. It is considered a polite gesture that’s still observed in formal settings.
By leaving a little space in the glass, you also allow the wine to breathe, enhancing its aroma and taste.
3. Wait for Someone to Pour Your Drink in South Korea
Much like in Japan, in South Korea it’s considered impolite to pour your own Korean drink. Instead, always wait for someone else to fill your glass, and remember to pour for others before yourself, especially elders or superiors.
Only fill a cup if it’s completely empty, and never leave someone else’s glass half-full as it shows care and attentiveness. Following this etiquette fosters respect and harmony during social and professional gatherings.
4. Don’t Empty Your Glass in Thailand
Thailand has its own unique drinking customs. Guests are rarely expected to finish their drink completely because it’s customary for hosts or fellow guests to keep refilling glasses throughout a gathering.
If you empty your glass, it signals that you’re done, which might be taken as impolite. To avoid this, leave a little liquid in your glass, and you’ll be prepared for friendly top-ups while enjoying the lively, communal atmosphere of Thai drinking culture.
5. Don’t Put the Glass Down in Russia
Russian drinking etiquette has a strong focus on vodka and tradition. Here, it’s expected that you drink your vodka in one go. Never put the glass down while there’s still alcohol in it.
Refusing a drink is considered rude, as offering a glass is a gesture of friendship and trust. Russians also usually drink vodka straight, without mixers, and when you open a bottle, it’s customary to finish it entirely. Participating in these traditions shows respect and builds camaraderie with locals.
6. Observe Complex Drinking Etiquette in China
In China, drinking etiquette is highly structured, especially during formal gatherings. A few key points to remember: pour drinks for elders or superiors first, fill the glasses completely, and ensure that juniors never raise their glasses higher than their elders during a toast.
Chinese toasts often involve multiple rounds and elaborate gestures, reflecting respect, hierarchy, and social harmony. Understanding and following these rules can prevent awkward situations and help you fully engage with the local customs.
7. Accept a Drink Offer in Russia
Being offered a drink in Russia carries social significance. Refusing it can be seen as rejecting friendship or trust. When invited to share a drink, accept graciously and drink responsibly.
Vodka is typically taken straight, and it’s considered polite to finish the glass entirely when participating in a toast. These practices highlight how deeply social and ceremonial drinking is in Russian culture.
8. Make Eye Contact in Germany and Denmark
In Germany and Denmark, eye contact is essential when toasting. Keeping your gaze fixed on each person shows trust and sincerity.
Looking away can be seen as suspicious, a superstition that dates back to medieval times when glasses were partially filled to prevent poisoning.
Clink all reachable glasses while making eye contact with everyone you touch, ensuring your toast is both respectful and traditional.
9. Drinking with Dignity in France
The French take their wine seriously. Never fill a glass more than halfway, and pour little by little, savoring each sip. Wine is typically paired with food, and in restaurants, the waiter will top up your glass — it’s considered rude to do it yourself.
Toasting is polite, but only once everyone has their drink. As the host, make eye contact with your guests while proposing a toast to show appreciation and attentiveness.
10. Show Restraint in Sweden
Swedes tend to drink more moderately than in the past. Beer and wine are preferred, and drinking alone is uncommon and often frowned upon. Alcohol sales are state-controlled, and casual weekday drinking is rare.
At dinners or gatherings, wait for the host to propose a toast before sipping. Drinking in moderation and respecting these social norms is key to fitting in.
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Paying attention to drinking etiquette doesn’t just keep you polite, but it opens the door to meaningful social experiences and shared laughs.
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