In Slovenia, sharing a drink is a way to bond and celebrate life’s moments. You’ll find that alcohol is often at the heart of any kind of get-together with friends or family.
Slovenia’s love for a good drink brings both joy and challenges, and there’s a plethora of choices when it comes to locally made drinks that you can try out on your text trip. Let’s dive in and explore what makes Slovenian drinking culture unique!
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Slovenian Drinking Culture
Slovenia is part of the ”wet” drinking cultures club. This means that drinking is normalized and part of everyday life. It’s totally normal to crack open a beer with friends, enjoy a glass of wine with lunch, and maybe indulge a bit too much during celebrations. Alcohol is there during all big celebrations, like birthdays and Slovenian New Year’s celebrations. The drinking age here is 18, but you’ll find that alcohol is a part of life long before that milestone.
You can easily find a drink anywhere in the country. But keep in mind that the prices of drinks will be much cheaper in small towns and in the countryside than they are in big cities like Ljubljana.
While drinking is a beloved tradition, it does come with its challenges. Slovenia has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption in the world. That’s right—we’re talking about some serious stats. On average, a Slovenian drinks 11.1 liters of alcohol per year, compared to the world average of 6.2 liters. This high consumption can lead to health problems and risky behaviors, which means that there are already efforts in place trying to fix this issue among young people.
Most Common Drinks Made In Slovenia
When visiting Slovenia, you’ll find pubs, bars, and clubs stocked with international drinks, but don’t miss out on the local options! Slovenian alcohol is top-notch, from craft beers and world-class wines to delicious and strong spirits. Here’s some excellent examples of drinks for you to try:
Slovenian Wine
Wine production in Slovenia is strong because of Europe’s prime wine-growing location. The country has three main wine regions: Primorska, Podravje, and Posavje. Each region produces different types of wine because of its unique climate and soil.
Slovenia grows 52 grape varieties and makes over 800,000 hectoliters of wine every year, featuring both international and local grapes. Popular wines include Teran, Rebula, and Cviček, all known for their great quality.
Slovenian Beer
When it comes to beer, you can’t go wrong with the big ones on the market—Laško and Union. If you’re into trying local craft beers, then check out local favorites like Human Fish, Pelicon, and Bevog for some really tasty options.
Slovenian Spirits And Strong Drinks
Slovenia has a lot of different spirits because each region has its own fruits and traditions. People have been making homemade drinks for generations, using local ingredients like apples, pears, and juniper berries. This means you can find unique flavors in each area, like brinjevec from juniper and Dolenjski sadjevec from mixed fruits.
What About Non-Alcoholic Drinks?
If you’re not that into alcohol, then worry not, as we’ve got you covered with non-alcoholic options to enjoy as well!
A popular homemade juice made every year in Slovenia is a drink so-called šabesa. It’s a traditional drink made from elderflowers, water, sugar, lemons, and vinegar. It’s prepared by mixing the ingredients in a large pot and allowing them to steep for three days in a cool place. After straining, it’s bottled and sealed, making it a popular choice for summer gatherings and celebrations.
When you’re strolling the banks of the Ljubljanica River, sit down at a cozy café and try out all the delicious local coffee and tea, as well as some other homemade berry juices!
How Do People Say Cheers In Slovenia?
The most popular way to say cheers in Slovenian is na zdravje, which means ‘to health.’
When making a toast, it’s customary to clink glasses, but remember to look the other person in the eye; otherwise, you could face seven years of bad luck!
As you stroll through Slovenia, you might hear a loud Ooopaaa! This is an expression used when a group cheers together while raising their glasses. They often tap their drinks on the table lightly before taking a sip. It’s a fun, quirky tradition!
Where Can I Enjoy Drinks In Slovenia?
Wondering where to go out on the night partying and drinking in Slovenia?
If you’re in Ljubljana, here’s a list of bars and pubs to visit for a good party and some nice refreshments:
- Loo-Blah-Nah Brewery and Taproom
- Pivovarna Union
- Shooters Club
- Pritličje
- Daktari
- Captain’s Cabin
- Cirkus club
- Prulček
- Parlament Pub
Another great option for nightlife is Portorož, which is a resort town on the Slovenian coast, perfect for dancing the night away in one of these pubs and clubs:
- Rooftop Bar Bellevue Portorož
- Klub Tivoli
- Coco Cafe
- Alaya
- Kleopatra Club
Did You Know?
Here’s a fun fact for you: The Slovenian hymn is called zdravljica, which means ‘a toast’. It was written by well-known Slovenian poet France Prešeren way back in 1844, and the verses of the song are arranged in such a way that, when written out, they form the outline of a wine goblet or cup. Goes to show how much Slovenians have always loved the occasional drink or two!
How Do You Say Drinking Culture In Slovenian?
The words for ‘drinking culture’ in Slovenian are kultura pitja, but we also use the phrase mokra kultura, which means ‘wet culture.’
Slovenian Drinking-Related Vocabulary
Getting ready for a night out on the town? Make sure you learn some Slovenian words and phrases related to drinking and ordering a drink!
| English | Slovenian |
|---|---|
| Drink | Pijača |
| Beer | Pivo |
| Wine | Vino |
| Spirits | Žganje |
| Toast | Zdravica |
| Glass | Kozarec |
| Bottle | Steklenica |
| Bar | Bar |
| Pub | Gostišče |
| Cocktail | Koktajl |
| Non-alcoholic drink | Brezalkoholna pijača |
| What do you recommend? | Kaj priporočate? |
| How much is this? | Koliko to stane? |
| A round of drinks | Runda |
| One beer, please | Eno pivo, prosim |
| A glass of wine, please | En kozarec vina, prosim |
To help you get around and enjoy your time, check out the Ling app. It has fun lessons that make learning Slovenian quicker and easier!
FAQs About Slovenian Drinking Culture
What Is The Local Alcohol Of Slovenia?
Juniper brandy, or brinjevec, is the most popular Slovenian spirit. It’s made from juniper berries. After fermenting them for several weeks, the mixture is distilled twice and then aged for six months. The flavor gets better as it ages.
Can You Drink Outside In Slovenia?
Yes, you can drink outside in Slovenia. It’s acceptable to drink in public places like parks, but if you cause disturbances while drinking, this can result in fines or other penalties. It’s a good idea to be mindful of local laws.
What Are The Drinking Laws In Slovenia?
In Slovenia, the drinking laws let you have up to 0.50 mg of alcohol per kilogram of blood when driving. This means if you drink too much, you could get a fine. And if you refuse a breath test, you’ll face a hefty fine! Many accidents happen close to home, so even short drives can be risky. Enjoying a drink is part of the social scene, but it’s super important to drink responsibly and stay safe.
Let’s Raise A Glass!
Now you know that drinks are a big part of Slovenian culture. Drinking brings people together to celebrate and enjoy big life events, or just to hang out over a nice cold beer with friends!
So, wherever you are in Slovenia, there’s always a good reason to lift a glass, say na zdravje, and celebrate life’s moments! Just remember to drink responsibly and know your limits.
