Christmas drinks for the festive season

17 Ideas for your Christmas Drinks This Year

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Christmas is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time for good food, great drinks, and quality family time. So, as I was exploring some awesome Christmas drink ideas, I thought, why not share them with you? Seriously, there are some fantastic Christmas drinks concoctions waiting for you to try.

Below, you’ll find 9 traditional Christmas drinks from around the world, but I’ve also got 8 original and unique Christmas drinks if you’re looking for more spicy ideas.

9 Traditional Christmas Drinks Around The World

Let’s kick things off by delving into the world of traditional Christmas drinks. It’s always a blast discovering what people across the globe raise their glasses to during this festive season. From cozy classics to unexpected delights, these festive drinks are the perfect way to add an international touch to your holiday season.

♦ Eggnog

Eggnog, the go-to holiday sip in the U.S. and Canada, is a creamy and rich drink made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.

But here’s the fun part: it often gets a spirited upgrade. It’s not uncommon to find it spiked with a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon, giving it that cozy, Christmassy vibe.

Eggnog

♦ Mulled Wine

Picture yourself wandering through charming European Christmas markets, a cup of warm, fragrant mulled wine in hand—it’s the epitome of holiday coziness!

Known by different names like Glühwein in Germany and vin chaud in France, mulled wine is a quintessential winter treat across Europe.

These Christmas drinks are made by heating red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and zesty orange peel. The result? A toasty, fragrant concoction that warms you from the inside out.

Mulled wine

♦ Glogg

Glogg is Sweden’s answer to the chilly Christmas season. What’s in it? Well, it’s a mix of red wine, a magical blend of spices, sweet raisins, and a handful of crunchy almonds. It’s served piping hot!

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, some folks even add a little aquavit or brandy to give it that extra kick.

♦ Ponche

Let’s jet off to Mexico and warm up your taste buds with a hug from Ponche! This Christmas drink is all about that warm, fruity goodness.

They throw in a mix of tropical delights like guava, apples, and tejocotes (a type of Mexican hawthorn fruit). It’s flavored with cinnamon and often contains rum or brandy.

♦ Sbiten

Sbiten is a traditional Russian drink made by boiling water with honey, spices, and sometimes berries. It’s a warming beverage enjoyed during the winter months and particularly during Christmas. Russians have been savoring Sbiten during the holiday season for ages.

To be honest, I was a bit surprised there was no vodka involved in these festive drinks. I guess Sbiten keeps things pure and family-friendly.

♦ Feuerzangenbowle

Let’s set the scene in Germany, where they take Christmas drinks to a whole new level with Feuerzangenbowle – a fiery spectacle you won’t forget!

This German gem is like a theatrical performance in a glass. They take mulled wine, and then, they light a sugarloaf soaked in rum on fire. As it gracefully melts and drips into the mulled wine, it creates a fiery and aromatic spectacle.

These are not just Christmas drinks; it’s a full-on experience!

Feuerzangenbowle

♦ Tom and Jerry

Now, let’s hop over to the Midwest in the United States, where they’ve got a holiday tradition that’s as American as apple pie – the Tom and Jerry cocktail!

They whip up a blend of creamy eggnog, a splash of rum, and a dash of brandy. It’s then topped with whipped cream and grated nutmeg. It’s like dessert in a mug!

Tom and Jerry

♦ Limoncello

Now, Limoncello isn’t just for Christmas, but it sure knows how to add a dash of festivity to the season. It’s a lemon liqueur that Italians love to sip it after dinner as a digestif.

I absolutely love it! Here’s how to make limoncello.

Limoncello

♦ Wassail

Wassail is a hot spiced cider often enjoyed in the UK during Christmas. It’s made with apple cider, sugar, spices, and sometimes sherry or brandy. It’s typically served during caroling events. Cheers, mate! 🇬🇧

8 Easy Ideas for Original Christmas Drinks

Now, let’s get creative. Here are 8 ideas for Christmas drinks that promise to make your celebrations truly unique.

Whether you’re the designated mixologist or just looking to add some flair to your festivities, these inventive concoctions and festive drinks will have your guests toasting to your creativity.

♥ Cranberry Sage Spritz

These festive Christmas cocktails are easy as pie. You’ll need :

  • 120 ml Sparkling wine
  • 30 ml Cranberry Juice
  • 9 dashed sage bitters
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • Some fresh cranberries and leaves of sage for a pop of color.

Fill a festive glass with ice, stir all ingredients together and garnish with the fresh leaves and cranberries. Enjoy!

