There is no feeling quite like the quiet magic of Christmas being just around the corner. In fact, the revelry surrounding the festival has little to do with religion as it has taken on an international flavor of its own. Diwali and Holi come close, but for the moment, mention Christmas, and even the remotest of places on earth will probably light up with a smile. For what is not to like about a festival built around gifts and good food and wine, all spent in the company of loving (and some, not so loving, but still tolerable) family?
In the spirit of the upcoming season, we decided to explore the many festive drinks crafted around the world at Christmastime. For one, it will allow you to shake up something more spectacular and unique than the usual mulled wine and eggnog routine. Nevertheless, first let’s get the two obvious ones out of the way.
GERMANY – GLÜHWEIN
- Warm mulled red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and sometimes star anise.
- Served at Christmas markets in charming mugs, often with a shot of rum or brandy.
USA – EGGNOG
- Rich and creamy, crafted with milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and nutmeg.
- Often spiked with bourbon, rum, or brandy for adult gatherings.
MEXICO – PONCHE NAVIDEÑO
- A hot fruit punch made with Tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn), guava, apples, cinnamon, and piloncillo (unrefined Mexican cane sugar).
- It is sometimes enhanced with rum or brandy for added warmth.
PUERTO RICO – COQUITO
- A coconut-based eggnog alternative with condensed milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, and rum.
- Creamy, tropical, and beloved across the island.
POLAND – KOMPOT Z SUSZU
- A spiced dried fruit compote drink made with prunes, apples, pears, and cloves.
- Served chilled or warm during Wigilia (Christmas Eve dinner).
SWEDEN – JULMUST
- A non-alcoholic dark soda with malt and hop flavors, similar to root beer.
- A holiday staple, and as many will proudly share, it even outsells Coca-Cola in Sweden during December. ‘Jul’ is Swedish for Christmas, and ‘Must’ refers to unfermented grape juice.
FINLAND – GLÖGI
- Similar to Glühwein, but often includes almonds and raisins in the cup.
- Can be non-alcoholic or fortified with vodka or wine.
JAMAICA – SORREL DRINK
- Made from hibiscus petals, ginger, cloves, and sugar, often spiked with rum.
- Vibrant red and served chilled, it’s a Caribbean Christmas classic.
ITALY – BOMBARDINOA
- Mix of Advocaat (egg liqueur) and brandy, served hot with whipped cream.
- More than just a Christmas drink, it is also popular at ski resorts and during après-ski socials.
FRANCE – VIN CHAUD
- French mulled wine is often lighter and more citrus-forward than its German cousin.
- Served in cafés and chalets across the Alps, it is more a winter tradition than just a Christmas thing.
COLOMBIA – CANELAZOA
- Warm Andean drink made with water, cinnamon, sugar, and aguardiente (anise-flavored liquor).
- Served during chilly December nights, especially in mountain towns, this is more of a battle against the cold weather thing, but it can also be seen being served during Christmas.
CZECH REPUBLIC – MEDOVINA
- Honey wine (mead) can also be made with a blend of herbs and spices; it is often enjoyed warm.
- It is associated with Christmas markets and folk traditions.
DENMARK – GLOGG
- Danish version of mulled wine, often with raisins, almonds, and a splash of aquavit or rum.
- Served at festive gatherings with æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls).
NORWAY – JULEØL
- Pronounced ‘you-lee-uhl’, this is a Christmas beer, brewed specially for the season with darker malts and spices.
- Often paired with hearty holiday meals like ribbe (pork belly) and pinnekjøtt (mutton ribs), this drink dates back to the Viking era.
ICELAND – JÓLAÖL
- Pronounced ‘Yoh-la-uhl’, a soft drink blend of malt and orange soda, non-alcoholic and beloved by all ages.
- A quirky, sweet staple of Icelandic Christmas tables.
GREECE – RAKOMELO
- A warm drink made from Raki (grape pomace brandy), honey, and spices like cinnamon and clove.
- Served during winter festivities and family gatherings.
BRAZIL – QUENTÃO
- A hot drink made with cachaça, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar.
- Though more common during Festa Junina, it’s also enjoyed during Christmas in cooler regions.
RUSSIA – SBITEN
- A traditional winter beverage made from honey, jam, spices, and water.
- Sometimes fortified with vodka, it predates tea in Russian culture.
JAPAN – CHRISTMAS COFFEE & STRAWBERRY MILK
- While not traditional, Japan embraces festive café culture with themed drinks like strawberry milk lattes and peppermint mochas.
- Often served in elaborately decorated cups during the season.
INDIA – HOT MASALA CHAI & PLUM WINE
- In Christian communities, spiced tea is a staple, sometimes joined by homemade wines from plums or grapes.
- In Goa and Kerala, toddy (fermented palm sap) or Feni (cashew distillate) may also make an appearance.
So, given all these options, we hope that this year’s Christmas festivities at your home have a truly global ring to them.
