Buzz
Holiday celebrations are incomplete without an array of delicious food and drinks, though the offerings differ across cultures. To add a touch of global flair to your festivities, we’ve curated a list of seven unique holiday cocktails from various corners of the world.
1. WASSAIL (U.K.)
Wassail is more than just a drink—it’s a song, a verb, and a warm, spiced beverage! This drink conjures images of carolers dressed in vintage attire, but its origins are steeped in legend. According to folklore, a Saxon noblewoman captivated a tipsy king with a goblet of mulled wine, a luxury drink for the elite. After their union was sealed, the king famously greeted her with “Waes hail,” and later toasted their marriage with “Drinc hael,” meaning “drink in good health.” Over time, “wassail” came to represent the toast, the drink, and even the tradition of farmers shouting and drinking to bless their crops. Cheers to that!
2. GLÖGG (SCANDINAVIA) OR GLÜWEIN (GERMANY AND AUSTRIA)
Mulled wine, known by various names, is a beloved tradition, with Glögg standing out as one of the most iconic. King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden cherished a blend of German wine, sugar, honey, and spices during the Middle Ages, when such drinks were often seen as remedies. The spices and sugar masked any off-flavors, making it a practical choice. By 1609, it was called “glödgad vin,” meaning “glowing-hot wine,” and by 1870, it was simply known as “glögg.” Originally made with wine, it later evolved to include port, aquavit, or brandy, gaining popularity across Europe. Its German version, glühwein, often uses white wine, while the Irish version incorporates whiskey.
Find the recipe here.
3. HOT BUTTERED RUM (U.S.)
Hot Buttered Rum can range from looking like an oily concoction to being a rich, creamy delight that warms you thoroughly. In the 1860s, regional preferences shaped U.S. alcohol consumption, with rum dominating the Northeast. Despite its tropical associations today, rum was widely produced and consumed in the region. Hot beverages were a go-to for staying warm, though the purpose of the butter remains a mystery. Charles Browne, in the 1939 Gun Club Drink Book, humorously suggested it was meant to oil your mustache.
Check out the recipe here.
4. COLA DE MONO (CHILE)
For a festive twist, try Cola de Mono. This drink, resembling a mix of Egg Nog and a White Russian, offers a one-of-a-kind flavor. Its name, meaning “monkey’s tail,” might hint at its lively effects or stem from its storage in Anis del Moro bottles—or even a tale involving a former president and his pistol. Regardless of its origins, the aguardente in this creamy concoction delivers a powerful punch.
Find the recipe here.
5. PONCHE NAVIDEÑO (MEXICO) AND PONCHE DE FRUTAS (GUATEMALA)
These fruity punches are delightful holiday staples. While their recipes share similarities due to common fruit availability, the rum-infused versions have distinct flavors. Ponche Navideño, in particular, is challenging to replicate outside its region. This punch is loaded with tejocotes, the fruit of the hawthorn tree, and its recipe is a cherished family tradition, varying by location but always resulting in a deliciously warm beverage.
Access the recipes here (Ponche Navideño) and here (Ponche de Frutas).
6. COQUITO (PUERTO RICO)
While its origins are unclear, its appeal is undeniable. Coquito, meaning “little coconut,” is believed to be a tropical twist on eggnog. This creamy, coconut-based rum drink is a holiday favorite. In Cuba, it’s often served with a scoop of coconut ice cream, and in New York, it’s celebrated at the Museo Del Barrio’s annual cocktail competition.
Find the recipe here.
7. SORREL PUNCH (JAMAICA)
Bring a taste of the tropics to your home this holiday season with Sorrel Punch, a Jamaican favorite. Made from sorrel, also called hibiscus, this drink is celebrated for its potential health benefits. Whether or not it heals, its fruity and herbal flavors will transport you to sunnier days.
Check out the recipe here.
BONUS: TWO NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS TO KEEP YOU WARM.
If you’ve overindulged this festive season, don’t worry—we’ve added two alcohol-free options to enjoy at your own pace.
SUJEONGGWA (KOREA)
Sujeonggwa is a delightful persimmon-based punch, often garnished with pine nuts. In Korea, it’s enjoyed as a dessert, served either hot or cold. Known for its digestive properties, it’s a staple at the end of meals. Its popularity has led to it being canned or bottled and sold in stores nationwide.
Find the recipe here.
SALEP (TURKEY)
Salep, also known as Sahlep, can be tricky to make outside Turkey due to its key ingredient—flour from the tubers of specific Turkish orchids—which isn’t exported. Fortunately, pre-made powdered versions are widely available. Historically a medicinal drink, Salep has been consumed for centuries and is still regarded as a healthy, soothing beverage.
Access the recipe here.
