Guide Note

Holiday beverages, both alcoholic and virgin, can take on several celebratory forms. Christmas and New Year's parties will often serve warm rum or brandy-based drinks alongside holiday punches.

Fast Facts

1. Most popular New Year's drink: Sparkling Wine
2. Most popular Christmas drink: Eggnog
3. Almost all holiday drinks can be made non alcoholic
4. Many holiday alcoholic beverages were developed to keep people warm in cold climates

Many of the most enduring holiday cocktails originated in Northern Europe. Scandinavian mulled wine, called Glogg (pronounced "gloog",) is favored for its warm sweetness. The beverage also promotes a communal atmosphere, as it is typically made in large batches. Glogg is formed by heating red wine with cloves, cardamom and cinnamon and served in a large pot for sharing. Brandy or vodka can be added to the glogg if desired.

Martha Stewart makes a rum-based drink called Blood Orange Punch. In this recipe, lime juice, blood orange juice, orange soda are mixed with light rum. Orange wedges are added to the punch for natural flavor.

Eggnog remains the signature beverage of the Christmas season. Popular concoctions contain bourbon or rum, but the recipe can be made non-alcoholic, with extra milk or cream to thicken the mixture. Nearly all recipes call for vanilla and nutmeg.

Be mindful if using raw eggs in a recipe, as children and people with weak immune systems may be more susceptible to foodborne illness.