Cranberry Sage Spritz

♥  Spiced Pear Punch

For this one, you’ll need:

  • 750 ml (1 bottle) pear cider or pear juice
  • 750 ml (1 bottle) sparkling apple cider
  • 250 ml (1 cup) spiced rum
  • 125 ml (1/2 cup) triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 pears, thinly sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4-6 cloves (whole)
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Combine the pear cider/pear juice, sparkling apple cider, spiced rum, and triple sec/orange liqueur in a punch bowl. Add thinly sliced lemon and pear, along with the cinnamon sticks and cloves. If desired, you can add ice cubes to the punch bowl.

Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let the flavors meld for a while in the refrigerator before serving. Serve in glasses over ice, and garnish with pear slices, lemon wheels, and cinnamon sticks for an extra festive touch.

Pear punch

♥  Winter Wonderland Martini

Get ready for a frosty sip of pure magic with this Winter Wonderland Martini. You’ll need:

  • 60 ml Vanilla vodka
  • 30 ml White crème de cacao
  • 30 ml Cream
  • 60 ml White chocolate liqueur
  • Mini candy cane and red sugar for garnish

Take your trusty cocktail shaker. Toss in the ingredients and  add some crushed ice to chill things down.🍸❄️

Winter wonderland martini

♥ Gingerbread Latte Cocktail

Gingerbread Latte Cocktail (iStock)This gingerbread delight is a breeze to make. For these Christmas cocktails, you’ll need:

  • 60ml Espresso or strong coffee
  • 30ml Spiced rum
  • 30ml Gingerbread syrup (you can make your own by mixing ginger and sugar syrup)
  • 60ml Steamed milk or cream
  • Whipped cream and some crushed gingerbread cookies.

Brew a strong cup of espresso or coffee and let it cool slightly. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine the gingerbread syrup and spiced rum. Add the freshly brewed and slightly cooled espresso or coffee to the mixture, as well as the milk or cream to make it creamy and dreamy.

Shake, then top the cocktail with whipped cream and some crushed gingerbread cookies.

♥ Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz

For these fizzy Christmas drinks, you’ll need:

  • 60 ml gin
  • 15 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml rosemary simple syrup
  • 30 ml pomegranate juice
  • Chilled club soda/sparkling water
  • Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate arils
Take a glass. Mix your pomegranate juice, rosemary syrup, lemon juice and gin (if you’re in the mood) in a shaker and shake, then pour it in your glass. Top it all off with club soda/sparkling water for that bubbly kick, and stir.
Don’t forget to make your Christmas cocktails look fancy by garnishing with pomegranate arils and a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz

♥ Peppermint Mocha White Russian

Here is the Russian vodka coming back! You’ll need:

  • 45 ml Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
  • 45 ml Peppermint Schnapps
  • 45 ml Vodka
  • Cream or milk (adjust to taste)

Grab your glass and fill it with ice. Mix together the coffee liqueur, vodka, peppermint schnapps, and your choice of cream or milk. Rim your glass with crushed candy canes for that festive touch.

♥ Apple Cider Sangria

You’ll need:

  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 475 ml apple cider
  • 1 (330-ml) bottle ginger ale
  • 1 (750-ml) bottle white wine, chilled
  • 240 ml apple brandy
  • Cinnamon sticks.

Mix together the apple cider, white wine, and apple brandy. Add the slices of apples, lemon and oranges to infuse your sangria. Don’t forget to toss in some cinnamon sticks for that cozy, holiday flavor.

Let it all chill in the fridge for a few hours before you’re ready to serve your Christmas drinks.

Apple Cider Sangria

♥ Caramelized Orange Old Fashioned

For this classic, you’ll need:

  • 60 ml bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube or 15 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 caramelized orange slice for garnish
  • Ice

Grab your favorite glass. Muddle the sugar cube (or use simple syrup), and add Angostura bitters. Fill the glass with ice and pour the bourbon/rye whiskey. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with the caramelized orange slice.

Orange Old Fashioned


Well, there you have it – an array of Christmas drinks options. Now, I can’t blame you if you’re feeling a tad torn about which one to embrace this holiday season. The good news is that the festive season is just around the corner, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore each unique creation. Is it here that I’m supposed to add: “Please drink responsibly”?

So, let’s raise our glasses high, even if you happen to be reading this while basking on a sunny beach in the middle of summer (like me, planning ahead six months in advance, right?). I’m already sending you my best holiday wishes, in anticipation of the season of warmth, joy, and celebration.

And for those craving even more Christmas content, be sure to check out here a collection of unique Christmas traditions from around the world, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Plus, don’t miss my guide to Europe’s best Christmas markets that will surely get you in the holiday spirit.

Happy holidays, and enjoy your Christmas cocktails and festive drinks!

 

Little Disclaimer: While I make an effort to snap my own photos, some folks out there are just naturally better with a camera. So, in this Christmas drinks article, most of the pictures are thanks to the talented Unsplash and iStock communities.

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