Beverages, perhaps more than any other indulgence, have fascinated me from my first sip of Pocari Sweat in Japan. From Brazil to Zimbabwe, each locale has its superstar drink, and some are as defining of the culture as the people themselves. Here are my top 8 beverages in the world:

Paulaner Kellerbier (Munich, Germany) : Paulaner is a primary brewery in Bavaria, and their astounding kellerbier are of a great tasting beer in the world. This is especially for people who hate beer, because it is as smooth as silk. It’s a beneficial thing, too, as bottled water is more expensive than brewskies in Munich.

Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee (Tanzania) : Tanzanian pea berry coffee beans, impudently brewed with a bare simple machine, are virtually perfect for curing fatigue. The Tanzanian Pea berry Coffee is more refined than the rest of the coffee exist in the world. The taste is amazing and easily attracts the drinkers from the first consumption itself.

Portuguese Green Wine (Portugal) :

Wine manufacturing is one of the leading industries in Portugal. Green Wine is an exceptional wine in the entire world with an exotic blend combining brilliant aroma and shiny look, making it an exclusive nature made beverage. The alcohol level in this beverage is medium in nature. The great advantage of this drink is that it carries enormous digestive properties which are good to all. It delivers a discrete taste and tasted best when served chilled.

Pocari Sweat (Tokyo, Japan) : Not to be confused with the always amusing Calpis Water, Pocari Sweat is the post-exercise darling of Japan. Clear and less sugar-laden than Gatorade, it rehydrates without causing stomach upset and helps you recover from the oppressive heat in a heartbeat.

Acai (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) : Acai, an Amazonian berry, can be found on any beach in Rio. Generally served with a dash of guarana syrup for caffeine and a guaranteed sugar rush, it looks like purple frozen yogurt and is delicious with a bit of granola or banana on top. Just keep an ear open for “acai, acai, acaiiiiiiii!” and look for tan men carrying coolers on their hips or heads.

Long Jin Cha Green Tea (Hangzhou, China) : The famous “dragon well” tea of the western lake district is well known for good reason. It is one of the top 10 best-regarded teas in China and delivers a beautiful combination of lightness, mild taste, and immediate alertness.

Cold Mugicha Barley Tea (Tokyo, Japan) : Mugicha is the anti-heat weapon of choice for millions of Japanese and Koreans. It has a strong flavor, but the few sessions it takes to acclimate and appreciate this unique drink is well worth it. It improves circulation and, in so doing, helps decrease body temperature more than simple ice water. A delicious but acquired taste.

Yerba Mate (Buenos Aires, Argentina) :

Yerba Mate is considered as a drink of Friendship from good old days and is often referred to as ‘Drink of the Gods’ for being a natural stimulant prepared with dried leaves of the Ilex Paraguariense bush. Yerba Mate is a healthy and ethnical drink of old ancestries. Guarani Indians of South America were the first to originate it. They prepared it with the ingredients which keep its drinkers healthy and energetic.

Yerba Mate is considered to be a cultural phenomenon throughout South America and has earned fame as most popular drink among South America.

[based on article written by Timothy Ferriss, author of the best-selling book, The 4-Hour Workweek]