Don’t mix stuff.

This is true for anytime you’re drinking but in Amsterdam it can be very tempting to try everything in the world at once. With so many things to try, its common for people to start with cocktails and then wander into a coffee shop or truffle store and get a little more twisted than they can handle. If you’re not a veteran smoker, try it on its own without the drink first to see how you react. You can always drink when your high has worn off.

Watch for bikes.

If you’re coming from a place where most people drive cars, you may not be used to people shooting by you on bicycles at all hours of the day and night. In Amsterdam, the bike lanes get just as crowded as the car lanes and are right next to the sidewalk. If you’re not careful, you can easily stumble in front of someone’s bike which would be a tragedy for both you and the rider. Keep an eye out and stay on the sidewalk where others are walking. At crosswalks, look for bikes before you walk.

Photo by Jace Afsoon

Don’t take drinks from strangers.

Most people in Amsterdam are well-meaning locals and tourists just looking to have a good time. But, like any city, there are people looking to prey on unsuspecting partiers. Its generally a good rule never to take accept drinks from strangers. If someone wants to buy you a cocktail, make sure its coming directly from the bartender. If you feel stranger that usual from a few drinks, seek medical help to be sure nothing was dropped in without you knowing.

Careful with balloons.

Nitrous balloons are legal in Amsterdam. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s a balloon filled with nitrous gas that you inhale and go on a little trip. It only lasts a few seconds but is not very good for your brain or general health. Many bars sell balloons as well as sketchy street salesman- but I wouldn’t recommend trying it if you’ve had a few drinks. Inhaling the gas affects people differently and can sometimes cause seizures or loss of consciousness. Drinking in addition to nitrous can be especially harmful if you’re not sure how it will affect you.

Photo by Joel Muniz

Overall, Amsterdam is a safe, fun city with lots to do and drink. Taking common sense precautions will ensure you have a fun time drinking without dying.

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1. KARSK

Karsk is a beverage popular in the rural parts of Sweden and Norway. It is a mix of moonshine and weak coffee served hot with a spoonful of sugar to help it go down. If the drink is too strong, it can be lit on fire to burn some of the moonshine and bring the alcohol content down a bit.

The word Karsk means healthy and vigorous in Old Norse- which makes total sense for a drink combining caffeine with moonshine.

2. SNAKE WINE

Yes, snake wine is what the name suggests- a venomous snake is placed inside a bottle of rice wine or grain alcohol (usually alive) and breaks down in the liquid for months before consumed. Because the venom is broken down by the alcohol, it is safe to drink. Snake wine originated in China but is found in Vietnam as well. It was created to capture the essence and virility of the snake but cannot be exported due to the endangered nature of most of the snakes used to prepare it.

3. KUMIS

Kumis is an ancient brew created by fermenting mare or donkey milk for days until it becomes alcoholic. In the past it was made in saddlebags as people moved from place to place or deep wooden casks. It originated in Turkey but no one is quite sure how long ago people began making it. Kumis is considered its own alcohol class, as its made from milk instead of fruit or grain, and is still enjoyed today in the summer months when animals are roaming their pastures.

4. ABSINTHE

Absinthe is a misunderstood alcohol. It is rumored to cause hallucinations much like LSD or psilocybin, but in reality doesn’t make you any more drunk than any other liquor of its potency. It is generally a greenish color and is made with anise, grand wormwood flowers and other herbs according to where its made.

Absinthe has a long and uncertain history, making appearances in both ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece before being spread all over Europe and later to the Americas. Because of its strength, it was outlawed in many countries and is still banned for sale in the United States.

5. CYNAR

If you were to create a new alcoholic drink, I doubt the first flavor that comes in mind is asparagus-  but that’s exactly what cynar is made from. It is low sugar and 16% ABV. An Italian liquor, it is often consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite or afterwards to aid with digestion. It is enjoyed across Europe and often mixed with orange juice or even eggnog to curb the bitter taste.

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With summer around the corner and wanderlusty Instagram photos clogging up your newsfeed, it makes sense that now would be the time to take a trip with some family and/or friends. However, this might beg the question: what is the best way to get some quality boozing in on this trip without breaking the bank? Fear not, avid reader, we have the answers right here for you. Whether you’re doing a romantic European escapade or a good ol’ fashioned American roadtrip, the solution to your booze-related problems are listed below for your viewing pleasures.

1. *Don’t* be afraid to look up the best local bars and Happy Hour deals

Depending on which city you’re in (or if you’re in a city at all), it’s well worth it to try to find the local watering hole to get a sense of not only the locale but also to really experience that ~culture~ you’ve been raving about to your friends back home. Not only is it worth it to look for Happy Hour deals at these bars, but look into any coupons or freebies that might be circulating around the internet, you never know what deals you might run into! Nothing beats a good two-for-one deal.

2. Grocery stores are your best friends

There is no better way to figure out the local drink of choice than surveying the grocery store aisles for whatever is most in stock/is cheaper than what you would find at home. Pretty much everywhere will have something unique to your location, not to mention that this will be much cheaper than trying to get the same thing in a bar or club, which leads me to my other point!

3. Pregame the club!

Whether you’re with a big group or it’s just you and a few friends, it isn’t hard to either meet new people or gather your squad for a bit of predrinking before you hit up the city’s famous bar or club. Chances are you’ll get to save some cash with either your Happy Hour deals on drinks and grocery store alcohol to make the club cover a much more manageable fee to fork out, not to mention you don’t have to immediately get to the bar to get a drink. It’s a win-win! Unless

4. Invest in a really, really good cooler

If you’re taking the “lovel Mother Nature” route while engaging in your travels, you probably don’t need to be told twice to invest in a quality cooler to keep those brewskis icy cool for your camping/glamping trip. The trick to making this budget friendly is that it already is! Making sure to get the value pack of canned/bottled/boxed drinks is your best bet here, and making sure these stay nice and chilled will ensure your boozy budget travels are as fun as your Instagram makes them out to be.

Happy travels, booze-lovers and budget backpackers!

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Ravine Vineyard

Ravine Vineyard was established over 100 years ago and is still run by the Lowry family. The tasting room is in a beautiful old farmhouse and their tastings include 4 wines. They have a good selection of whites and reds. I also recommend trying the Cabernet Rose; it tastes of cherries and has a great dry finish.

Between the Lines

Between the Lines is another family run winery. The family farm was started by the German parents of the current owners, who studied winemaking in Germany so the wines have a bit of a German influence to them. The winery is still small and you get great service with the tasting. I recommend trying the Cabernet Franc, it’s full bodied with the taste of plum and black pepper.

Konzelmann Estate Winery

Konzelmann Estate has a great location right on the lake, making for spectacular views. They have several award winning wines, including ice wines. Their tours are particularly informative and interesting, if you are going to take a full tour at one winery in Niagara, this is the one to do. Once you get to the tasting, I recommend trying the Vidal Ice Wine, they’re sweeter than other wines and very unique.

Once you’ve finished up your tour of the Niagara wineries, make sure you stop at one of the many fresh local fruit stands to pick up peaches, pears, cherries or whatever else is in season before you head back across the border (or head to the casino).

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