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Mulled wine in Europe
Mulled wine is the more common and easier-to-pronounce name, Glühwein, for this special Christmas drink. Although popular throughout Europe and often with variations in each country, only Germany and Austria consider mulled wine the soul of Christmas. And in world cuisine, mulled wine is a refined drink, embodying the spirit of togetherness, and paired with apple pie or grape pie, it creates an unforgettable flavor.
Each European country has its own version of mulled wine. White mulled wine is made with white wine and caramelized sugar syrup to achieve its alluring golden hue, while red mulled wine is often made with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, nutmeg, and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples, with a touch of sugar or honey for a smooth, sweet finish. The finished product is a rich, dark red mulled with a strong aroma.
Imagine this: outside, snowflakes are falling, chilling you to the bone, while inside, you sit by the fireplace sipping a glass of vibrant red mulled wine, crystal clear like a ruby, with its refreshing citrus notes blended with warm spices – what could be more wonderful? That's why mulled wine is considered the most special Christmas drink in Europe.
Glogg wine in Sweden and Denmark
Outwardly, glogg looks very similar to mulled wine, and the preparation is also similar, differing only in a few minor details. This is a special Christmas drink in the Nordic region, adapted by the locals to suit their tastes and culture.
While mulled wine uses the pulp of oranges and lemons, people in Northern Europe, such as Sweden and Denmark, only use the peels of these two fruits to make red wine. They then combine them with other fruits or dried nuts like grapes, apricots, plums, peaches, apples, and almonds to create the sweet and mellow flavor of glogg. A sweet, fragrant, and refreshing glass of glogg is also a way to enjoy the warm, trendy "hygge" style of Northern European cuisine.
WASSAIL (UK)
Wassail has a history dating back to the 1400s. The inhabitants of the misty land of England believed it was good for health, brought good luck, and offered hope for a bountiful apple harvest the following year. Wassail is made from apples that are heated and mixed with sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a few drops of brandy or sherry.
For the British, Christmas wouldn't be complete without visits from friends and neighbors to enjoy wassail and sing carols together. This tradition has a history spanning thousands of years in the UK and is preserved as a deeply ingrained cultural identity.
Hot chocolate
Chocolate is a popular drink in many countries, but on Christmas Eve, it's transformed with other ingredients to become a special beverage. The classic recipe for this smooth, sweet drink is actually quite simple, consisting only of melted chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows. Its rich flavor comes from the harmonious blend of sweetness, richness, and a hint of bitterness.
Nowadays, there are many other interesting versions of chocolate, such as chocolate combined with whipped cream, caramel, coffee and Bailey's liqueur, and even chili peppers for a warm, spicy kick; not to mention the toppings drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with countless colorful candies and cookies, creating an incredibly appealing Christmas drink.
Eggnog in the US and Canada
Eggnog, also known as custard, originated in England but after being introduced to the United States and Canada, it became the most popular and special Christmas drink in these two countries. The ingredients and method for making eggnog are very simple: just eggs, milk, and sugar whipped together with vanilla to create a creamy, fluffy mixture.
In particular, to suit the festive atmosphere, people often add aromatic spirits such as bourbon, rum, brandy, or coffee to the traditional eggnog to create the bittersweet flavor of this creamy custard.
Looking at the ingredients for eggnog, one might assume it would be very rich and creamy, but that's not the case at all. This special Christmas drink has a very light flavor, and when combined with a sprinkle of crispy brown cinnamon, it creates a wonderfully warm feeling.
Colemono in Chile
Among the list of special Christmas drinks, the colemono, a quintessential Chilean beverage, is indispensable. A glass of colemono is a perfect blend of aguardiente liqueur, milk, coffee, citrus peel, and vanilla, offering a powerful and intoxicating flavor experience.
Colemono is considered a bolder version of eggnog due to its strong blend of flavors, and unlike eggnog, it is usually served cold. Additionally, to give this Christmas drink a creamy, smooth texture, a touch of delicious coconut milk can be added.
Coquito in Puerto Rico
It seems that sweet and creamy flavors are always popular during Christmas. In a warm climate like Puerto Rico, people enjoy coquito with its distinctive creamy coconut milk that melts on the tongue, giving it a rich tropical flavor.
Similar to colomeno, coquito is an American version of eggnog. Of course, Puerto Ricans have adapted it to suit their culture. To make a truly authentic coquito, milk is heated with beaten egg yolks, rum is added for flavor, along with a little sugar, cinnamon, and coconut milk for a sweet, creamy taste. Finally, coconut milk is essential to create that sweet, alluring flavor.
Sorrel Punch (Jamaica)
Christmas in Jamaica means sun and the beach, so hot drinks aren't necessary. Instead, the traditional Jamaican Christmas drink is made from sorrel (the local name), which is actually hibiscus petals, mixed with sugar, fresh ginger, lime juice, and rum.
