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Feeling uninspired by the same predictable holiday drinks year after year? What if this Christmas, you could transport your taste buds to vibrant holiday markets, sunlit islands, or cozy kitchens across the world?
These 19 delightful Christmas drinks are your ticket to a more magical holiday season. Each sip is infused with warmth, joy, and tradition, offering you new ways to celebrate and connect with the spirit of Christmas.
Let’s uncover the flavors that will make this holiday season your most memorable yet!
1. Glühwein
Glühwein is a traditional German mulled wine, enjoyed during the winter holidays. It’s a warming drink made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Often, a sweetener such as sugar or honey is added to balance the flavors.
Served hot, Glühwein is a festive favorite at Christmas markets across Germany. The aroma of spices fills the air, inviting visitors to enjoy a cup. Traditionally, it’s served in special mugs, each unique to the market.
The drink’s popularity has spread, and various versions can be found throughout Europe, each with local twists.
2. Eggnog
Eggnog is a classic holiday beverage in North America, known for its rich and creamy texture. Made from milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spices like nutmeg, it’s a festive treat enjoyed by many.
Often, rum or bourbon is added to give it a spirited kick, making it popular at Christmas parties. Served cold, eggnog is a staple in holiday gatherings, bringing comfort and nostalgia.
Many families have their own traditional recipes, passed down through generations. Whether store-bought or homemade, eggnog remains a symbol of Christmas cheer and warmth.
3. Colada de avena
Colada de avena is a traditional Ecuadorian drink, perfect for the holiday season. Made from oats, fruits, and spices, it’s a nutritious beverage that offers warmth and comfort.
The drink is cooked slowly, allowing the oats to blend smoothly with flavors of cinnamon and cloves. It’s often sweetened with panela, a type of unrefined cane sugar.
Served hot or cold, colada de avena is enjoyed by families during festive gatherings. Its wholesome ingredients and distinctive taste make it a unique addition to the Christmas table, reflecting Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage.
4. Ponche Navideño
Ponche Navideño is a beloved Mexican Christmas punch, traditionally served at holiday gatherings. Made with a variety of fruits such as apples, guavas, and oranges, it’s a sweet and aromatic beverage.
The punch is spiced with cinnamon and cloves, often enhanced with a splash of rum or brandy for a warming touch. It’s served hot, making it perfect for chilly winter evenings.
Families gather to enjoy this festive drink, which symbolizes the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. Its vibrant flavors capture the essence of Mexican Christmas celebrations.
5. Coquito
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink, often referred to as “Puerto Rican Eggnog.” It’s a creamy coconut-based beverage, infused with rum and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, Coquito is rich and flavorful. It’s typically served chilled, making it a refreshing treat for holiday gatherings.
Families often have their unique recipes, handed down through generations, adding personal touches to this festive beverage. Coquito’s creamy texture and tropical flavors make it a standout drink in Puerto Rican Christmas traditions.
6. Glogg
Glogg is a traditional Swedish mulled wine, enjoyed during the Christmas season. It’s a warming drink made by heating red wine with spices, sugar, and sometimes additional spirits like vodka or brandy.
Almonds and raisins are often added to the drink, creating a delightful texture and taste. Served hot, Glogg is a staple at Swedish holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and cheer.
The drink’s rich flavors and aromatic spices capture the essence of Scandinavian Christmas traditions, offering a cozy experience for those who indulge in its festive embrace.
7. Wassail
Wassail is a traditional English Christmas drink, deeply rooted in history and folklore. This spiced cider is made by heating apples and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
The drink is often associated with “wassailing,” a festive custom that involves singing and sharing good cheer with neighbors. Served hot, wassail is a comforting beverage that evokes the warmth and camaraderie of the holiday season.
Its rich blend of flavors has made it a beloved tradition in English Christmas celebrations, inviting all to partake in its joyful spirit.
8. Sorrel Punch
Sorrel Punch is a vibrant Christmas drink enjoyed in the Caribbean, made from the petals of the hibiscus flower. It’s a tart and refreshing beverage, often sweetened with sugar.
Spices like ginger and cloves are added to enhance the flavors, and the drink is typically served cold. In some variations, rum is included to give it a spirited twist, making it a festive favorite.
Sorrel Punch’s bright red color and unique taste reflect the lively and colorful nature of Caribbean Christmas celebrations, bringing a taste of the tropics to the holiday season.
9. Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a classic Scottish drink, often enjoyed during the cold winter months and festive Christmas season. Made with whisky, honey, lemon, and spices like cinnamon, it’s a warming beverage that soothes and comforts.
Served hot, the Hot Toddy is a popular choice for those seeking relief from the chill, offering both flavor and warmth. It’s also believed to have medicinal properties, making it a go-to remedy for colds.
The drink’s soothing qualities and rich taste make it a cherished part of Scottish holiday traditions, inviting all to enjoy its cozy embrace.
10. Cola de Mono
Cola de Mono, or “Monkey’s Tail,” is a traditional Chilean Christmas drink, often compared to eggnog. It’s a creamy beverage made with milk, coffee, sugar, cloves, and a splash of aguardiente, a local spirit.
