Christmas already? Time flies. As we start saying yes to parties, barbeques, and various festive events, it’s the perfect time to raise a glass to good times and great company.

From under our lopsided Christmas cracker hats, we’ve been looking into toasting traditions from around the world. It can be pretty serious business… here are some that undoubtedly add a little fizz to the festivities.

Italy: the water curse

The toast is: Salute! (Sah-loo-tay)

What does it mean?:  It’s the word ‘Health’ – which is also an acceptable response to a sneeze.

Chosen beverages: Prosecco, Negroni, and naturally, a range of Aperitivo options.

Traditions / superstitions: You should never toast with water, because of a legend that suggests you’re wishing that your host drowns. Slightly dramatic, perhaps, but good to know.  

Germany: tap tap

The toast is: Prost! (Prosst!)

What does it mean?:  Cheers!

Chosen beverages: Beer (obviously), Glühwein (hot, mulled wine) and Sekt (sparkling wine) too.

Traditions / superstitions: Aside from maintaining polite eye contact with your fellow drinkers, it’s also tradition to tap the glass on the table before you take a sip. Stories vary on why this is a tradition, but its origins seem to be a sign of respect to the host, to ward off evil, or the mark of a good old celebration.

Vietnam: in it together 

The toast is: Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô! (Mot, hai, ba, yo!)

What does it mean?: 1, 2, 3, cheers!

Chosen beverages: Beer, rice wine, and even banana wine.

Traditions / superstitions: When Vietnamese friends and family are gathered, it’s customary for everyone to drink at the same time. It’s considered rude if you’re sitting there drinking while others aren’t. The signal is the toast (as above) which is loudly spoken before every collective sip.

South Korea: don't help yourself

The toast is: Geonbae! (Gun-bay!)

What does it mean?: Empty glass.

Chosen beverages: Soju (rice, wheat or barley liquor), beer, fruit wine.

Traditions / superstitions: When preparing for a toast, or really just in general, you don’t pour your own drinks in Korea. It stems from having respect and reverence for your company and is steeped in acknowledging a table’s hierarchy.

Once it’s poured, accept it with both hands and clink the glass against the bottle before drinking.

Georgia: survival of the fittest

The toast is: Gagimarjos!  (Gau-mar-jos)

What does it mean?: A very rousing “to victory!”

Chosen festive beverages: Wine of all kinds.

Traditions / superstitions: The Georgians take toasting extremely seriously, and there’s never just one toast in a sitting. In fact, there’s a “Tamada” (toastmaster) who ensures several toasts happen throughout the event. It’s tradition to drink an entire glass of wine in one go after each toast, but for obvious reasons, subbing water in instead is perfectly acceptable.

Have a favourite toasting tradition? Let us know on Instagram

Till next time,
Team Solara.