It seems that every culture has its own customs, festivals, drinks, and practices associated with its alcohol. Some funny, others sacred, still others a little odd, every country brings to the table a different ritual steeped in its own history. Many of these rituals are practiced to bring people together, and build a sense of community while enjoying their favorite drink. Here are 21 of the most interesting drinking rituals from around the world.

Thailand - The Bucket

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Many associate the "Thai Bucket" with backpackers visiting the country to experience something new and different. In reality, the bucket was a drink created to promote communal drinking in the country. Not a traditional drink with dinner, many Thailand-lovers enjoy buckets when they go out to their local disco or bar for the evening. This is one drinking ritual that will bring everyone to the table, and their straws into the bucket.

Sweden - Snapsvisor

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The ritual "snapsvisor" is very much alive in Sweden. It involves singing traditional drinking songs while making toasts at an event or gathering. There are over 2,000 traditional Swedish drinking songs known and sung, many of them still passed through word of mouth from generation to generation. These songs are sung to promote good health, and to sing the glory of the "snap" (or small drink) the singer is about to indulge in.

Serbia - Slivovitz

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In Serbia, people drink Slivovitz like they do coffee - often, and in large quantities. Slivovitz is a distilled beverage made from Damson plums, sometimes called plum brandy. Most Slivovitz is produced in-home, and consumed there as well. It also has a large following from expatriates, with some companies producing the liquer all over the world to satisfy the demand for this sweet cordial.

Germany - Oktoberfest

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This sixteen day festival held in Munich every year in late September and early October is likely the most recognizable modern day drinking festival. It is a ritual that goes back 200 years, original commemorating the marriage of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese. Since it's origin it has grown in status and size, with modern day participants numbering in the millions. Although the original purpose of the ritual is all but drowned, many traditionalist German's still remember and celebrate Oktoberfest for the festival it was meant to be.

Russia - Pickle Juice

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The average Russian drinks a bottle of vodka a week. Vodka in Russia is drank by itself, mixed drinks are considered cowardly and insulting to the host (if you happened to be at a party). When taking shots of vodka in Russia there are many rituals, such as sniffing rye bread before taking the shot, and that once a bottle is opened it must be finished. The most interesting of Russian rituals is to intermittently drink pickle juice- in order to prevent hangovers.

Czech Republic - Absinthe

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Absinthe is traditionally drank in the Czech Republic by pouring cold water onto a sugar cube, which is resting on a spoon over a shot of the green spirit. Many myths and urban legends are associated with this traditional drink, many of which are perpetuated by university students that are mis-informed. Historically the liquor has been drank by many famous artists and painters, whose work has deepened the sense of mystery associated with this Czech drink.

France - The Leisurely Wine Drinker

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Ritually, the French drink their wine with meals. And between meals. And while they smoke. And while they socialize. But unlike their American counterparts, the goal is not to consume as much as possible, it is to enjoy the drink and company at hand. As well, wine in France is a status symbol. The quality, price, and variety of the wine you drink all factor into who you are and where you socially stand.

China - Gan-Bei

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Directly translating to "dry glass", Gan-Bei involves toasting everyone you are with, and everyone finishing their drinks as a sign of respect to the group they are with. The toast itself represents the esteem a person has for the group, and not drinking is disrespectful to the host and the group. After the toast everyone must finish their drink and turn the cup upside down to show that nothing remains. Drinking the drink in a single draught symbolizes boldness and strength of character.

Italy - Grappa

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"When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do", and drink grappa. Grappa is the Italians choice after dinner drink that acts as a digestif, and is a excellent after dinner liqueur. Made from the pomace (the grape skins, stalks and seeds left over from the wine-making process), this sweet drink is prized by Italians and foreigners alike. Its popularity has grown so much that it recently became a protected name by the EU.

Ireland - Pub Culture

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The pub culture in Ireland isn't something Irish do on occasion, its a way of life. Many pubs in Ireland are actually living rooms that just happened to have a couple taps and a good selection of liquor in them. Many Irish have their favorite local watering-hole, complete with free live music and free flowing beer. Whenever a sporting event is happening that involves Ireland, pubs are filled to the doors with locals cheering on their team.

