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Eggnog
Of all the holiday co*cktails you can mix up, few are as fitting as a glass of homemade eggnog. It's a luscious, creamy drink that many crave when December rolls around and it often brings back fond memories.
Eggnog is notdifficult to make from scratch and it's tastier than most store-bought options. Plus, there are many recipes to choose from, including big-batch and quick, single-serve eggnogs, even nonalcoholic and vegan versions. Try this sophisticated eggnog martini with amaretto liqueur.
02 of 11
Wassail
Christmas tradition once included a trip around the neighborhood, complete with caroling and—as one popular song suggests—bowls of wassail. It was a fun way to share the holiday spirit with family and friends and something often missing in modern culture.
Wassail is not just the subject of a carol, it's actually a warm holiday punch filled with aromatic spices. There are a few ways to make it, too. Choose from a brandy and sherryrecipe, or one with rum and beer. Either way, adding wassail to your holiday celebration is sure to make it memorable.
03 of 11
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum may be the most comforting of holiday drinks. It is warm, spicy, and buttery smooth with arum base, so it's very hard to resist.
See Also10 Must Try German Christmas Market Drinks!Beginner's Guide to Savoring Any Christmas Market Wherever You Are - TravelTeeningWhat You Should Eat & Drink at German Christmas Markets - AusländerExperience Christmas in Germany and discover the most magical Christmas Markets - Germany TravelThis is a tradition you can enjoy on your own or with a few close friends, and the recipe is unbelievably simple. You can even make up a large batch of the butter batter. It will be ready whenever holiday guests stop by or you simply want a warm mug to yourself.
04 of 11
Tom and Jerry
Warm milk is great, but it's even better with shots of brandy and rum. That is exactly what you'll find in the classic Tom and Jerry.
You can still find bars that carry on the tradition of mixing up a batch of this warm milk punchon a chilly winter night. It's the perfect social drink and fun to share while reuniting with friends over the holiday trip home. Best of all, it doesn't take too much effortto make in your own bar and the batter can be prepared in advance.
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05 of 11
Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Punch
Despite the name, our Thanksgiving punch is great for Christmas too—its flavors of cinnamon and orange make it both a cozy and refreshing beverage for the entire fall and winter season. It has a base of apple cider, sparkling blood orange juice, and sparkling grape juice, all brightened up with fresh orange and cranberry. Serve in martini glasses garnished with a slice of orange. If you're looking to spike it for a harder drink, a splash of rum,reposado tequila, or añejotequila will transform this from mocktail to co*cktail.
06 of 11
Hot Toddy
Right up there with eggnog, few recipes are as easy—or well-loved—as the hottoddy. Unlike eggnog, this is one that everyone reallywilllove.
All you need to make this comforting winter drink is hot tea, a littlelemon, and honey along with your choice of brandy, rum, or whiskey. It's probably all right there in your kitchen, so you have the perfect excuse to enjoy and share this holiday favorite whenever you please.
07 of 11
Mulled Wine
Summer may have sangria, but winter is the time for mulled wine. It is, without a doubt, the coziest way to enjoy wine during the holidays.
A bottle of red wine, a hint of brandy, and some holiday spices will quickly fill your home with the Christmas spirit of days gone by.Mulled wine is the perfect drink to whip up after a day on the slopes or anytime your group needs a little comfort while sitting by the fire.
08 of 11
Glögg
A Christmas tradition in Scandinavian countries, glögg is similar to mulled wine and wassail, though it does have a few unique twists. Most notably, cardamom pods are added to the spice mix and almonds and raisins are used as a garnish.
This particular glögg recipe mixes eitherspiced rum or brandywith red wine, a touch of vodka, and a whole host of seasonal spices. It is a flavorful warm punch and one that will delight all of your guests while filling your home with the most inviting aroma.
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09 of 11
English Christmas Punch
Another warm punch, this recipe is very similar to the rest and can quickly become your new holiday tradition. The mix includesdark rum and red winealong with tea and citrus to brighten up the flavor.
It's a fantastic taste to share, easy to mix up, and worthy ofany holiday party. Also, if you like to play with fire, the English Christmas punch can be lit aflame to the delight of everyone. Just keep the punchbowl away from the tree.
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Brandy Alexander
The brandy Alexander is the ultimate holiday nightcap. It's hard to beat sitting back and relaxing with this drink after a busy day. Yet, it's just as amazing when served with dessert at the holiday dinner table.
