Tej, tella and areke: what separates Ethiopia's traditional drinks, and where do you drink them?

Home-brewed drinks are part of celebrations and hospitality. Here are the basics. Tej - A honey wine, often called the national drink of Ethiopia. - Three main ingredients: honey, water and gesho (Rhamnus prinoides), a medicinal shrub. - Gesho plays a role like hops in beer. Alcohol content generally ranges from about 7 to 11%. - Often brewed at home before holidays. Tella - A traditional beer brewed at home rather than commercially. - Made mostly from barley, though wheat, maize, sorghum and teff are used depending on the region. - Lower in alcohol than tej, about 2 to 6%. Others Safety and etiquette - Home-brewed drinks vary a lot in strength, so ask before you drink. - Do not drive after drinking. If you are fasting or do not drink for personal or religious reasons, a polite no is normal. - Some Muslim and Orthodox communities avoid alcohol, especially during fasting, so be considerate. Please check locally. Your turn: how does your family make tej or tella, what makes a good tej house in your city, and what would you tell a first-time visitor?