As Christmas approaches, it’s time to consider the festive beverages that will enhance your celebrations. From classic spirits to delightful cocktails, there are many timeless options that people enjoy year after year. Below, we explore seven of the most beloved drinks to savor during the holiday season.
Port
Few drinks capture the spirit of Christmas quite like a glass of Port, especially when paired with your festive cheeseboard or dessert. This fortified wine from Portugal boasts a deep history that dates back to the early 1700s, when the war with France limited access to French wines, prompting importers to seize the opportunity to promote Port.
Port can exclusively be produced in the Douro Valley, a designated area in Portugal. There are various styles available:
- Ruby Ports: The youngest and most affordable option.
- Tawny Ports: Pre-aged and ready for your enjoyment.
- Vintage Ports: Made only in exceptional years, designed for cellaring.
- LBV (Late Bottled Vintage): Similar to Vintage Ports, but aged longer in barrels before bottling.
- White Ports: Light, refreshing, and perfect as an aperitif.
Sauternes
If you’re seeking a lighter option than Port or Sherry, Sauternes is an excellent choice. This sweet dessert wine comes from the Sauternes region in France, located just southeast of Bordeaux. Like Port, Sauternes has strict regional regulations and is crafted from white grapes.
These exquisite wines are delightfully sweet and can elevate any dessert. They pair beautifully with cheese, delivering bright aromas of honey and candied citrus, accompanied by notes of golden syrup, plump sultanas, and poached pear.
Enjoy this value-for-money drink served slightly chilled for an exceptional experience.
Scotch
Among the many whisky styles, Scotch stands out as a festive favorite. It consistently ranks as a popular gift option during the holidays. There is something particularly heartwarming about enjoying a fine Scotch whisky on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
The range of flavor profiles can be overwhelming, but there truly is something for everyone. Whiskies matured in ex-Sherry barrels offer festive notes of dried fruits, candied orange, caramel, and nuttiness. Additionally, peaty whiskies deliver bold, smoky flavors that feel like a warm embrace on chilly winter evenings.
Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, each approach is equally delightful.
Sherry
The holiday season is arguably the prime time for sherry. While it enjoys steady sales throughout the year, demand surges in December. This fortified wine from southern Spain has long been associated with Christmas. The tradition dates back to the late 1500s when Sir Francis Drake seized thousands of barrels of sherry during his raid on Cadiz, bringing it to the UK, where it gained popularity thanks to Queen Elizabeth I.
Ever since, Britain has been one of sherry’s leading markets, particularly since the Victorian era. Sweet cream sherry is the most beloved style today, reminiscent of what many grandmothers savored. However, exploring other varieties can be rewarding. Consider trying fruity Oloroso, rich Pedro Ximenez, or briny Manzanilla, which pairs wonderfully with a mince pie.
Egg Nog
This nostalgic drink evokes memories of Christmases from decades past, especially during the retro seventies and eighties. Its modern iteration is believed to have originated from an 18th-century concoction called egg-n-grog, created by British immigrants in America by blending eggs, rum, and spices. This drink itself was derived from a Scottish warm ale and egg concoction known as nugg.
Egg Nog has become synonymous with the festive season, particularly in the United States. Made with eggs, sugar, cream, milk, and rum, it’s finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Good brandy, Cognac, or whisky can be excellent alternatives to rum.
Typically enjoyed warm, this drink is also delightful when served cold.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is not just a go-to remedy for colds— it’s also a classic winter warming beverage. This drink harks back to the British Empire’s Victorian era, where it was adapted from the fermented coconut sap drink known as toddy, popular in southern India.
The Hot Toddy combines Scotch whisky, honey, and lemon, topped with boiling water. Adding fresh ginger along with spices like cinnamon and clove elevates it with a festive flair.
One sip, and you’ll instantly feel comforted and rejuvenated.
Mulled Wine
Ah, mulled wine—the aroma alone is enough to evoke the warmth of Christmas. This timeless drink is created by infusing red wine with exotic spices such as cinnamon and clove; ‘mulling’ refers to the process of warming beverages like wine or beer. The practice likely originated in Europe, inspired by traditions such as glögg in Scandinavia and glühwein in Germany.
For a refreshing twist, try substituting red wine with cider. Mulled cider makes for a delightful winter warmer, with cinnamon and festive spices beautifully complementing the flavors and aromas of apples.
