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Surprising Drinking Rituals Around the World

We're no strangers to drinking -- so much so that drinking has become a ritualistic pastime.
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All things food and drink

All things food and drink
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In this country, we're no strangers to drinking, and neither are countries around the world -- so much so that drinking has become a ritualistic pastime. In fact, some drinking rituals may surprise you.

Click Here to see the Complete Slideshow of 9 Surprising Drinking Rituals From Around the World

When traveling from country to country, you'll likely to discover that each have their own customs -- sometimes quirky -- when it comes to drinking and getting belligerent.
Swedes will sing a drinking song before, during and after each round of shots of aquavit, which are followed by a glass of beer. As the shots keep coming, the singing gets louder and more enthusiastic.

The Dutch style of drinking genever, a kind of flavored whiskey, is to do it by "head butting." To do this, they pour chilled genever in a tulip glass until the drink reaches the very tip of the rim. Bending from the waist, they take a sip, then straighten up and follow with a sip of beer. The "head butt" is repeated until the drink is gone.

Russians have a habit of giving long, story-like toasts with a punch line. And when they've finished a drink, empty glasses go under the table, not on top.

Read on for more surprising drinking rituals you may have never heard of.

-- Haley Williard, The Daily Meal

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1
Japan, Korea — Drinking and Pouring with Both Hands
When picking up, pouring, and drinking an alcoholic drink in Japan and Korea, they use both hands because it’s bad manners to use just one. It’s also impolite to pour your own glass. It’s respectful to always accept the first drink offered to you and to turn away when taking a sip.Photo Credit: © Flickr / 公益推手Click Here to see More Surprising Drinking Rituals From Around the World
2
Netherlands — Genever “Head Butt”
The Dutch style of drinking genever, a kind of flavored whiskey, is to do it by “head butting.” To do this, they pour chilled genever in a tulip glass until the drink reaches the very tip of the rim. Bending from the waist, they take a sip, then straighten up and follow with a sip of beer. The “head butt” is repeated until the drink is gone.Photo Credit: © Flickr / imnewtryme
3
Peru — Passing the Glass
In Peru, one beer is shared among a group. One friend pours a glass from a bottle, and the bottle is passed to the next friend, who waits for them to drink the glass and then flick the froth onto the ground. The next drinker does the same, and the beer is passed until it’s finished and it’s time for another.Photo Credit: © Flickr / Smabs SputzerClick Here to see More Surprising Drinking Rituals From Around the World
4
Romania — Palinka In the Morning
According to folk wisdom, palinka, a type of fruity brandy, gives strength, so Romanians take a shot first thing in the morning.Photo Credit: © Flickr / Carrie Sloan
5
Russia — Empty Glasses Under the Table
Russians have a habit of giving long, story-like toasts with a punch line. When they’ve finished a drink, empty glasses go under the table, not on top.Photo Credit: © Flickr / leigaamanClick Here to see More Surprising Drinking Rituals From Around the World

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