Romania is one of the booziest countries in the world, according to the graph below, it has the 16th most pure alcohol per capita. What does this mean? We really like to drink, and this is part of socializing.
Drinking age
18 years old is the age you are legally allowed to drink. Many adults give their children alcohol to taste before the drinking age. The belief is that if they don’t try alcohol before hand when they first try it they will over do it.
In big cities staff in places that sell alchohol check ID’s but in more rural areas they tend to not check.
What do you do if you don’t like alcohol?
Lie! There is no point in explaining your social values or willingness to stay healthy to and Romanian dude that is buzzed and having a good time. So, we suggest you lie: medical issues are the best because nobody argues with you and they will feel a bit bad and most importantly… leave you alone with their pesky questions.
Don’t finish the drink from your glass
If you think it’s impolite to not finish something, then you will have a rough time. In Romania if your glass is empty then someone will fill it up even if you like it or not.
Don’t show up empty handed when visiting someone
My mother once said don’t show up with your hands up your ass (empty handed), that was one of the very few times I have heard my mom use vulgar vocabulary. This is how important it is for Romanians to show respect when visiting someone. You don’t need to buy an elaborate present, a bottle of alcohol (usually wine) will suffice. And the person you are visiting will consider you well mannered. Small souvenirs or alchohol from your country will definitely impress.
Hey (person I’m visiting), what would you like me to bring from my country?
The answer will most of the time be: “Nothing! I just want you here.” Like I said, bring something small and you will have a long and funny conversation that you read this article and didn’t want to show up with your hand up your ass (“cu mâna în cur”).
Getting wasted
Please don’t, you will see people drinking a lot, you don’t want someone to babysit you till you recover. I’m saying don’t because it is hard to take care of someone that drank too much.
To quote a friend: If you drank a beer, be a human being
Cheers
In Romania we say noroc when cheering with alcohol. “Noroc” means good luck. When clinking you drinks, you say noroc and it is not mandatory to look in someone elses eyes, but traditionally you don’t put the drinks down without having a sip. If you forget it’s not a big deal.
Clinking drinks
It is mandatory to clink drinks, there are some exceptions but generally, the first drink requires you to clink the glasses unless it is a giant table that doesn’t allow it.
When is it ok to drink?
In Romania drinking is common and we do not have an issue having a drink at random moments of the day. Of course you are going to avoid drinking if you need to be sober, but if nothing is stopping you, you might have a cheeky drink here and there.
Drinking in public
It is illegal to drink in public space, such as a street in the city or a park. You can drink on a terrace in the park, or drink next to the place that sells alchohol. This rule is seldom enforced but is used against people that drink in public and cause noise complaints.
Drinking and driving
Zero Tolerance on Alcohol: In Romania, the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for driving is 0.00%. This essentially means a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving.
Drinking and eating
You get invited to someones house most likely you will be drinking and eating. First thing that you usually drink is a spirit like tuica or palinca, strong spirit that opens up your apetite. We like showcasing local products to toursits so most likely you will try some home made liqueurs (afinata – blueberry liqeur, zmeurata – raspberryb liqeur)
What do Romanians drink?
Most Romanians prefer beer, then wine and then spirits. Even though the image bellow is from 2019 it showcases kind of the drinking trends in Romania. 23% of Romanians don’t drink and 40% of women don’t drink. 28% of people prefer beer, 20% wine and 15.4 ciders/raddlers, 5.8% spirits. A more recent article showcased that in terms of quantity 50% of alcohol consumed by Romanians is beer, then wine less than 30% and then spirits less than 15%. Again the grafic bellow shocases that 39.2% or Romanians drink once a week but the ones that don’t might drive up the numbers.
What drinks should I try?
First of all some regions have specific drinks depending on culture and influence so always go for local drinks. Romanians love brewing their own drinks randing from liqueurs and spirits. So the one you are going to hear the most.
Țuică
Romanian plum brandy that is sometimes made out of pears, appricot or quince. If it’s distilated 2 times you are going to have a very boozy time. If you ever see a bottle of water on the table there is a chance it could be a strong țuică so beware. A lot of Romanians distilate this drink at home and might remind some people of moonshine.
Wine
Each region has it’s own specific wines so always drink local in order to get the most authentic experience. More than 2000 years of producing wine, so definitely you will find some interesting wine choices!
Home made Liquors
It is not difficult to make at home and this is why many Romanians make their own alchoholic sweet drinks. You just need sugar, fruits and pure alcohol and you can make these magical drinks on your own. People are really excited to share the drinks they make especially when they make it themselves. The video bellow is in Romanian but is worth watching with no sound
Artizanal beer is best enjoyed in Bucharest:
Sources: https://www.revistabiz.ro/care-sunt-bauturile-alcoolice-preferate-ale-romanilor/
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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