7 Iconic Holiday Drinks from Around the World: Recipes & Stories Behind Festive Favorites

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The holiday season invites us to slow down, to gather close, and to savor those small festive traditions that make this time of year so full of magic. And truly, what warms the spirit like a classic holiday drink?

From wassail to creamy Coquito, iconic holiday drinks from around the world bring flavor and tradition to the holiday season. These traditional holiday drinks tell the stories of celebration, warmth, and togetherness that fill this festive season with magic.

Below, we’ll take a journey through some of the most iconic holiday beverages, each with a recipe you can try at home, and the unique tale that makes it more than just a drink.

1. Wassail from Medieval England: A Classic Holiday Punch to Warm the Winter

Wassail takes us back to medieval England, to a time when the heart of winter meant gathering with neighbors, sharing warmth, and calling forth cheer for the year to come. People would “go a-wassailing,” bringing wishes of health and goodwill to their community.

Traditionally, this warm, iconic holiday spiced drink was prepared with ale, cider, and a blend of comforting spices, then ladled out to groups as they caroled from door to door or blessed the orchards for a fruitful harvest in the coming year. Each sip carried with it not just flavor, but a shared hope—a toast to abundance, community, and the enduring warmth of togetherness.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon cloves

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 cup honey (optional for sweetness)

• Optional: 1 cup brandy or rum for a spirited kick

Recipe:

1. Combine cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and honey in a large pot.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 20 minutes.

3. If using, add brandy or rum just before serving.

4. Serve warm in a punch bowl, garnished with apple slices and star anise.

Serving Suggestion: Ladle into mugs and encourage guests to toast with “Wassail!” meaning “to good health.”

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2. Mulled Wine (Glühwein): The Timeless Holiday Drink from Ancient Rome to European Christmas Markets

Mulled wine, known as “Glühwein” in Germany, carries with it the warmth of centuries-old tradition. Its roots trace all the way back to ancient Rome, where heated, spiced wine was enjoyed to ward off winter’s chill.

Over time, this festive holiday beverage spread across Europe, eventually finding a cherished place at Christmas markets, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. Here, among the wooden stalls and twinkling lights, you can find steaming mugs of Glühwein, each sip infused with spices that embody the holiday season—cinnamon, cloves, a hint of citrus. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a festive ritual that invites you to pause, to savor, and to feel the warmth that connects us across cultures and centuries.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet work well)

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 5 cloves

• 2 star anise

• 1 orange, sliced

• 3 tablespoons honey or sugar

Recipe:

1. Pour wine into a large saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, and honey.

2. Warm over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil, for about 20 minutes.

3. Strain and serve warm.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish each glass with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick, adding an extra bit of holiday charm.

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3. Sweden’s Glogg: A Festive, Spiced Holiday Drink with a Nordic Twist

In Sweden, mulled wine takes on a uniquely festive twist with “Glogg,” a drink that’s as warm and welcoming as a Swedish Christmas. Glogg blends wine with spirits—often brandy or aquavit—infused with rich spices and dried fruits, creating a drink that’s slightly stronger, a little bolder, and layered with complexity.

Sipping Glogg is like tasting the essence of Swedish holiday tradition, where each note of spice and hint of fruit brings a warmth that’s perfect for long winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine

• 1/2 cup vodka

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 6 cardamom pods, slightly crushed

• 5 cloves

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1/4 cup almonds

• Orange peel (optional)

Recipe:

1. In a large pot, combine the wine, vodka, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, raisins, and almonds.

2. Gently heat, ensuring the mixture doesn’t boil, for about 20–30 minutes.

3. Strain before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Pour into glasses, adding a few raisins and almonds to each for an authentic Glogg experience.

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4. Traditional Eggnog: From 17th-Century Britain to a Creamy Holiday Favorite

Eggnog, that creamy, spiced milk punch we associate so closely with the holidays, actually began its life in 17th-century Britain. Back then, it was a warm ale-based drink enjoyed as a cozy winter treat. But when it crossed the Atlantic to America, it found a new form: rich with milk and eggs, and fortified with rum, which was plentiful in the colonies.

This delicious transformation turned eggnog into the holiday staple we know today—a drink that feels like an invitation to slow down, to gather with friends, and to savor the richness of the season in each smooth, spiced sip.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• Optional: 1 cup bourbon or rum

Recipe:

1. Whisk eggs and sugar in a bowl until creamy.

2. In a saucepan, warm milk over medium heat (do not boil), then slowly whisk in the egg mixture.

3. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.

4. Remove from heat, add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.

5. Chill before serving and add bourbon or rum if desired.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a chilled glass with a dusting of nutmeg on top.

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5. Hot Buttered Rum: A Cozy Colonial American Holiday Drink for Fireside Gatherings

Hot buttered rum, with its spiced, buttery warmth, is like a fireside gathering poured into a mug. This cozy drink found popularity in colonial America when Caribbean rum began making its way north, bringing with it a taste of the tropics that quickly blended with local flavors.

