15 Christmas Cocktail Recipes from around the World

Glühwein

“Glühwein is a hot spiced ‘glow wine’ that’s found in many winter markets in Germany and Austria,” says Else, who shared this recipe on Allrecipes. “After you come in from being out in the cold and snow, this warm, spicy mulled drink is supposed to make you ‘glow’ with warmth again.”

Allrecipes member Irene added, “my mom is from Germany and she always made this for Christmas eEe when we opened presents. This tasted just like how she made it. Thanks for sharing and keeping our Christmas Eve tradition.”

Kir Royale

This festive French cocktail is a beautiful ruby-red color thanks to the crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liquor. Simply add a tablespoon to a flute of Champagne and you have the Kir Royale—perfect for holiday festivities.

“Ah, this reminds me of a divine New Year’s Eve in Paris,” said one Allrecipes member.

Tom and Jerry

This traditional American Christmas cocktail is a riff on an eggnog—it’s served warm and spiked with brandy or rum. This cocktail was a favorite of former President Warren G. Harding—who was in office during prohibition.

“This is the exact same recipe my mother made when I was a little girl back in the 50’s,” said one reviewer. “I have been making it for my family every Christmas since . It is wonderful just the way it is.”

Cola de Mono

“This is a traditional Chilean Christmastime drink of milk flavored with coffee and spices, passed down to me by our Chilean nanny Isa,” said Allrecipes member Wonder Wanda, who shared this recipe. “It is delicious, and a must-try if you don’t care for egg-nog. The recipe can be varied to suit your tastes – be creative with the proportions of coffee, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, as well as with your choice of liqueurs.”

Sorrel Tea

This festive hibiscus tea is a holiday favorite throughout the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica. Once only hibiscus was only cultivated in the winter time, so this drink became closely associated with the Christmas holidays. Add rum, or keep it N/A. Serve warm or over ice.

Wassail

Wassail is an old—5th century old— English Christmas drink made with apple cider and other fruit juices. It’s traditionally enjoyed during wassailing, or caroling, door-to-door. Use hard apple cider or add rum or whiskey to punch it up.

“This recipe is always a family favorite for the holidays,” said one Allrecipes member. “I usually make a kid friendly batch, then one for the adults with rum added. Every year I’m asked to make this. I’d say its a hit.”

Hot Buttered Rum

This once-popular holiday treat has a storied history that reaches back centuries. Made with a Caribbean liquor, and a European recipe, this drink came stateside and made a splash. It’s festive, fun, and traditional. Give it a whirl this holiday season.

“This is the best and addicting hot buttered rum we have ever tasted,” said one Allrecipes member. “It has a nice creamy texture with the right amount of spices. You have to be careful because the rum will catch up with you.”

Ponche de Crème

“Ponche de Crème is a cream punch that’s similar to eggnog,” said Crystal Clare, the Allrecipes member who shared this recipe. “It’s Trinidad’s traditional Christmas drink and has quite a kick if you use just the right amount of rum.” This drink also has roots in Venezuela, where it’s called Ponche Crema.

“My Ponche de Crème came out great,” shared one reviewer. “And it really didn’t take much time at all! Thanks so much.”

Rompope

“This traditional Mexican rompope recipe is made with only five ingredients,” said Ana María, who shared this recipe. “It’s easy to make — all you need is a little patience while stirring the eggnog. In Mexico, people make it with either rum or brandy, but here rum is more common.”

Old-Fashioned Swedish Glögg

“Glögg is a Swedish punch made from spiced wine,” said Judy, who shared this recipe. “My grandfather brought this recipe over from Sweden in 1921. We still use it today. God Jul! (Merry Christmas)”

“Everyone loves this and asks me to bring it to the yearly Christmas party,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “I make a crockpot full and never leave with leftovers. Skol!”

Brandy Slush

“This Wisconsin brandy slush is a graciously cold and wonderfully refreshing cocktail,” said Allrecipes member Ms. Mayberry, who shared the recipe. “This drink is equally good without the brandy.”

“Brandy slush the way it is supposed to be,” said one reviewer. “Next time I will double the recipe. This was so good, I drank it all myself!”

Lithuanian Krupnikas

This krupnikas recipe is for Lithuanian spiced honey liqueur. Serve warm as a traditional Eastern European cold remedy.

“I have made this the last two Christmases as gifts,” shared one reviewer. “Problem is, we have trouble making enough to have any left by the time the holidays roll around. Truly gets better with age”

Grasshopper Cocktail

Some call this colorful cocktail “Christmas in a glass.” Said to be invented in New Orleans bar Tujague’s 100 years ago, this festive drink is minty, chocolatey, creamy, and so very delicious.

Coquito

Coquito is a creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink with tons of coconut flavor. It’s made with sweetened condensed milk, coconut, spices, and rum. Some versions have egg yolk for added body.

“This was delicious,” shared one Allrecipes member. “Brought back very fond memories of my childhood when my Puerto Rican father made this special drink on Christmas Eve. It was the only time he would allow the kids to take a sip of an alcoholic beverage. I haven’t had it in years, but it tastes exactly like what I remember. Very sweet!”

White Russians

Said to have originated in Brussels, the White Russian (called Russian due to its use of vodka) is a popular wintertime cocktail in the United States since the mid-century. Serve over ice and sip slowly—it will sneak up on you!