Why don't they serve ice water in Europe?
One explanation I've heard elsewhere, and which may hold some truth, is that Europeans see ice as taking up valuable real estate in the glass, so that they would feel cheated if they got too much ice and too little beverage.
So why did the ice craze not hit Europe like it did the United States? It's hard to say why exactly. Perhaps people view it as diluting their drink (though this logic doesn't apply to water). Or maybe they didn't have their own “Ice King” responsible for popularizing ice cubes.
The best European travel tip is make sure you ask for ice!
This is a stark contrast from restaurants and bars in America where you're likely to get a glass filled to the brim with ice.
This tradition— if that's what you want to call it—dates back to the 19th century. During that time, it was already commonplace for most American homes to have an ice box. Ice would be harvested in northern America or Canada and shipped across the Atlantic and sold at a high price in British department stores.
Most European restaurants have paid for water from a bottle or sparkling water, so the costs of buying bottled water are passed on to the customers. Plus, in general, waiters may find it rude to ask for a free drink when dining at their enterprise. After all, they are a business, and they are trying to make a profit.
The Chinese believe that all food and drinks should be taken at normal body temperature, or 100 degrees or greater, because cold foods weaken the Spleen and Stomach. In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), the Spleen needs a moderate temperature in order to function properly.
No, people all around the world put ice in their drinks. But it might be true that Americans are more inclined to put a lot of ice in their drinks. Why do Americans drink beer straight from the bottle/Can if they in Bar/Pub or at home? That's the way its portrayed on movies and TV.
These mineral waters became very successful because they were believed to have healthy properties (and today, you might still drink seltzer when you have an upset stomach). As carbonated waters became popular all over Europe, it became the norm for bottled water.
It isn't as much that Italians don't like ice, as it is that Americans love it! Ice in drinks is actually an american concept, and ice was invented in the USA. So while ice is part of our DNA it is counterintuitive to Italians in that it is too cold, very cold! Ice tea in italy is served very cold with no ice.
The vehement denial of iced beverages here all stems from Italians' deep-seated phobia of colpo d'aria and congestione (abdominal cramping).
Why do Americans love ice water?
Researchers believe most people prefer to drink ice water because it's less flavorful than room temperature water. That might sound counterintuitive, but warm water (especially warm unfiltered water) tends to taste sweeter and more acidic.
Cold water tastes better because our taste buds perceive it differently. You're not imagining it—cold water really does taste different than warm water. Our brains perceive cold drinks as less flavorful than hot ones. That's because the cold temperature suppresses our tastebuds, and we simply do not taste as much.
The recommended daily water intake is also higher in America than Europe, as the Mayo Clinic notes that men in the US should be drinking about 3.7 litres of water a day, while women should be drinking about 2.7 litres.
It's sometimes considered a special favor to provide free tap water, and while a glass or carafe of it is normally served politely, now and then you may find it just isn't worth the trouble.
However, instead of creating a hard and fast rule that you are best to avoid tap water in Europe, know that in many countries, including all Western European countries, the water is perfectly safe to drink. So, save on buying and using plastic bottles and bring along a reusable water bottle on your trip instead.
Europe is still not a “coffee-to-go” culture. Generally, there are four types of coffee served: espresso (hot water steamed through ground coffee), doppio (a double espresso), café creme or latte (espresso with steamed foamy, creamy milk), and americano (espresso with hot water).
Health Benefits and Traditional Chinese Medicine:
In China, hot water isn't just a drink; it's like a health potion! Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that hot water helps your body in so many ways. It can aid digestion, improve blood circulation, and even help get rid of toxins.
Myth: Cold water or ice should be avoided during menstruation; some people believe they exacerbate menstrual pain and hinder complete flow of the menses. Truth: Ice or cold water has no effect on menstruation; menses is simply blood expelled from the uterus, and menstrual cramps are the result of uterine contraction.
The benefits of drinking cold water include a better metabolism rate, boosted weight loss, improved hydration for exercise, and increased alertness. The following research and expert guidance illustrates these points. Increased metabolism. A 2003 study by Dr.
Straight = chilled/strained spirit in a glass. Up = served “up” in a co*cktail glass (or a coupe) Straight up = chilled and strained into a co*cktail glass. On the rocks = served over ice in a glass.
What is no ice in a drink called?
A drink served "neat" is a single, unmixed liquor served without being chilled and without any water, ice, or other mixer. Neat drinks are typically served in a rocks glass, shot glass, snifter, Glencairn glass, or copita.
The Best Liquors to Serve On the Rocks
But some liquors, like blended whiskeys, gin, and silver and reposado tequilas, taste even better when served over ice. If you're in the mood to sip a chilled liquor, ask your bartender for one of these on the rocks: Dewar's 12-Year-Old The Ancestor Blend Scotch.
Mineral water is undoubtedly one of the healthiest thirst quenchers for a sweltering summer afternoon. It contains essential minerals, tickles the tongue (if you like it carbonated) and is naturally calorie-free.
Why does British tap water taste different than continental European ones? The taste of tap water can vary from place to place for a number of reasons, including differences in the source of the water, the treatment process used, and the presence of minerals or other compounds.
Restaurants in Germany generally serve bottled water when you order water. Therefore, if you would like tap water (Leitungswasser) you need to specifically ask for it. Typically, tap water is free, while bottled water on average costs 3.50 € for a small bottle and 8.00 € for a large bottle.
References
- https://wildgreatwall.com/why-do-chinese-people-drink-hot-water/
- https://www.moon.com/travel/food-drink/the-new-european-coffee-culture/
- https://www.quora.com/Is-putting-ice-in-drinks-strictly-an-American-thing
- https://strommeninc.com/dont-go-italy-without-watching-5-things-never-italy-least-dont-surprised-get-treated-little-funny/
- https://www.quora.com/Why-does-American-tap-water-taste-different-from-British-or-other-European-countries-tap-water
- https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/drink-like-a-european
- https://www.foodrepublic.com/1352683/why-tap-water-not-free-europe/
- https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/healthy-mineral-water/
- https://porthole.com/ask-for-ice-european-travel-tips/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/water-bottles-europe-travel-americans-b2383983.html
- https://blockice.com/blog/on-the-rocks-the-best-drinks-to-serve-over-ice/
- https://jeffreymorgenthaler.com/up-neat-straight-up-or-on-the-rocks/
- https://svalbardi.com/blogs/water/cold-water
- https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2022/10/22/23402805/why-americans-love-ice-water-why-europeans-dont-drink-ice-water
- https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/safe-drink-tap-water-europe/
- https://fintiba.com/moving-to-germany/general/good-to-know/can-you-drink-tap-water-in-germany/
- https://www.rd.com/article/americans-love-ice-british-dont/
- https://www.macupuncture.com/copy-of-hidden-hazards-of-iced-water
- https://quenchwater.com/blog/the-quench-water-experts-explain-why-ice-water-tastes-so-good/
- https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/sparkling-water
- https://italysegreta.com/ice-ice-baby/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/why-does-cold-water-taste-better/
- http://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/lifestyles/diet-and-menstruation
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartending_terminology