Warm spices, a hint of sweetness, and a generous pat of butter create a drink that’s both rich and inviting—the perfect companion for chilly nights and good conversation by the fire. It’s a taste of history and warmth that feels timeless, a small indulgence that embodies the heart of winter gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 cloves

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 oz rum per serving

Recipe:

1. In a small pot, simmer water, cinnamon, and cloves for 10 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, stir in brown sugar and butter until dissolved.

3. Pour rum into each mug, then top with the hot mixture.

Serving Suggestion: Serve this traditional holiday drink in a mug with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for an extra festive touch.

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6. Irish Coffee: A Beloved Holiday Drink from 1940s Ireland with Whiskey and Warmth

Irish coffee, that perfect blend of warmth and comfort, was created in the 1940s to greet weary travelers at Foynes Airport in Ireland. Imagine it: a chilly winter night, travelers stepping off the plane and being welcomed by this rich, aromatic drink—a mix of hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and a layer of cream floating gently on top.

It wasn’t long before Irish coffee traveled far beyond the airport, becoming a winter classic worldwide. Each sip offers a cozy balance of bitter and sweet, warmth and richness—a little taste of Irish hospitality that turns any winter evening into a moment of comfort and cheer.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz hot brewed coffee

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream, lightly whipped

Recipe:

1. In a glass mug, combine coffee, whiskey, and brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.

2. Top with lightly whipped cream and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion: Pour the cream over the back of a spoon for an authentic layered effect. This creamy holiday beverage is a perfect addition to any holiday gathering, bringing a taste of festive charm to your table.

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7. Puerto Rican Coquito: A Creamy, Coconut Holiday Drink for a Taste of the Tropics

Coquito, meaning “little coconut,” is Puerto Rico’s festive answer to eggnog—a creamy blend that brings a taste of the tropics to the holiday season. Made with coconut milk, coconut cream, sweet spices, and a generous splash of rum, Coquito is like a sip of warm island sun, even on the coldest winter day. Beloved especially in Caribbean households, this holiday drink has become a symbol of celebration and togetherness.

Each glass of Coquito carries not only the rich flavors of coconut and spice but also the warmth and hospitality that make the holidays feel like home.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 can evaporated milk

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup white rum

Recipe:

1. In a blender, combine coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and rum. Blend until smooth.

2. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in a small glass, sprinkled with cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra flair.

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These iconic holiday drinks are more than just beverages—they’re a celebration of culture, tradition, and the shared joy of gathering. Each sip connects us to generations past, to the warmth of family kitchens, festive markets, and fireside stories.

Whether you’re ladling out wassail, pouring a creamy glass of eggnog, or savoring a cup of Irish coffee, these recipes bring a cozy, enduring warmth to any holiday gathering. So pour a glass, raise a toast, and savor the rich flavors and histories woven into these iconic holiday drinks—a small way of tasting the timeless spirit of the season.

Cheers,

Sarah Voiles

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FAQs

1. What are some traditional holiday drinks from around the world?
   Traditional holiday drinks vary across cultures, each bringing unique flavors and festive warmth to the season. Some popular examples include Wassail from England, a spiced cider-based punch; Glühwein or mulled wine, enjoyed across Europe; creamy Eggnog from Britain and the U.S.; and Coquito, a coconut-based Puerto Rican favorite. These drinks celebrate the season with flavors that have been passed down through generations.

2. How can I make cozy holiday drinks at home?
   Making holiday drinks at home is simple and brings an extra layer of warmth to any gathering. You can try recipes like Wassail, made with cider and spices; Glogg, a Nordic spiced wine with added spirits; or Eggnog, a creamy, spiced drink often served with a dash of rum. Each recipe is easy to prepare and invites the spirit of the season into your home.

3. What is the difference between mulled wine and Glogg?
   Mulled wine, or Glühwein as it’s called in Germany, is a spiced wine enjoyed warm and often flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and orange. Glogg, a Scandinavian variation, includes additional spirits like vodka or aquavit and is often garnished with almonds and raisins, giving it a bolder flavor profile. Both drinks are staples of European holiday traditions, adding cozy warmth to chilly winter nights.

4. What is Coquito, and how is it different from eggnog?
   Coquito is Puerto Rico’s tropical take on eggnog, made with coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and rum, creating a rich, creamy drink with a hint of coconut flavor. While eggnog traditionally uses milk, cream, and sometimes eggs, Coquito is entirely dairy-free and adds a taste of the tropics to holiday gatherings.

5. Why is Irish coffee a popular winter drink?
   Irish coffee, created in Ireland in the 1940s, combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with a layer of cream. Originally crafted to warm up chilly travelers, this drink quickly became a winter favorite for its perfect balance of warmth, richness, and smoothness. The comforting blend makes it an ideal holiday treat, especially when served fireside on a cold evening.

6. What is Wassail, and why is it associated with Christmas?
   Wassail is a traditional English drink that dates back to medieval times. It’s made with apple cider, spices, and sometimes ale or brandy. Historically, people would "go a-wassailing," singing carols and offering the drink as a way to wish others good health and happiness. Today, Wassail is often enjoyed at Christmas gatherings, symbolizing community, warmth, and festive cheer.