Food and drink choices can make a trip abroad memorable for all the right reasons - whether it's a delightful local dish or a drink to conjure images of a holiday destination many months after returning to the UK. Everyone likes to sip a sample of a beverage that brings back recollections of that special break.
Holidaymakers should always try the local speciality wherever they are travelling. It can act as an icebreaker or conversation starter and can be a great way of learning more about a destination.
Here are some choices from popular holiday hotspots around the world from Mexico to Madeira.
France - Absinthe
The French liqueur is one of the most alcoholic drinks in the world at around 80% APV. The drink, which can be even stronger, is said to have mind-altering and hallucinogenic properties and it's illegal in some parts of the world. After more than a century in France, it is now legal to consume the drink again.
Balearic Islands - Hierbas
Usually consumed from small glasses after meals to aid with digestions, or as an appetiser, served with ice, dark green hierbas comes from a mixture of herbs and aniseed-flavoured alcohol. There are three variations of hierbas- sweet, dry and mixed.
Even today it is still very common for families to produce their own version tailored to their tastes.
Crete/Turkey - Raki
Raki is made in the autumn after the grape harvest, when the vines have been pruned. It is made from the residue of the fresh grapes during winemaking. Raki is clear and contains on average between 30 and 40 percent alcohol by volume.
The original name comes from the Turkish and drink produced in Turkey is aniseed flavoured and similar to Greek ouzo. The Crete version does not contain aniseed and is comparable to Italian grappa. Just like grappa, it is not diluted with water.
Mexico - Mezcal
Mezcal is a distilled drink made from the agave plant, mostly in the region of Oaxaca. It is usually consumed neat, and it can boast a marvellous variety of flavours, from floral and herbaceous, to rich and smoky.
Similar to Tequila in many ways, although they are both made from different varieties of agave. Mezcal is also produced to a much smaller scale.
Madeira - Poncha
Poncha was first made with brandy made from cane sugar along with the same amount of water, sugar and lemon juice. Now different fruit juices are used although the traditional version still contains lemon.
Greece - Ouzo
The anise-flavoured spirit is the national drink of Greece, and is consumed straight and strong. However mixers or water can be added for those who may not enjoy the fierceness of a traditional ouzo. It is similar to the Italian sambuca, pastis from France and arak from the Middle East.
Germany - Schnapps
Schnapps can be used for any strong alcoholic drink, but it’s commonly known as a fruit flavoured spirit. This alcoholic beverage includes fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs and flavoured liqueurs. It is widely consumed all over Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France, and can be used in cocktails.
Thailand - Mekhong
Mekhong is a golden spirit also known as the “Spirit of Thailand.” Often thought to be a variant of whiskey, it is more similar to rum made up from 95 per cent sugar cane and five per cent rice. Easily consumed straight or mixed into any cocktail.
Italy - Grappa
Produced by distilling a blend of grape seeds, stalks, and stems leftover from the wine-making process. The resulting spirit varies in strength from 37-60 per cent APV and can be consumed as a digestive or after-dinner drink.
Croati a - Rakija
The national drink of most Balkan nations, it is made from the distillation of fermented fruit into a version of brandy. It can be made out of almost any fruit, and depending on the variety, its colour and flavour change.
Different regions have differing variations. In the interior of the country a spirit called šljivovica (shlivovitza) is made from plums. In other regions it is produced with herbs and honey to be consumed in shot-form.
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