The 2010 FIFA World Cup is being held in South Africa and the country is gearing up to host not only a soccer tournament but a diverse meeting of cultures. Everyone will be supporting their own country and bringing along with them not only flags, jerseys, and silly wigs, but perhaps even their signature alcohols.

While in excess alcohol is harmful, in moderation it is not. In fact there is proof that a certain, minimal amount of alcohol consumption on a daily basis is something that may actually be beneficial for the heart. Alcohol has also long been part of cultures all over the world, and this is why almost every country has an alcoholic beverage associated with it.  Regardless of which of these drinks you may choose to consume, be sure to have an alcohol test around to help you keep tabs on your own moderation efforts.

Here are some of the national beverages of the countries in the World Cup.

Greece – Ouzo, an anise-flavored aperitif, is a drink descended from older traditional beverages like tsipouro or rakia. Ouzo is a traditional drink that is mixed with water and becomes cloudy white with a faint blue tinge at times. It is served with ice cubes in a small glass. It is a versatile drink that can be consumed straight in the form of shots too. If you are not too fond of the liquorice-like taste of the drink you can mix it with a cola.

Brazil – Caipirinha is the national cocktail liquor of Brazil. It is made from cachaça, sugar and lime. This is a concoction that was not known outside of Brazil much until a few years back. But today it is available in most parts of the world thanks to the availability of good brands of cachaça in various countries. A variation of the cocktail can be made by replacing cachaça with vodka. This variation is called Caipivodka. Another variation made by replacing cachaça with rum is called Caipirissima.

Sake, the national drink of Japan.

Japan – The development of Sake was brought about due to the large availability of rice in this country. In the early days rice was masticated in Japan to create fermentable sugars from starches. The making of sake was associated with religious rites where young virgin women pounded rice to create the delicious drink.

Spain – Patxaran or Pacharán in Spanish is a liqueur that is made from sloe berries soaked in an anise flavored spirit called anisette. A few coffee beans and a vanilla pod are added to the concoction and the liquor is left to brew for a few months. The result is a reddish brown liquid that tastes sweet and has around 25 percent to thirty percent alcohol content.

Italy – Italy is famous for the wine that is brewed here. But it is also known for the aperitif Negroni, a sugary cocktail. This is a blend of vermouth, Campari and gin. It is served on the rocks in a cocktail glass.

Argentina/Uruguay – Drinking mate is like a national ritual in Argentina. Consumed at home and with friends, the concoction is made by seeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water. The drink is served in a gourd and sipped through a straw. It is nonalcoholic and more similar to tea than anything else.

Chile – Pisco, South American liquor that is distilled from grapes, is a drink that is consumed abundantly in Chile and Peru both. In fact there is a dispute with regards to the legal rights of exporting the drink to other countries.

France – Pastis, the French drink, is a versatile drink that is loved across the world. While most Germans and North Americans may think of beer as the first option for a drink, the French will often order a pastis to relax. A Mediterranean liquor, pastis consists of alcohol, anise, black and white pepper, cardamom, sage, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, sugar and licorice. It has a sharp and sweet taste at the same time.

Mexico – When talking of national drinks, no one can really forget the famous tequila of Mexico. Many people actually have very bad memories of the potent liquor. Distilled from the blue agave plant, the drink has basically two versions that are available today – mixtos and 100 percent agave. Bottled tequila is available in different varieties like blanco or plata, oro, reposado, añejo and extra añejo.

Korea – While Korea has a large list of alcoholic beverages that are specific to the country, Yakju is one that literally means medicinal alcohol. Made from steamed rice, this drink goes through various levels of fermentation.

With the globalization of the world and the fans from all countries coming together in South Africa, you can be sure to find a large variety of interesting and innovative alcohol drinks, wine options, beer brand and liquor concoctions. Make sure that you try them out if you’re fortunate enough to be there but maintain moderation in drinking at all times.

– Article by Anne Hamilton