Australia - The Six O'Clock Swill

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The six o'clock swill received its name from the 6pm closing times hotel bars had throughout much of the 20th century. This early closing time was established in an effort to improve public morale and get men home to their wives earlier in the evening. As it turns out, it led to a one hour period where men would drink as much as they could, as fast as they could in an effort to get drunk in the one hour time frame they had available. It wasn't until the late 1960's that these hours were extended in much of Australia.

USA - Spring Break

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The infamous "spring break" is the migration of many high school and university aged students using their week furlong from school in March to binge drink in Mexico and Florida. Specifically, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, and Daytona Beach have become landmarks for tens of thousands of young people to lose their inhibitions and their responsibilities while away from home and supervision. Before binge drinking became a staple of spring break, an escape from the cold of the northern states was the reason to migrate south.

Finland - Warmth

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In Finland, drinking isn't done solely for the pleasure of it, it's done out of necessity. During the winter months, the weather and lack of entertainment deem that drinking copious amounts of alcohol must occur to combat boredom and the cold. In the words of one citizen, "...there really isn’t much you can do except sit in a cozy bar enjoying one pint after another, while outside the arctic winds freeze your bones and you hardly see any daylight for months..."

Japan - Communal Drinking

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In Japan, its traditional for a group of drinkers never to pour their own drink. If you do, consider yourself the black sheep of the party for the evening. The reason behind this ritual is to promote a sense of community and fellowship among the gathering. The goal is to have everyone pour a drink for every other person by the end of the evening. Better hope the party isn't too large!

Greece - Ouzo

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Traditionally served as an aperitif (an alcoholic drink that is usually served to stimulate the appetite before a meal), also as digestifs (drank after the meal to aid digestion), as an after work pick-me-up, and at parties and events. It is served for most special occasions, and at Ouzeria's (traditional gathering places in every village around Greece). This drink has become the ritual drink of choice at Greek weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and even funerals.

England - Session Drinking

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Session drinking in England focuses on the community aspect of drinking, rather than the amount (as with binge drinking). With session drinking, the goal is to drink a variety of alcohol that has a low alcohol percentage so that it can be drank all night without feeling the affects of over-intoxication. These "sessions" typically take place at family gatherings, pubs, and other socially minded events.

Norway - Russ

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The typical graduation ceremony in Norway doesn't involve family gatherings or school-hosted all night parties, it involves binge drinking while wearing specific overalls for 17 straight days. After the "Russ" ceremony is over, the young person has the right to call themself a "student", and can remove their 17 day-old, unwashed overalls. The ritual began in the 1700's when students had to wear horns on their head between taking university entrance exams and finding the results.

Spain - Patxaran

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Patxaran is a sloe berry liqueur from the north of Spain, in Basque country. It's typically drank at the end of the meal, it promotes digestion and good health. The Spanish started making (and drinking) Patxaran as early as the 1820's, and have since brought this sweet cordial to the world. There have been steps taken to ensure the production of Patxaran stays pure to where it originated, in Navarre.

Argentina - Aguardiente

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Also known as "Cana" or "burnt cane", this cognac-like liquer is one of the most popular and traditional drinks of Argentina. Until June 21st every year Argentinians mix Aguardiente with a rue, it is supposed to help promote health and prevent sickness. After June 21st it's just drank to be drank.

Brazil - Cachaça

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The third most popular liqueur in the world, Cachaça has flown under the radar to most of the world outside Brazil's borders. Less than 1% of this liqueur is exported, but within Brazil it is one of the most fiercely loved types of liqueur available. If you can get your hands on a bottle, prepare for a taste similar to rum, but deeper and more complex. This liquer is traditionally drank at events, parties, and bars.

Canada - Hockey Night

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Canadians take their hockey very seriously, as they do their beer. And, whenever possible, they take them both seriously at the same time. Hockey is Canada's most popular sport, and more often than not hockey games are associated with heavy drinking. Whether at a bar, at the game, or at home, Canadians believe that drinking and hockey are two things that should go hand in hand.

