With the 2020 (now 2021) Olympic Games kicking off in Japan, athletes from all around the world will be coming together to compete. Incredibly, the Olympic games includes teams from 206 countries spanning five contentiants.
While we'll all be cheering for team Australia (especially in the soccer - Let's go Matildas!) it's also a good chance to appreciate cultural diversity and inclusion.
So to celebrate the start of the Olympics, here are my top drinks from around the globe.
Europe
Thomson & Scott Noughty
This is a truly european wine, it's a UK brand, made using traditional French wine-making techniques with Spanish grapes. It's a bestseller and it's one of the closest in taste and mouthfeel to a premium French Champagne. Read my Q&A with the Thomson & Scott founder here
Erdinger Wheat Beer
Made in Germany, this wheat beer is so healthy that it's actually the sports drink of choice for German athletes. This thirst-quenching beer has a classic taste with a delicious hint of malt.
Americas
Lyre's American Malt
Although it's made in Australia, this American style Malt Bourbon is team USA all the way. It is complex and full-bodied with the unique classic Bourbon nose and flavour and a long mellow finish.
Enjoy with a mixer, or go the extra (one minute) mile to create a Lyre's Old Fashioned mocktail.
Monday Distillery Mezcalita
Made in Australia, but clearly stepping up for Mexico, this ready to drink Mezcal-margarita blends mouth-watering peach soda, mandarin and finger lime with non-alcoholic mezcal to create a lip-smacking smokey fruit punch. Read my whole guide to the Monday Distillery range here.
Africa
Lautus De-Alcoholised Rose Wine
Lautus are the leading producer of de-alcoholised wine in South Africa so this Rose has all the complexity, elegance and finesse of a premium wine. Using both Pinotage and Muscat grapes sourced from select vineyards in the Western Cape, this delicate rose boasts aromas of redberry fruit with floral notes.
Devil's Peak Hero
Another brand stepping up for team Africa is Devils Peak, one of South Africa's most celebrated craft breweries. With crisp, hoppy, bitter flavours, Hero looks, smells and tastes like a traditional beer.
Asia
Naked Life Yuzu Sake Spritz
While made in Australia, this Yuzu Sake Spritz is based on the traditional flavour of Japanese Sake. With orange blossom distillate, IT has a taste profile that is layered with complexity and depth - and, it's sugar free.
Oceania
NEWBLOOD Shiraz
A bestseller, this Australian Shiraz has gained a reputation for tasting like a true big Barossa Shiraz - a result of traditional wine-making methods combined with a unique 'triple distilled' method of dealcolisation. With hints of oak, blood plum and dark chocolate this wine has rich tannins and a velvety finish.
Giesen 0% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
What could be more NZ than a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This is an alc-free version of the iconic Giesen Sauvignon Blanc and it has everything you would expect from a leading brand. With flavours of juicy redcurrant and blackcurrant, smooth passionfruit and zesty lemon shortbread this wine also has a long dry finish.
