The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts, and trying new things. For some of us that means going on popular Christmas drinks tasting tour around the world!
Christmas time is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning for your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a party or heading out to celebrate with friends, there are plenty of drinks to enjoy throughout the night.
What are your favorite Christmas drinks? Do you have a special recipe or do you just grab the first drink that catches your eye at the grocery store? What is your favorite drink to wake up to on cold winter mornings? Why not try something new this year and see what’s popular with other cultures around the world.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a popular Christmas drink from the south-eastern part of South America – it’s made up of pisco which is a brandy made from grapes, lemon juice, sugar and bitters. Put all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well, then strain into a chilled glass.
This drink is also popular during special occasions such as Easter and New Years Eve.
Glögg
Glögg is the name given to hot alcoholic beverages commonly associated with Christmas time in Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland).
It is made by heating red wine (or sometimes port or sherry) along with various spices including cardamom, cinnamon sticks and often also almonds, raisins or other dried fruit. The drink’s popularity has spread worldwide to become one of the most popular winter holiday drinks around the world!
Eggnog
Eggnog is a festive drink popular in North American and the Caribbean islands. Eggnog has been popular in the United States (and around the holidays) since colonial times, and now it’s become one of the most drink recipes during Christmas time worldwide!
The drink is made by beating eggs with sugar, mixing that into milk and adding some sort of alcohol – usually rum or brandy. Adding whipped cream to top it off just makes it taste better!
Hot Buttered Rum
A hot buttered rum is a cocktail made of butter, brown sugar, spices (nutmeg is traditional), boiling water and dark rum.
This particular Christmas drink found it’s way to North America during the colonial times. It has grown in popularity over the years with some companies offering pre-mixed versions of this drink for easy preparation!
Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
One of our top choices on list of popular Christmas drinks around the world – glühwein! Who can resist that sweet combination of cinnamon and cloves? A mixture of red wine cinnamon, sugar and citrus flavors (like orange or lemon) bring the familiar mulled wine flavor into drinkable form.
This drink is enjoyed all across Europe (especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland) during the winter season. If you love mulled wine but are looking for something new this year – why not try making your own with our recipe
Tom & Jerry
Another Christmas drink classic made by adding eggs, sugar and alcohol to hot milk, although this version is typically served as an after dinner drink rather than during festivities.
It is named after two characters from the famous book series The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe – one being a doctor, who likely whipped up this recipe!
Brandy Alexander
Brandy Alexander is a creamy cocktail made with cognac, creme de cacao and cream. This chocolatey drink was created in the early 20th century by well-known bartender Alex “Alexander” Soyer at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.
Egg Cream
Egg cream is a frothy chocolate or vanilla soft drink that combines milk, seltzer water and a sweetened chocolate syrup – you can even add in some whipped cream to make it more delicious!
Although the origins of this famous holiday drink are not particularly known, we’re pretty sure it’s been around for quite some time!
Hot Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a nice warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night? This classic Christmas drink can be found in many different iterations throughout the world – some have rum or brandy added to spice things up, others add nutmeg or cinnamon, while others add whipped cream and marshmallows.
English Christmas Punch
One of the most popular Christmas drinks around the world, English Christmas Punch is a drink many people will be familiar with.
Golden rum, brandy and sherry are combined with fruit juices (lemon and orange), sugar and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Wassail Drink
Another classic winter beverage hailing from Europe – it’s also known as wassail bowl.
This particular drink involves heating apple cider often along with oranges, lemons, sugar and spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. The yeast in the cider makes it frothy once served!
Irish Coffee
A tasty sweet and creamy – this popular Christmas drink from Ireland begins with Irish whiskey, coffee and sugar added to a cup.
The hot coffee is then floated on top of a shot of Irish whiskey and finished by adding some lightly whipped cream!
Irish Cofee is a common way to end a festive meal – and is believed to provide extra warmth after the alcohol has worn off!
Poppy Seed Milk
This unique Christmas drink is made by roasting poppy seeds in a pan and then grinding them finely with sugar before adding milk.
This hot drink can be enjoyed on its own, or add some vanilla essence to make it sweeter! The result is a thick white liquid that can be enjoyed hot or cold!
Hot Toddy
One of popular Christmas drinks and also a hot winter drink, the Hot Toddy is pretty simple. You’ll need warm water, lemon juice or lime juice (otherwise known as acid), honey and whiskey, rum or brandy.
The ultimate winter warmer, and a great option for someone suffering from colds this Christmas!
Christmas Sangria
This is a fun twist on sangria we found – we bet you’ve never seen it served in this way before! When making, use red wine and add orange slices, lemon or lime slices and maraschino cherries.
You can also add sliced apples and/or pears to the mix as well as cinnamon powder and raisins too! Serve with ice once everything has been combined.
Final Words
Once you get the hang of it, these popular Christmas drinks should start to come together quite quickly. Make sure you provide each guest with a list of ingredients and tools needed so they can be fully prepared for the event!
I hope this list of 15 popular Christmas drinks around the world has been useful. Have a great time with your family and friends, and enjoy! Don’t forget to check out our other articles
Please feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading!
Read more: What is Christmas Known For?