Brian Nagele
Human culture is not complete without beverages, and people all over the world have embraced a wide variety of drinks that serve as both cultural icons and thirst quenchers. We cordially invite you to embark on an enthralling voyage through the most popular and extensively consumed drinks on the planet in this article. The world’s most popular drinks each have a unique tale to tell, from the timeless appeal of tea, which has been enjoyed for millennia in a variety of forms, to the invigorating kick of coffee, which powers the daily lives of millions. Explore the refreshing, all-natural goodness of fruit juices and delve into the fizzy world of carbonated soft drinks, which are now a mainstay in many homes.
Tea
One of my all-time favorite beverages is tea. Tea is made by boiling water and adding tea leaves (or a tea bag) to steep. After only a few minutes, tea is ready to be enjoyed. Tea is popular because it’s a refreshing beverage that you may choose to consume, hot or cold. Tea is also very versatile because there are so many different kinds of tea leaves you can steep, including but nowhere limited to:
- green tea
- black tea
- white tea
- rosella tea
- ginger tea
- peppermint tea
I love drinking tea, especially in the afternoon when I need a pick-me-up if there’s caffeine in it or in the evenings when I want to wind down and relax if there is no caffeine in it. My favorite morning tea is green tea, and I enjoy peppermint tea at night.
Beer
Beer has been one of the most popular alcoholic beverages throughout history, playing a role in many different cultural traditions. Further aiding its popularity is its great taste and variety. There are two main kinds of popular beer: ales and lagers. Lagers are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast at cool temperatures and then stored for weeks or months. Breweries brew ale with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures and serve it relatively quickly. Another fun fact is that most of the world-renowned beers are vegan-friendly, as their most common ingredients include some type of grain and hops. Beer ranks just behind water and tea as the most commonly consumed drink in general. I think this is because many beers have a lot of water in them and are easy to drink with a meal. However, my favorite type of beer is a heavy, hoppy IPA, so I try to manage how many of those I drink in one sitting!
Vodka
Vodka is a clear liquor made from wheat, potatoes, or sugar beet molasses. It’s most popular in Russia and Poland and has become one of the most common liquors to drink globally. People like that, as opposed to whiskey, gin, and other liquors, good vodka tastes almost like nothing. That’s why it’s a common liquor for mixed drinks and cocktails. I like that it mixes well with most standards mixers, including but not limited to: orange juice, Coca Cola, tonic water , Red Bull. I recommend drinking vodka at night, either neat or on the rocks. But if you want a more refreshing drink, mixing it with orange juice is my go-to, making what some people call a “screwdriver.”
Coffee
Coffee is another highly popular beverage that has been consumed for centuries. It’s made by roasting coffee beans and then grinding them to make a powder. The powder is then brewed with hot water to make coffee. In addition to its distinct taste and smell, coffee is popular because it contains caffeine, a stimulant substance. This means that it can help people feel more awake and alert. I love drinking coffee in the mornings, especially when I haven’t had a good night’s sleep for one reason or another. Some people like to drink coffee with nothing in it, also known as black coffee, but I prefer adding a bit of sugar and cream to make it more creamy and tasty.
Wine
Wine is a well-loved alcoholic beverage that is made by fermenting grapes. The fermentation process converts the grapes’ sugars into alcohol. Wine is one of my go-to alcoholic beverages because it is tasty, classy, and readily available at bars and restaurants across the globe. I am a huge red wine fan, enjoying red wines such as pinot noir, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. I find that red wines pair well with the savory, meaty foods I like too, such as steak. However, white wine is incredible as well. Chilled white wine is often a better choice if you are drinking during the day because it is refreshing. It also tends to pair better with seafood.
Tequila
Next up is tequila, one of my favorite liquors for having a grand old time. Tequila is a Mexican alcoholic beverage that is made from the blue agave plant. Tequila is popular because it’s a strong liquor that people often use in shots or mixed drinks. It’s also a common ingredient in many popular cocktails, such as margaritas, Palomas, and tequila sunrises. I love to drink tequila because it’s a very versatile liquor. I also find that it creates a specific type of buzz, one that is more goofy and energetic than other types of liquor or alcoholic beverages.
Whiskey
Whiskey is a smooth, strong liquor that is made from grain mash and typically aged in wooden barrels. Whiskey is world-renowned due to its distinct taste and ability to be enjoyed in many ways. You can drink whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in mixed cocktails. Because whiskey is such a flavor-centric liquor, as opposed to vodka, having a good whiskey is very important. You’ll know whiskey is of high quality if it is aged for a significant amount of time and if it has a deep, rich flavor. I enjoy drinking whiskey neat or on the rocks because I love the taste of the liquor. I find that it’s a very smooth drink that is perfect for sipping on slowly.
