Drinking Etiquette around the World


Whether you’re out having a good time abroad, or you’re just ordering a drink at dinner, there are different drinking etiquettes depending what country you’re in. Check out these awesome tips for ordering a beer in different countries!

Spain:

How to order a beer: Una cerveza, por favor
How to say ‘cheers’: Salud

In Spain, people typically drink socially for pleasure. Dinner is usually much later than we are used to, and then people tend to head to a pub and/or club after. It is common for young Spaniards in their college years to “botellon” which is an outdoor gathering in a plaza with friends to drink beer, mixed drink, or wine. This usually occurs between the hours of 11 p.m. to about 4 a.m.

Italy: 

How to order a beer: Una birra, per favore
How to say “cheers”: Salute

Cocktails are not that common in Italy. Drinking without eating is rare. Hard drinking in most places is unusual and even not appreciated.

Ireland:

How to order a beer: Pionta Guinness, le do thoil, but English works just as well.
How to say “cheers”: Sláinte

According to Irish Central, if you’re out with Irish people, you’ll certainly be offered a drink -one person usually goes to the bar for everyone. This is called “getting your round in.” That offer is on the unspoken condition that you return the favor.

Germany:

How to order a beer: Ein Bier, bitte
How to say “cheers”: Prost

You should clink your glass with everyone near you at the table and make eye contact with everyone while someone is making a toast. Germans do drink a great deal – people commonly laugh and dance together in beer gardens at night.

France:

How to order a beer: Une biére, s’il vous plaît
How to say “cheers”: Santé

You shouldn’t ask for a martini or scotch before dinner, they are viewed as palate numbing. You shouldn’t fill your glass more than halfway because alcohol is to be savored, not guzzled. Leave your wine glass almost full if you don’t want any more. Taste everything offered to you if you’re out to eat, and do not take a sip of your drink until everyone’s drink has been poured.

Greece:

How to order a beer: άλλη μια μπύρα, παρακαλώ (ah-lee me-a bee-ra pah-rah-kah-lo)
How to say “cheers”: στην υγειά σας (stin iyia mas) or γεια μας (yamas)

While Greeks consume copious amounts of wine, beer, and ouzo (a licorice-tasting liquor), public displays of acting drunk is uncommon. Everything is to be in moderation.

Japan:

How to order a beer: ビ一ルを一本下さい (bee-ru ip-pon ku-da-sai)
How to say “cheers”: 乾杯 (kam-pai)

When drinking in Japan, never fill your own glass. Fill the person’s drink next to you, and wait for him or her to return the favor.

Thailand: 

How to order a beer: (for women) Kho beer eek kaew ka (ko beer ik kae kaw) / (for men) Kho beer eek kaew krab (ko beer ik kae krab)
How to say “cheers”: Chok dee
Drinking is approached with a gentle, content ease. Beer and whisky are the most common drinks. Your server will likely continue to fill your glass every time it’s emptied below the half-way mark. If you top off your own glass, make sure to top off everyone else’s first.