It's a creamy delight and a very quick co*cktail to mix up. You'll simply shake brandy, crème de cacao, and cream, strain it, and enjoy. It comes together with such perfection that you would think it's far more complicated than it is.
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Poinsettia
Holidays are about celebrating and sometimes you have to bring out the bubbly and do it up in style. That is where the poinsettia comes in. Few sparkling drinksare as magical as this shining star of the co*cktail world.
The recipe requires just three ingredients: orange liqueur, cranberry juice,and Champagne. There are no special tools or techniques, either. All you have to do is pour, serve, and enjoy the memories.
FAQs
What is the traditional drink for Christmas? ›
Eggnog. Of all the holiday co*cktails you can mix up, few are as fitting as a glass of homemade eggnog. It's a luscious, creamy drink that many crave when December rolls around and it often brings back fond memories. Eggnog is not difficult to make from scratch and it's tastier than most store-bought options.
What is the most Christmassy drink? ›- Traditional Wassail. For centuries, going back to Anglo-Saxon times, holiday revelers have wished each other, “Wes ha!”—Be Whole! ...
- Light Wassail. ...
- Mulled Wine. ...
- Cranberry Punch. ...
- Mulled Cider. ...
- George Washington's Christmas Eggnog. ...
- Non-Alcoholic Eggnog. ...
- Ho, Ho, Ho co*cktail.
- Beer. ...
- co*cktails. ...
- Eggnog. ...
- Gin. ...
- Mulled wine. ...
- Rum. ...
- Hot chocolate. ...
- Whisky. Rich, warming, and high on the list of festive favourites, whisky is enjoyed all year round, but it really comes into its own at Christmas.
Scroll through this list for timeless holiday classics like Eggnog and Hot Buttered Rum; boozy versions of hot chocolate; and new riffs on classics like our Cranberry Ginger Mimosa and a Negroni that tastes like a Christmas tree. We've also included decadent after-dinner drinks and punches for a crowd.
What is an American Christmas drink? ›Eggnog is a sweet beverage with a serious edge. It is probably derived from “posset”—a concoction involving a combination of cream or milk, eggs, spices and ale or wine.
What alcohol is associated with Christmas? ›From classic favorites like eggnog and mulled wine to creative concoctions like spiked hot cocoa and horchata, there are endless possibilities.
What is the name of the Christmas co*cktail? ›Holiday parties deserve a fun signature co*cktail, and our recipes for Christmosas, Jingle Juice, Grinch punch, and our Christmas punch more than do the trick.
What is Santa's drink? ›Each glass of milk helps Santa Claus rein in the excited reindeer and quickly, silently haul toys for children around the world, navigating both storms and the drones of those hoping to spot the man's journey. It's an exhausting job that he gladly takes on.
What is the drink last Christmas? ›Last Christmas co*cktail (a Paul Feig original co*cktail): 1 oz. Artingstall's gin 1 oz. crème de cacao 1/2 oz. creme de menthe Shake ingredients until cold.
What is the name of the Christmas drink? ›Eggnog (/ˈɛɡˌnɒɡ/), historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage. It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).
What is the best Christmas party liquor? ›
- Champagne. Nothing says celebration like a glass of bubbly. ...
- Wine. Whether it's red, white, rose or sparkling, there is a glass of wine for every type of celebration. ...
- Beer. ...
- Drinks Mixed with Tonic or Soda Water. ...
- Sweet co*cktails. ...
- Sour co*cktails. ...
- Bitter co*cktails. ...
- Whiskey.
USA: Eggnog
As probably one of the most notorious traditional Christmas drinks of our time, there's no way Eggnog wasn't making it on this list.
Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
Glühwein is THE Christmas market drink. At this point, it is basically synonymous with the holiday itself. In case you don't know, Glühwein is a hot mulled wine served in ceramic mugs.
But the tradition is sherry. Many families have their own traditions as well, and some even leave out a non-alcoholic snack, especially milk. But the common thread is a short thimbleful of thick, gorgeous liquid, whether it is beer, fortified wine, or a single malt.
What is the traditional Christmas liqueur? ›Made with Winslow Plums and a blend traditional Christmas spices including Ginger, Clove, Cinnamon, and Star Anise, our Christmas Liqueur, is the ideal Winter warmer. All this needs is a mince pie and an open fire. However it is equally at home in a glass of Fizz.