Soft Drinks
Last but not least is soft drinks. Soft drinks are non-alcoholic carbonated beverages that come in a variety of flavors. Examples of popular soft drinks include: Soca cola, Sprite, Pepsi, Fanta,, Dr. Pepper. Soft drinks are popular because they’re refreshing, flavorful, and non-alcoholic. They’re perfect for people who are looking to avoid alcohol or for people who are designated drivers. Alcohol drinkers like them, too, because they are commonly used for mixing liquor, such as a “vodka sprite” or a “whiskey coke.”
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are a type of soft drink that contain caffeine and other energy-boosting substances like guarana, taurine, or ginseng. They’re popular among people who need an extra energy boost, like students or athletes. I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of energy drinks. I find them too sweet, and I don’t like how they make me feel. However, I know many people who swear by them and say they help them get through the day or study for exams. If you decide to drink energy drinks, I recommend doing so in moderation. Too much caffeine can lead to side effects like anxiety or insomnia.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is a standard breakfast drink, but you can also enjoy this juice at any time of the day. You can make it yourself by squeezing oranges to extract the juice, or you can simply buy it from your local grocery store. Orange juice is popular because it’s a good source of vitamin C. This juice can also help to improve your mood and give you a boost of energy. I love to drink orange juice in the mornings because it helps me to wake up and start my day. I also find that the citrusy taste goes swimmingly with other breakfast items I love, such as sweet and savory pancakes, salty bacon, and creamy oatmeal. If you’re looking for a satisfying, healthy drink that tastes delightful, try drinking more orange juice. OJ is also the perfect juice for a mimosa! Other fruit juices are also popular around the world, including apple juice, grape juice, and more.
Champagne
Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made in the Champagne region of France. It is made using a specific fermentation method, and it is usually quite expensive. Champagne is popular because it’s a luxurious and festive drink often associated with celebrations, such as weddings or New Year’s Eve. I love to drink champagne because it always feels like a special occasion. It also pairs well with sweet snacks, such as strawberries or cake. Plus, I won’t lie — I love the sleek and slender appearance of a champagne flute, the common glass used to drink this “bubbly.” If you want to treat yourself, or celebrate something special, choose champagne.
Mojito
Mojito is a refreshing drink made with rum, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and sparkling water. Mojitos are popular because it is an agreeable cocktail that covers the taste of alcohol very well. You’ll find mojitos on the menus of many beach bars on tropical islands and on urban rooftops. But either way, I especially love drinking them in sunny, warm environments because the mint and lime are so refreshing.
Piña Colada
Another refreshing beverage that’s perfect for warm, sunny climates is Pina Coladas. Pina Coladas are made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice. Pina Coladas are popular because they’re sweet, flavorful, and filling — making them the perfect drink to consume by the pool or beach. I love drinking Pina Coladas because they make me feel like I’m on vacation, no matter where I am. And, similar to mojitos, the pineapple and coconut flavors help to mask the taste of rum.
Sake
Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented rice. Sake is famous because it’s a versatile drink that people can enjoy in several ways. You can serve it cold, room temperature, or hot and drink it straight or in a cocktail. I love drinking sake because it’s such a smooth and easy-to-drink beverage. I typically drink it straight, or I’ll consume it by doing a “sake bomb,” where you allow a shot of sake to drop into a glass of beer before consuming the combination.
Sangria
Sangria is a Spanish drink that is made with red wine, fruit, and a variety of spices. An easy way to describe sangria is as a “red wine punch.” Sangria has become a common drink worldwide because it’s a tasty, easy-to-make drink that is perfect for hosting parties or large gatherings. I like to make big portions in a pitcher to serve to my dinner guests. I personally love drinking sangria because I love the sweet and fruity flavors. For someone who doesn’t usually enjoy drinking red wine, the fruit helps to mask the taste of the wine. Check out the best red wines to use for sangria.
Caipirinha
Caipirinha is a Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça (a type of rum), sugar, and lime. Caipirinha is popular because it’s a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed any time of year. I like to drink caipirinha when I’m in a tropical country or in warm weather. The combination of sweet, sour, and slightly boozy flavors is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a new cocktail to try, I recommend giving caipirinha a try. Just be warned, it can be quite strong!