Served chilled, Cola de Mono is a festive favorite, enjoyed by families during holiday gatherings. The combination of coffee and spices gives it a unique and rich flavor.
This traditional drink symbolizes the joy and warmth of Chilean Christmas celebrations, inviting all to partake in its delightful taste and convivial spirit.
11. Anijsmelk
Anijsmelk, or anise milk, is a traditional Dutch Christmas drink that offers warmth and comfort during the winter months. Made by dissolving aniseed-flavored tablets or powder in hot milk, it’s a soothing beverage with a distinctive taste.
Often sweetened with sugar, Anijsmelk is enjoyed by families during festive gatherings, bringing a touch of nostalgia and tradition. The aroma of anise fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere.
This simple yet flavorful drink reflects the essence of Dutch Christmas traditions, inviting all to share in its comforting embrace.
12. Sbiten
Sbiten is a traditional Russian drink, often enjoyed during the cold winter months and festive Christmas season. Made by boiling water, honey, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves, it’s a warming beverage that soothes and delights.
Served hot, Sbiten is a popular choice for those seeking comfort and warmth. Its rich blend of flavors and sweet aroma make it a beloved tradition in Russian holiday celebrations.
The drink’s historical significance and unique taste capture the essence of Russian Christmas traditions, inviting all to enjoy its festive spirit.
13. Canelazo
Canelazo is a traditional Ecuadorian drink, perfect for the cold holiday season. Made from aguardiente, sugar, and cinnamon, it’s a warming beverage that offers both spice and sweetness.
Served hot, Canelazo is enjoyed by families during festive gatherings, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort. The aroma of cinnamon fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere.
This spirited drink reflects the essence of Ecuadorian Christmas traditions, inviting all to share in its vibrant flavors and convivial spirit, making it a cherished part of the holiday celebrations.
14. Sujeonggwa
Sujeonggwa is a traditional Korean punch enjoyed during festive occasions, including Christmas. Made from dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger, it’s a sweet and spicy beverage.
The punch is often garnished with pine nuts, adding a delightful texture and taste. Served chilled, Sujeonggwa is a refreshing treat that offers a unique blend of flavors.
Its vibrant colors and aromatic spices capture the essence of Korean holiday celebrations, inviting all to partake in this traditional drink, which symbolizes warmth and togetherness during the festive season.
15. Julmust
Julmust is a popular Swedish Christmas drink, known for its unique taste and festive appeal. It’s a dark, malted beverage made from hops and spices, often compared to root beer.
Served chilled, Julmust is a staple at Swedish holiday gatherings, enjoyed by both young and old. Its rich flavors and bubbly texture make it a delightful treat.
The drink’s popularity during the Christmas season highlights its cultural significance, capturing the essence of Swedish holiday traditions and inviting all to share in its joyful spirit.
16. Juleøl
Juleøl, or Christmas beer, is a cherished tradition in Norway, brewed specifically for the holiday season. This rich, dark beer often boasts flavors of caramel, spices, and malt, providing a warm and comforting drink during the cold winter months.
Norwegian breweries take pride in crafting unique variations, each with its distinct taste and aroma.
Juleøl is typically enjoyed during Christmas meals, pairing well with hearty dishes like roasted pork and fish. Its robust flavors complement the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Norwegian Christmas feasts.
For beer enthusiasts, Juleøl offers an exciting opportunity to explore different brews and discover new favorites. Whether sipped by the fireplace or shared with friends, it adds a festive touch to the holiday celebrations.
17. Krupnik
Krupnik is a traditional Polish honey liqueur, enjoyed during the Christmas season. It’s made by combining honey, spices such as cinnamon and cloves, and vodka, creating a warming and aromatic beverage.
Served hot or cold, Krupnik is a festive favorite, bringing warmth and joy to holiday gatherings. Its rich flavors and comforting sweetness make it a cherished tradition in Polish celebrations.
The drink’s historical roots and unique taste capture the essence of Polish Christmas traditions, inviting all to share in its delightful flavors and convivial spirit.
18. Horchata de Morro
Horchata de Morro is a traditional Salvadoran drink, enjoyed during festive occasions, including Christmas. Made from the seeds of the morro fruit, spices, and milk, it’s a unique and flavorful beverage.
Served chilled, Horchata de Morro is a refreshing treat, offering a distinctive blend of flavors. The drink’s creamy texture and aromatic spices capture the essence of Salvadoran holiday celebrations.
Its cultural significance and unique taste invite all to partake in this traditional drink, symbolizing the joy and togetherness of the festive season.
19. Sangria
Sangria, a traditional Spanish drink, brings a splash of color and flavor to Christmas festivities. Typically made with red wine, chopped fruits, and a touch of brandy, it’s both refreshing and robust.
This drink can be easily customized with seasonal fruits, making it a versatile choice for holiday parties. Sangria’s fruity taste and vibrant appearance make it a favorite among guests.
For a winter twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or cloves. These additions not only complement the wine’s flavor but also add a cozy, festive aroma to the drink, enhancing its appeal during the holiday season.