8 Bizzare Drinking Traditions From Around the World Are Packed With Eccentricity

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As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." However, when it comes to drinking traditions, some cultures take the phrase to a whole new level, introducing quirky and sometimes downright bizarre practices that leave you wondering if they've spiked the punch with a dash of eccentricity.

From unconventional to downright wacky, here are eight of the strangest drinking traditions from around the world that make you question whether it's the alcohol or the local customs that have truly gone to your head.

1. Kanpai In Japan
The Japanese take toasts to a whole new level with the traditional "Kanpai." This ritual involves clinking glasses and then making sure your drink is lower than your superior's glass during a business or social gathering. If your drink remains higher, it's considered a sign of disrespect. So, bottoms up, but mind your glass levels!

2. Boot of Beer in Germany
Oktoberfest in Germany is world-famous for its lively atmosphere and oversized beer mugs, but things take a peculiar turn with the "Bierstiefel" or beer boot. This glass boot, usually filled with beer, is passed around a group, and the person who gets the toe end must finish it without spilling a drop. It's a game that combines precision with a hearty gulp.

3. Saqi in Iran
In Iran, the tradition of "Saqi" involves a designated person, known as the Saqi, pouring drinks for everyone at the table. The catch? The Saqi cannot drink until someone at the table proposes a toast to them. It adds an element of camaraderie and jest to the drinking experience.

4. Shoey in Australia
Australians are known for their love of beer and their sense of humor, and the "Shoey" combines both. This peculiar tradition involves drinking beer from a shoe - yes, you heard it right. It's not for the faint of heart, but Aussies swear by the Shoey as a mark of celebration and mateship.

5. Sourtoe Cocktail in Canada
The Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson City, Canada, is not your typical cocktail garnish. It involves a real, mummified human toe placed at the bottom of a drink. The rule is simple: your lips must touch the toe for the drink to be considered official. Just hope that the toe doesn't come in direct contact with your teeth!

6. Strawpedo in the United Kingdom
In the UK, particularly at festivals and parties, the Strawpedo is a popular drinking challenge. The goal is to consume an entire beverage through a straw as quickly as possible. It may sound harmless, but witnessing a group of adults competitively sipping their drinks through straws adds an element of hilarity to the British drinking scene.

7. Porron in Spain
The Spanish celebration of togetherness reaches new heights with the Porron, a traditional wine pitcher with a narrow spout. Instead of pouring the wine into glasses, Spaniards aim the stream of wine directly into their mouths from a distance. It's a communal and messy affair, but it surely fosters a sense of unity and joy.

8. Cobra Heart Shots in Vietnam
For the daring souls in Vietnam, Cobra Heart Shots involve drinking the blood of a cobra along with its still-beating heart. The venomous snake is killed on the spot, and the blood is mixed with rice wine. It's believed to impart strength and vitality, turning a casual drink into a bold and somewhat macabre experience.

These drinking traditions may seem odd to outsiders, but for locals, they are an integral part of their cultural tapestry, adding a touch of whimsy and uniqueness to the age-old practice of raising a glass in good cheer. So, the next time you're offered a shoey or find a cobra heart shot on the menu, remember, it's not just a drink - it's a toast to the strange and wonderful world of global drinking traditions. Cheers!