Cheers! 10 cheap drinks in Europe that we love to sip
When traveling on a shoestring budget, cutting out pricey cocktails and spendy alcohol seems like a given.
But do you really have to? Probably not — in many European destinations boozy beverages don’t cost much. Sometimes they’re the same price or even less than soft drinks!
For example, in Prague, beer is the cheapest thing to drink after tap water, and in Spain, a glass of house wine often costs the same as a Coke. The key to drinking inexpensively in Europe? Knowing what to order depending on what country you’re in.
10 Cheap drinks we like to sip in Europe
While a basic knowledge of what locals drink will lead you in the right direction, here are ten of our favorite cheap drinks from around Europe. Regarding cost, all of these drinks are typically available for €3-5 or less, especially if you order them away from major attractions.
Here’s how to get booze (and a buzz) while traveling on a budget in Europe.
1. Calimocho – Spain
Also spelled kalimotxo, this ’70s era student drink is equal parts cola and cheap red wine. Thought to have originated in Basque Country, the drink is widespread throughout Spain. It’s best ordered any place where university students congregate and in small neighborhood joints.
Want to order something slightly more grown up? Try a tinto de verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and lemon soda or sweetened soda water.
Related: 5 tips for saving on wine in Spain
Enjoying a beer in Prague. Photo: Jeffrey
2. Beer – Czech Republic
Drinking on a budget in Prague is easy. Just stick to local brews like Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, and Budweiser Budvar. At $1-2 on average, a frosty pint is pretty much always cheaper than anything else you’d be tempted to drink — including coffee and wine.
Some other countries where you’re typically best off drinking beer to keep costs under control include Germany, Holland, and Belgium.
3. Vinho Verde – Portugal
While Portugal is also famous for its barrel-aged port and meaty Douro reds, its young, or “green” white wines make for a refreshing and budget-friendly option. They’re especially lovely when paired with local cod dishes and warm weather (which lasts well into fall around the country).
Related: Exploring Portugal: 10 days through Lisbon, Porto & Braga
4. Prosecco – Italy
It’s not always cheap to drink in Italy. But that said, wine and the sparkling wine known as Prosecco can be acquired for the bargain price of €5 or less per flute. Prosecco-based cocktails like a Bellini and Negroni spritz are also usually economically priced.
5. Radler – Austria
Refreshing and a little sweet, this local shandy is perfect for the warmer spring and summer months or year-round for folks who want something very lightly alcoholic to drink. Traditionally made from a mixture of local beer and the Austrian national drink, Almdudler (herb-flavored soda), it’s also sometimes prepared with lemonade, grapefruit, or lemon soda.
6. Froccs – Hungary
This summery drink mixes wine with soda water and is called different things depending on the water to wine ratio. Made with a 2-to-1 wine ratio this drink is called “nagyfröccs”, and with a 3-to-2 ratio it’s called “házmester”. If you’re visiting during Hungary’s frosty winter months, sub in “forralt bor”, a traditional mulled wine to warm you up instead.
Accommodations: The best budget hotels in Budapest
7. Kir – France
This white wine-based cocktail is thought to have come about in the 1950s when the mayor of Dijon tried to make the most of a bad batch of wine by adding black currant liquor. It’s typically served as an aperitif (before the meal) and should be the color of a rose or blush wine, not darker.
If you’re feeling particularly spendy or celebratory, splurge on a Kir Royale, the Kir’s fancy cousin made with Champagne instead of white wine.
A selection of ouzo at a bar in Athens. Photo: Mark
8. Ouzo – Greece
Considered the national drink of Greece, this distilled liquor isn’t for folks who don’t appreciate black licorice as it’s heavily flavored with anise seed. The most famous varieties are from Lesvos and Tyrnavos. It’s best served ice-cold.
To stretch your drink, and your euros further, dilute it with water to release essential oils in the liquor and make it even more aromatic.
9. Vodka – Russia, Estonia & Poland
If you’re traveling in a country that could be described as the former Eastern block or belongs to Europe’s famed vodka belt, the drink of the same name is your safest bet for bargain booze of quality. Consumed chilled before, during, and after special occasion meals (like when you go out with visiting friends or colleagues), it’s name is Slavic for water. It’s usually sipped neat.
Related: A budget travel guide to Warsaw
10. Vermouth – Spain, Italy & France
Long regarded as an old-fashioned and out of style drink, vermouth is having a comeback in big Spanish, French, and Italian cities. This fortified and herbed wine is typically served either neat, over ice, or with a slice of citrus fruit and some soda water.
Bonus Tip
And whatever you do, skip imported tipples if you want to save on your drink bill. That means no tequila, rum, or bourbon. Drink like a local and reap maximum savings.
Do you have a favorite cheap drink in Europe? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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