7 Global Attractions For the Drinking Traveler
Features & Advice Cherese Weekes September 17, 2014
Some swear by a finely aged scotch served neat. Others grab a grocery's worth of ingredients, muddle it, layer it, and use it as a blank canvas for a delicious work of art. It's alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, life's problems (thank you, Homer Simpson, for your timeless wisdom). And regardless of how you prefer your poison, here are seven attractions that aim to make your sipping adventure bittersweet.
Stockholm, Sweden: Spritmuseum (Museum of Spirits)
The Swedish are so in touch with their love for the sauce they sing while toasting. And you might be obliged to hum a tune as well once you are under the intoxicating spell of Spritmuseum. The museum delights in the spirts of Sweden, taking guests on a gratifying journey of indulgence amid a variety of lights and darks.
Whether on the rocks or lukewarm, bar setting or lounging on a bench, Spritmuseum’s “Sweden: Spirits of a Nation” exhibition aims to create a comfortable space to loosen your inhibitions. However, its pleasures don’t end once your glass is empty. The museum's other attractions include: “Swedish Sin” which focuses on carnal desires and their relationship with alcoholism as well as the Swedish culture, and “Art Pop,” an introduction to the influence of pop culture.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands: House of Bols
As sultry as Amsterdam’s nightlife is known to be, amateurs might want to ease their way in slowly, starting with the House of Bols. In the heart of the city’s Museumsquare, a boozed-up attraction allows visitors to acclimatize their palates to the historic tastes and flavors of Amsterdam, which also includes the Dutch favorite Genever.
On the tour, more than 30 Bols liqueurs make an appearance. Skilled bartenders are more than happy to comply with the needs of thirsty guests by concocting a signature Bols beverage of their choice as part of this rich booze-loving experience. And if guests want to hone a few bartending skills to perform at their next social gathering, then they can visit the Flair Booth which has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
New Orleans, LA: Museum of the American Cocktail
We can all appreciate a great cocktail that smoothly slides down the throat, and thanks to the Museum of the American Cocktail, the heritage of the beloved drink is a revered treasure. This nonprofit organization is a feature of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum with plans to make its new debut on Sept. 29.
Here, visitors are cordially invited to sip and sniff their way through the history of the cocktail while learning about its symbolic culture. Never forgetting to emphasize the importance of responsible drinking, the adventure at the Museum of the American Cocktail strives to educate and entice in good old New Orleans fashion.
London, England: Vinopolis
When the folks of London are looking to be wined and dined they head to Vinopolis, a wine-loving feast for the senses. Drenched in the aromas of more than 100 spirits intertwined together and with a dazzling backdrop to match, each sip guarantees to evoke special memories that stay with the visitor long after he’s yielded to Vinolis' love of the grape.
With a mission to submit to the powers of reds and whites, its visitors long to partake in the variety of tastes that comprise this attraction. In order to enjoy the wine high here, guests are expected to choose a wine-tasting package that suits their desires. They are then given lessons that entail learning to distinguish the different ingredients by inhaling their scents, the proper swirling technique as well as the way to down it like a true connoisseur.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Scotch Whisky Experience
If it is whisky that you love, then you’ll want to head to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center to drink like the Scottish. This booze-infused experience is completely soaked in liquor to provide insight into the production of whisky: from the mixing process to the way it is distilled.
In fact, a visit to Scotland would be incomplete without diving full force in the country’s national beverage. And at this distillery not only is it insightful but exciting as ancient legends, recipes and smells intoxicate the air. Hop on board a barrel and ride through the culture of the alcoholic beverage as the fragrances of barley fields and oak drive you dizzy. Then head to Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, which is Scotland’s largest supply of homegrown whiskies. By the end of this fascinating tour don’t be surprised if your swirling, sipping and gulping techniques improve drastically.
Havana, Cuba: Museo del Ron (Museum of Rum)
It doesn’t take an avid rum drinker to be hypnotized by the power of Cuba’s premium rums, especially at the Museo del Ron. Housed in an 18th century building, the preserved drink is grandly nursed inside, delightfully creating spaces that give aficionados a delicious taste of the wonderful world of rum-making.
This century-old tradition makes the museum a must-see attraction, where rum drinkers are inclined to wander through cellars and learn about the artistry of the Cuban specialty, including the role of sugar cane and the way it is interestingly incorporated into the beverage. The Havana Club Bar that sits adjacent to the Museum of Rum lures guests inside, is where bartenders are known to entertain the palate with Cuban classics like the "Cata Vertical."
Cancun, Mexico: Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum
Cancun is famous for having a wild party scene, especially when alcohol is involved. But no drink provides an authentic Mexican experience like tequila, and that is why the Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum should make every visitor of the city’s itinerary.
The museum is a trip to Mexico’s tequila past while presenting a modern glimpse of the craftsmanship used to perfect its taste. Each step of the tour inches drinkers closer into the culture of tequila as stories of its early beginnings as well as where and when it came into existence unfold. Every shot of tequila shapes Mexico’s identity, and at attractions like the Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum it will always be the crowning attraction.
For more information on Stockholm, Amsterdam, New Orleans, London, Scotland
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