Drinking in Europe is more than just a social activity; it is a cultural experience shaped by centuries of tradition, regional influences, and social customs. For Americans, who are more accustomed to stricter laws and a more regulated drinking culture, Europe’s drinking culture can be pretty surprising. Many Europeans treat alcohol as an everyday part of life.
From drinking in public spaces to how you behave in social settings, Europeans follow a different set of unwritten rules when it comes to drinking. These rules are not just etiquette; they reflect Europe’s attitude toward moderation, community, and respect. In this article, we will take a look at nine unwritten rules of drinking in Europe that catch Americans off guard.
1. Drinking in Public
In America, most states have strict laws prohibiting open containers of alcohol in public places, and drinking in public is heavily frowned upon, but this is not the case in Europe. In many European cities, drinking in public settings, like parks, plazas, or public transport, is completely legal and socially accepted.
In Germany and most of Central Europe, you will often find groups of people outside, drinking beer. This is especially common during festivals or warm evenings. Many Americans are surprised by the casual attitude and absence of police enforcement, which shows a broader trust in personal responsibility.
2. Toasting Traditions
Toasting in Europe is not the same as in America. It is not just a casual “cheers.” Each country has its own rituals and unique set of rules when it comes to clinking glasses. In Hungary, it is considered rude to clink beer glasses together. This is because of a historical ban from the 19th century. This tradition persists despite the official end of the prohibition.
In Germany, you are required to make direct eye contact during a toast. Failing to do so is said to bring seven years of bad luck. These small but significant details can be surprising to Americans, as a simple mistake can unintentionally offend locals.
3. The Art of Lingering
In Europe, drinking isn’t always about consuming massive amounts of alcohol. It is often about savoring an experience. In many European countries, it is completely normal for a person to spend hours sipping on a single drink while engaging in conversation.
In places like Germany and France, waitstaff won’t rush you or bring the check unless you ask for it. They expect diners to take their time and enjoy the experience. This can come across as inattentive or slow for Americans, who are more accustomed to faster service and quick table turnover.
4. Water or Wine Only
In Italy and certain parts of France and Spain, people are expected to drink water or wine while they eat. Nothing else. Other drinks, like sodas, juices, beers, or siders, are often considered out of place, especially at formal dinners.
Interestingly, adding ice to your drinks is also massively frowned upon. Iced drinks are believed to dull the flavors of food and wine. This more limited selection of acceptable beverages can be surprising for Americans, who are used to a variety of drink choices at restaurants.
5. Early Start, Late Finish
It is not uncommon for Europeans to start drinking early in the day. In many countries, especially Mediterranean countries, having beer or wine at lunch is entirely normal. With that being said, nightlife in cities like Madrid and Berlin often stretches until sunrise, with bars and clubs staying open much later than those in America.
This flexible approach to drinking hours is shaped more by cultural norms than strict regulations. It’s also not unusual to see families with children at bars during the early evening hours, which is not allowed in America.
6. Age Is Just a Number
In most European countries, the legal drinking age is 18. However, enforcement tends to be far more lenient. It is very common for teenagers to drink with their families during social gatherings. IDs also rarely get checked at bars.
This relaxed attitude toward drinking is in stark contrast to the United States, where underage drinking laws are strict and carry significant penalties. The European approach promotes moderation and responsible drinking habits from a much earlier age, challenging the American belief that strict legal restrictions are necessary to prevent alcohol abuse.
7. No Tolerance for Drunkenness
Despite the relaxed attitude toward public drinking, public drunkness is heavily frowned upon in most European countries. While Americans might sometimes link alcohol to loud or excessive behaviors, Europeans generally prioritize self-restraint and group harmony.
Being visibly intoxicated in public can lead to embarrassment or social exclusion, as this behavior is rarely tolerated in Europe. This unwritten rule is enforced through collective disapproval rather than the law.
8. Beverage Hierarchies
In many European countries, what you choose to drink has social meaning. In countries like Spain, beer is seen as a casual daytime drink, while spirits are usually reserved for late-night socializing.
In Italy, it’s generally considered unusual, or even a “no-no,” to order a cappuccino after lunch. In the UK, your choice of ale or lager can hint at your social class or regional identity. Americans, who are used to a more “anything goes” mindset, may not realize how closely drinks are tied to time, place, and status.
9. Historic Pubs and Drinking Spaces
Many of Europe’s drinking establishments are centuries old and have traditions and rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation. For example, some pubs in the UK have operated continuously for the last 250 years, serving as community hubs and bearers of local history.
Drinking in these places isn’t just about the alcohol; it is about engaging in a living tradition. For Americans who are more familiar with modern bars and changing trends, the respect for these historic pubs and drinking spaces might seem strange.
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