Everything I Ate @ Busch Gardens

After tackling all those incredible international flavors at the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival – seriously, those peri peri chicken skewers and the sopapilla cheesecake were out of this world! – I realized there's a whole other side to explore: the 'Drink Around the World' experience! While I focused heavily on the food this trip, next time my strategy will definitely include more of these amazing beverages. For those unfamiliar, 'Drink Around the World' isn't just a catchy phrase; it's practically a challenge at the festival. Each country station doesn't just offer delicious food like those hearty pierogies or savory pork bao buns; they also feature unique wines, craft beers, and specialty cocktails designed to transport your taste buds. Imagine sipping a German Riesling after a tasty bratwurst, or a crisp sake with your panda dessert bun. My biggest tip if you're planning your own 'Drink Around the World' adventure is to grab a tasting lanyard. It makes sampling so much easier and more affordable. Pace yourself – there are so many options! I saw some incredible ciders from the UK, refreshing sangrias from Spain, and robust beers from Germany. Even though I was stuffed from all the amazing eats, I managed a few sips and realized what a missed opportunity it was to not dive deeper into the liquid offerings. Thinking back, a cold craft beer would have been perfect with the linguica sausage, and a light, fruity wine would have complemented the jerk chicken slider beautifully. And for those sweet treats like the puff puff pastries or that delightful sopapilla cheesecake, a dessert wine or a specialty coffee drink would have been divine. Don't forget to look for non-alcoholic options too, like unique lemonades or specialty iced teas, especially if you're visiting with family or prefer to stay hydrated without alcohol. Next time, I'm making a game plan: hit a few food stations, then seek out their signature drink pairing. I heard great things about the Sake flights in Asia and the themed cocktails in France. It really adds another layer to the festival experience, turning a great food tour into an unforgettable global culinary and beverage journey. So, while you're enjoying your giant meatball or your next delicious bao bun, remember to check out the drink menu at each stop!