Festive Spirits From Around the World

6 April , 2023 11:15 am

Take a trip around the world with these festive drinks – some wonderful and some definitely weird. Hot buttered beer? We don’t think so.

England

Wassail

In northern climes, they like their Christmas drinks hot. The old pagan custom of wassailing involves quaffing hot mulled hard cider while singing and banging on pots and pans to ward off evil spirits. It traditionally happens on 12th night (January 5). Another English invention, hot buttered beer, goes back to Tudor times.

Germany

Feuerzangenbowle

The Germans like their mulled wine with extra pyrotechnics. A rum-soaked sugar loaf is suspended on a rack or in tongs over a pot of hot spiced wine, then set on fire. The melting sugar drips into the wine below. It translates as “fire-tongs punch” and is particularly popular for Christmas and New Year.

USA

Egg Nog

This chilled mix of eggs, milk, sugar, spices and booze was traditionally made with rum, but now often includes brandy and/or bourbon. Served hot as a cocktail it’s called a Tom and Jerry. The Americans also like to celebrate with a Hot Toddy – hot tea, lemon and honey along with your choice of brandy, rum, or whisky.

Puerto Rico

Coquito

This one’s a bit like an egg nog, without the eggs. It mixes rum, condensed milk, coconut milk and vanilla, spiced up with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Served chilled.

Scandinavia

Glögg

The Scandinavians aren’t the only ones who like a good mulled wine. But their version gets a kick from vodka or aquavit and spices including cardamom. Your typical Glögg is also garnished with almonds and raisins – very festive.

Scotland

Whisky (what else?)

The big festival in Scotland is Hogmanay, a celebration of New Year’s Eve. It’s the biggest party of the year and calls for generous amounts of uisge beatha the ‘water of life’.

Japan

KFC and champagne

It’s not really about the drinks, but since 1974 millions of Japanese families have been celebrating Christmas with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Started as a promotional event, it’s become a tradition. KFC Japan now offers special Christmas packs including chicken, cake and champagne.