To honour a person or concept, people toast all around the world. With many people travelling during this time of year to visit family or enjoy the Christmas Markets, we wanted to share with you how to say 'cheers' and what to drink in some of the most popular destinations. So, as glasses are raised to celebrate Christmas or welcome the New Year, you can toast just like the locals.
Croatian
Zivjeli / Nazdravljerak
pronounced Zhee-ve-lee / Naz-dra-vlee
When celebrating in Croatia during the festive season, you will see many drinking mulled wine or rakija. Rakija is a fruit brandy which is usually home-made.
Czech
Na zdravi
pronounced Naz-drah vi
Czech Republic is known for its native beers so it’s no surprise to find this is often in hand when people toast. As with a lot of European countries, mulled wine is also popular.
Dutch
Proost
pronounced Prohst
Jenever, known to the English as Dutch Gin, is a juniper-flavoured traditional liquor which is an ancestor of modern gin. It is still very popular in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Finnish / Norwegian and Swedish
Kippis / Skål
pronounced Kip-pis / pronounced Skawl
When visiting Finland over Christmas, you can enjoy a glass of glogg to start your celebrations. Literally meaning ‘glow wine’, glogg is a deep ruby red spiced wine served hot.
German
Zum wohl
pronounced Tsum vohl
It is tradition at Christmas to enjoy a glass of mulled wine or kinderpunsch – a hot alcohol-free punch.
Spanish / Catalan
Salud / Salut
pronouncded Sah-lud / pronounced Sah-lut
Red wine is favoured here, as is cava – a Spanish sparkling wine which comes in white or rosé. It is made the same way as champagne but with different grapes.
