Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Around the World
Raise your glass and your passport because this holiday season, we’re taking happy hour global! Sure, you could stick to the same old eggnog and mulled wine, but where’s the fun in that? Why not sip your way through traditions from Tokyo to Tulum without leaving your kitchen (or your comfy holiday pajamas)? These festive cocktails from around the world are here to shake up your holiday spirit—literally. So, grab your shaker, a world map, and let’s toast to a season of international cheer! 🌍🍸
Table of Contents
Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine by Tidy Mom: This German cocktail takes like CHRISTMAS! It’s commonly known as Glühwein in german-speaking countries and is pure perfection. It’s similar to Sangria and is the perfect holiday beverage.
Caipirinha Cocktail
Caipirinha Cocktail: This is a signature Brazilian cocktail you will love during the holidays. It’s kind of like what Margaritas are to us here in America. It’s a sweet citrus drink featuring Cachaca liquor. You could also try this with oranges for a more festive taste.
Glogg
Glogg Recipe by Boulder Locavore: This is one cocktail that is sure to make for a comfy holiday evening. It’s popular amongst Scandanavian cultures like Sweden and is a real nice treat. It’s a variation of mulled wine with lots of additional warm spices to be sipped and enjoyed.
Traditional Eggnog
Traditional Eggnog Recipe by Boulder Locavore: Eggnog is one we are all familiar with as it is commonly made without alcohol, too. It’s a real staple in the US and Canada, made with egg yolk and egg whites, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum.
Coquito
Coquito by Kids Are A Trip: This rum based drink is a MUST for the holiday season. Most commonly found in Puerto Rico, it is a cocktail consisting of coconut flavor, rum, and other Christmas spices. You’ll find several variations of this drink, but those elements are a must when making your own cocktail.
Sorrel Punch
Sorrel Punch by Recipes from a Pantry: You’ll find this festive beverage in many places around the world, but it is found to originate in Jamaica. It’s made by steeping sepals of the hibiscus flower in hot water and various spices before adding in Jamaican rum. It’s such a festive cocktail for the holidays!
Hot Toddy
Hot Toddy Recipe by Spend with Pennies: Originating in Scotland, it used to be used as treatment for the common cold. Nowadays you’ll find many warming up from the cold with this boozy drink throughout the holiday season. It’s made with hot rum, honey, lemon, and sometimes tea. This recipe in particular also includes cinnamon and cloves.
Spiced Apple Beer Punch
Spiced Apple Beer Punch from All That’s Jas: This German drink is a must for the holiday season. Features beer with apples, lemon, cinnamon, and cloves. It works great for serving to large crowds, too.
French Mule Cointreau Cocktail
French Mule Cointreau Cocktail by Slow the Cook Down: This mule recipe is very similar to Moscow mule, but it features French liquor! With its orange and lime flavor, it’s great for the holidays.
Canadian Caesar Cocktail
Canadian Caesar Cocktail by This Lil’ Piglet: This Canadian classic comes with a twist – featuring rum instead of the usual vodka. A Caesar cocktail is most popular around Canada day but can be enjoyed during any celebration. This drink features rum, worcestershire sauce, tabasco, lime juice, and caesar spice.
Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule
Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule by What the Fork: The Moscow mule is a classic at this point. While you might think it’s a Russian drink, it actually originated in Manhattan. It traditionally features vodka, spicy ginger beer, and lime juice, it has a wide range of variations. This recipe gives it a very festive feel with the cranberry orange flavors.
Peppermint White Russian
Peppermint White Russian Cocktail by Home Cooking Memories: Unlike the Moscow Mule, this drink comes exactly from where you’d think – Russia. It’s traditionally made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream served with ice. This recipe adds to the festive feel with peppermint candy, peppermint vodka, and frosting. How amazing does that sound for the holidays?!
Black Russian Cocktail
Black Russian Cocktail by Sugar, Spice, and Glitter: Much like the white Russian, this originates from Russia but is much stronger. Leaving out the cream gives it a much stronger kick. This recipe includes cinnamon and vanilla flavored liquors as well. While it gives it more flavor, this is a very STRONG drink so proceed with caution haha!
Lillet French Aperitif
Lillet French Aperitif by That Skinny Chick Can Bake: This cocktail is a French recipe that is absolutely refreshing. It features a sweet variety french wine along with club soda. This recipe also uses orange twist as garnish. You could also use cranberries for a more festive twist!
Hugo Cocktail
Hugo Cocktail Recipe by Live Laugh Rowe: This cocktail is incredibly new as it only came about 15 years ago. It started out in Northern Italy and quickly gained popularity in other countries. It’s champagne with elderflower, mint, and lime. The original recipe utilized lemon balm syrup, but elderflower is more easily available. You can also dress this up for the holidays by using cranberries.
Cranberry Mojito
Cranberry Mojito Recipe by Home Cooking Memories: This cocktail is a spinoff of the traditional variation where only mint and limes are present. This popular drink originates in Cuba but can be found in several cultures worldwide. This recipe utilizes rum, mint, lime, and cranberry – making it perfect for the holiday season.
Apple Maple Dark and Stormy
Apple Maple Dark and Stormy by Sidewalk Shoes: This refreshing drink originates from Bermuda and traditionally made with Gosling rum and ginger beer. It’s served over ice with a slice of lime. This recipe adds maple syrup and apple cider for a very festive flavor!
Wassail Cocktail
Wassail Cocktail by Boulder Locavore: This recipe originated from the UK and the modern versions have come a long way. Most are mocktails these days with various fruit juices and spices. However, it is traditionally made with brandy or rum. The combination of flavors really give you that homey Christmas feel!
Mexican Sangria Mule
Mexican Sangria Mule by Tidy Mom: This cocktail is a MUST for the holiday season. It features Tequila (as well as red wine), which is produced in Mexico. This mule recipe includes a wide range of flavors that go so well together. You’ll also find ginger beer, blackberries, and lime in this recipe. You’ll definitely want to give this one a try!
French 75
French 75 Cocktail Recipe by Bitz & Giggles: This French drink dates back to World War 1 and while we have made some adjustments, it was said to have such a strong kick that it was comparable to being shelled by a powerful field gun. Nowadays it’s not nearly as harsh, ha! It’s a combination of gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar – purely delicious!
And there you have it—a world tour in a glass! From the cozy warmth of a Swedish glögg to the tropical tang of a Brazilian Caipirinha, these holiday cocktails prove that the best way to celebrate the season is by adding a little global flair to your festivities. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply surviving a family gathering, these drinks are sure to impress (and maybe even distract from Aunt Linda’s latest “feedback”). So, cheers to new traditions, festive flavors, and a holiday season as spirited as your cocktail shaker! 🥂🎄
