Around the World in 12 Holiday Drinks

Two cups of autumn mulled wine or gluhwein with spices and orange slices on rustic table top view. Traditional drink on autumn holiday on the background of autumn leaves - Image. Shutterstock

For most, the festive season is rooted in ritual and tradition. But who says you can’t explore a drinkable tradition different from your own?

In examining the holiday drinks of the world, a few trends quickly revealed themselves: Colder climates gravitate toward warm and creamy drinks; everyone loves holiday spice; and, my favorite, there appear to be few rules at all. Embrace the chance to improvise and enjoy by transporting your guests—or just yourself—across the pond, beyond the border, or over the river and through the woods with these 12 holiday drink ideas.

Mull Over Some Wine

Neither the Greeks nor the Romans wasted wine. The precious commodity wasn’t as readily available as it is today, so fermented grape juice that “didn’t make the cut” wasn’t dumped; it was mixed with honey and spices and made palatable enough to drink.