Alcohol consumption is quite common in British beverage culture and there are many world-famous British drinks. For Brits, consuming alcohol is an important part of their culture. Beer is considered the national drink of the UK. In general, Brits are also known for their relaxed attitude towards consuming alcohol.
While the legal age for alcohol in the UK is 18, young people are allowed to start drinking beer at an early age. In many places in the UK, it is legal to drink alcohol from open containers in public, further legitimizing the existence of beer consumption.
In the UK, drinking beer in public places is common, especially after work. It is possible to see many people drinking a “pint” after work, on the train, on a bench or in the park.
Although beer drinking is part of their culture and is drunk regularly, it is rare to see Brits completely drunk.
Wine is also very popular throughout the UK. British wine comes mainly from the regions along the south coast of England. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bacchus are among the best-known white wine varieties, while Pinot Noir and Dornfelder are important British red wines.
In addition to alcoholic drinks, consumption of non-alcoholic drinks is also quite common in the UK. Coffee is among the most frequently consumed non-alcoholic beverages in the UK. It is consumed not only for breakfast, but also on Sundays, special occasions or birthdays.
Popular soft drinks include Lemonade, cola and ginger ale.
How Did Drinking Culture Develop in the UK?
Until the 19th century, water in the UK was often dirty and unsafe for drinking. For this reason, beer consumption across Europe has begun to be seen as a better choice for staying healthy. Moreover, in the 19th century, factory owners encouraged their staff in mines and steel mills to drink beer.
Beer began to be consumed frequently because it was rich in calories and was also seen as an alternative to spirits, which men would often enjoy excessively, and this habit has continued until today.
In the UK, if there is a sign saying “pub” on a building, it means that the building is a public house where people can go to drink and socialise. Today, since alcohol has an important place in British culture, there are various etiquette rules in pubs. Raising a glass and saying “Cheers” is common in British pubs. It is an important rule of etiquette to look people in the eye while clinking glasses and especially to cheer with pleasure.
What is the Royal Ascot? How Did It Affect the Drinking Culture in the UK?
Royal Ascot is an annual horse racing event held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. The Royal Ascot grounds cover 300 acres and are still held in the same location where the original event was held in 1711.
The celebration begins with a carriage procession led by the monarch of the UK. In addition to plenty of drinks, the festivities also include a fashion parade and live music. Visitors liken Royal Ascot to a mix of horse racing, food and music festivals combined with a fashion show.
The current Royal Ascot has been around for more than 300 years, dating back to its inaugural event on 11 August 1711, and the establishment of the horse racing event by Queen Anne.
The royal event took place at a time when horse racing was a popular activity for the upper classes in Britain, so to create a sense of unity in the country, the monarch invited several nobles to attend the festivities at Ascot. The celebration lasted several days and ended with horse races on 17 August 1711. The following year, the event was held at the same location, and in subsequent years, Royal Ascot has expanded to include marquees and grandstands, adding elements of entertainment and fashion to the celebration. Soon, the Jockey Club took it upon themselves to plan and execute the event each year, and it grew to include food and drink stalls, as well as live music. The tradition of horse races has remained central to Royal Ascot throughout its history, and carnival rides and beer tents have become an important part of the event.
Royal Ascot, which first originated at Ascot Racecourse, is celebrated in many other cities in the UK, including Newmarket, York and Epsom. The tradition also spread to other countries, largely through British expatriates or immigrants.
Ascot’s modern Royal Ascot features 30 marquees and several grandstands, all serving beer, wine and other beverages from local and international producers. While alcohol is vital to modern Royal Ascot celebrations, it was not prominently consumed in the event’s early years.
Food and drink stalls were added to the event in 1713, two years after the first celebration. When the Jockey Club took over management of Royal Ascot in 1715 and expanded the event with events such as carriage processions and fashion parades, food and drink stands evolved into larger marquees and grandstands supported by local producers to better meet the demand for alcoholic beverages.
What are the Most Famous British Drinks?
Many of the UK’s beverages are world famous and frequently consumed.
Below is a list of the most famous British drinks.
- Lemonade
- Gin and Tonic
- Guinness
- Tea
- Scotch Whisky
- Cider
- Pimms
What are the Beverage Prices in the UK?
Beverage prices in restaurants and markets in the UK are listed below.
DrinkRestaurant PriceLocal Beer (0.5 liter draft)£3.50Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)£3.50Cappuccino (regular)£2.79Coke / Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)£2.36Water (0.33 liter bottle)£2.04DrinkMarket PriceWater (1.5 liter bottle)£0.38A Bottle of Wine (Middle Class)£5.00Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)£0.68Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)£1.36
What is a Gin and Tonic and How is it Produced?
Gin and Tonic is a classic British cocktail, a refreshing and well-loved drink. It contains Gin, tonic water and ice. The popularity of the Gin and Tonic drink is increasing day by day and it can be purchased in ready-made cans.
A good Gin and Tonic is not too sweet. Adequate amount of carbonation and the right amount of bitterness are needed to truly please the palate.
What is Guinness and How is It Produced?
Guinness is a classic Irish dry stout known for its creamy, dark appearance. Originally called “Guinness stout”, it soon evolved into the only type of beer allowed to be brewed with roasted barley.
Guinness must be made from at least 50% roasted barley. Guinness with a distinct coffee flavor is currently in high demand, but these beers are rarely produced by industrial breweries due to the short shelf life of certain compounds.
What is Scotch Whisky and How is It Made?
Scotch whisky is a single malt whisky produced in Scotland. Scotch whisky can be peaty, smoky, fruity or spicy. Scotch whisky is often enjoyed neat, but can also be enjoyed with water or ice.
Scotch whisky is made from malted barley, water, and yeast. The barley is malted, then mashed with hot water to produce a sweet liquid called “wort”. The wort is then fermented with yeast to produce alcohol. The alcohol is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years.
What is Tea and How is It Made?
Tea is a popular beverage in the UK, consumed for breakfast, afternoon tea, or just for a warm drink. Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea leaves are dried, then steeped in hot water to produce a beverage. There are many types of tea, including black tea, green tea, and white tea.
Black tea is the most popular type of tea in the UK. Black tea is made from leaves that have been fully oxidized, giving them a darker colour and a stronger flavour.
What is Cider and How is It Made?
Cider is a popular British beverage, consumed for its refreshing and fruity flavour. Cider is made from fermented apple juice. Cider is typically made from a blend of different types of apples, and the flavour of the cider will vary depending on the types of apples used.
Cider is a popular drink for people of all ages in the UK, and is often consumed on special occasions, such as festivals and celebrations.