每个文化都有自己的风俗、节日、饮品和喝酒习惯。有的搞笑，有的神圣，有的古怪，这些习惯把人们聚到一起，喝喝酒，感情就好了。以下是世界最有趣的21个酒事。

泰国——桶

说到泰国桶，很容易想到在泰国窜来窜去找新奇的背包客。事实上，这个桶不是水桶，而是一种公共饮酒方式。与传统的餐桌酒不同，人们常在当地舞厅或酒吧里享受它。大家坐到桌边，然后把吸管伸进桶里喝酒。

瑞士- Snapsvisor（唱饮酒歌？）

snapvisor这个风俗在瑞士相当活跃。在聚会或餐会上大家干杯的时候会唱传统饮酒歌。大约有2000多首瑞典语饮酒歌，许多依然是口口相传。人们唱歌来祝愿身体健康，赞美将要喝下的那个小酒。

塞尔维亚——梅子白兰地

在塞尔维亚，人们喝梅子白兰地就跟喝咖啡似的——经常喝且大量喝。梅子白兰地是由李子制成的蒸馏酒，有时也叫做李子白兰地。大多数梅子白兰地是自家做自家喝的。不过侨民也很喜欢它，有些公司也会大量制作这种甜美的酒。

德国——啤酒节

这个每年9月下旬10上旬在慕尼黑举行的16天的节日似乎是最出名的现代饮酒节了。200年前，人们举办啤酒节来庆祝路德维格一世和泰蕾兹公主的婚礼。现在的啤酒节意义和规模都变大了，参与者可达数百万。尽管原来的意义已基本没人注意，许多传统派德国人依然记得。

俄国——泡菜汁

普通俄国人一周喝掉一瓶伏特加。俄国的伏特加是单饮的，加别的东西被认为是懦夫和对主人的侮辱（如果是在聚会的话）。而喝伏特加也有几个习惯，比如喝酒前闻闻黑麦面包，一旦开瓶就要见底。最有趣的是不时喝点泡菜汁，防止宿醉。

捷克斯洛伐克——苦艾酒

在捷克斯洛伐克，人们把一块方糖放在勺子上，勺子放在绿色的苦艾酒上，然后往糖块上浇凉水。关于苦艾酒有许多神话和都市传说，误导了不少大学生。历史上，许多著名艺术家和画家饮用苦艾酒，而他们的作品更加深了它的神秘性（conut插嘴：苦艾酒有点致幻作用，喝完酒的艺术家估计能跟上帝聊聊天=  =）。

法国 - 悠闲的饮酒者

法国人在进餐时、餐间、吸烟时以及社交时饮酒。与美国人不同，法国人不会放开肚皮豪饮，而是慢慢地品尝，享受美酒在手的感觉。同样，酒在法国也是地位的象征。品质、价格和酒的种类都能显示你的身份和社会地位。

中国——干杯

直接翻译为“dry glass”，干杯包括所有与你在一起的人，每个人都要喝光杯中酒，以表示对团体的尊敬。这种敬酒法代表了个人对团体的敬重，如果不喝被认为是对主人和团体的不敬。在敬酒后，每人喝光杯子，然后把杯子倒转过来表示里面没有剩了。一口喝光被认为很勇敢，是强人。

意大利——格拉巴酒

                   

在罗马的时候，学习罗马人，并喝格拉巴酒。格拉巴酒是意大利人餐前开胃酒之后的首选，也是很好的餐后酒。这个用果渣（酿葡萄酒剩下的葡萄皮和种子）酿制的甜美小酒深受意大利人和外国人的喜爱。它非常受欢迎，以致最近成了欧盟的保护对象。

爱尔兰——酒吧

爱尔兰的酒吧不是爱尔兰人偶尔去的地方，而是一种生活方式。许多爱尔兰酒吧其实是放着几张吧台和各类酒的起居室。许多爱尔兰人都有钟爱的卖酒地，那里有免费的音乐和自由流通的啤酒。不管什么时候有爱尔兰参加的运动项目，酒吧里为本国队伍加油的爱尔兰人都能挤到门口。

澳大利亚——6点狂饮

6点狂饮得名于20世纪每天下午6点酒吧的关门潮。关门这么早是为了提升公民的志气，让男人们早点回家陪老婆。但结果是，每天总有一小时，男人尽力多喝快喝，企图在这短短一小时内灌醉自己。直到20世纪60年代，这个狂饮潮扩散到了大半个澳大利亚。

美国——春假

臭名昭著的春假期间，许多高中生和大学生利用假期冲到墨西哥和佛罗里达喝酒。尤其是Cabo San Lucas，Cancun和Daytona 海滩，成为数万年轻人摆脱家庭桎梏和责任的圣地。在豪饮成为春假标志之前，北部太冷是大批人跑到南部来的理由。

芬兰——温暖

在芬兰，饮酒不仅是欢愉，还是一种必要。在冬天的那几个月，天气冰冷，缺乏娱乐，人们便喝大量的酒来取暖并驱散无聊。一个芬兰人这样说：“在冬天你真没什么好做的，除了坐在舒适的小酒馆里一品脱接着一品脱地喝酒。一出去就会被寒风冻住骨头，连着几个月都见不到一丝阳光……”

日本——为了社交而喝酒

在日本，传统来说一群人喝酒从不会自斟自饮。如果你给自己倒酒了，就会变成当晚聚会的异类。原因是日本聚会喝酒是为了增强团体感。在聚会结束时，应该每人都为其他人斟了酒。祈祷聚会规模不要太大吧！

希腊——茴香烈酒

茴香酒是传统的开胃酒（餐前开胃的酒），餐后酒（餐后助消化的），工作后的提神酒，以及聚餐和某些场合用酒。大多数场合都会用它，比如Ouzeria's（希腊村子的传统聚会场所）。在婚礼、纪念日、新妈妈送礼会甚至是葬礼上也会饮用。

英国——慢慢饮（sessions drinking）

英国的“慢慢饮”重在团聚，而不是饮酒量（那是豪饮了）。人们通常喝各种各样酒精含量低的酒，这样就能喝一整晚而不会喝醉。这样的喝酒方式通常在家庭聚会、酒吧和其他社交场合。

挪威——Russ

挪威传统的毕业典礼不包括家庭聚会或学校组织的通宵聚会，而是穿着特别的工装裤狂饮17天。在Russ典礼结束后，年轻人们就毕业了，并且可以脱下17天未洗的工装裤。这个风俗源自18世纪，学生们在等待大学入学考试结果的时候要在头上戴角。

西班牙——Patxaran

        Patxaran是西班牙北部巴斯克的一种浆果酒。通常是在餐后喝的，可以促进消化保持健康。西班牙人最早在19世纪20年代酿造并饮用，然后把这种甜美的酒带向了世界。在故乡纳瓦拉，这种酒需要经过好几个步骤来保证纯度。

阿根廷——次白兰地酒

这种白兰地般的酒也叫做迦南或燃烧迦南，是阿根廷传统酒类中最受欢迎的一种。每年在6月21日前，阿根廷人都会把次白兰地酒和芸香混合，认为这样可以保持健康和提高免疫力。6月21日以后就只是普通的当酒喝了。

巴西——Cachaça

世界上第三受欢迎的酒，Cachaça在巴西以外的世界却不怎么被注意。出口量不到1%，但在巴西，它得到了狂热的爱。如果你能搞到一瓶，准备好迎接类似朗姆酒，但更醇厚和复杂的味道吧。这种酒通常出现在重要场合、聚会和酒吧。

加拿大——曲棍球之夜

加拿大人爱死了他们的曲棍球，同样爱死了他们的啤酒。一有时间，加拿大人就会扑向球和啤酒。曲棍球是加拿大的国民运动，而曲棍球比赛通常都跟豪饮挂钩。不管是在酒吧、比赛场还是在家，加拿大人相信曲棍球和喝酒是密不可分的。