5 Christmas Drink Recipes to get you in the Festive Spirit

The Christmas season means there are plenty of festive parties to both attend and throw. If you’re planning on doing the latter, why not go for an international theme? Below are our favourite 5 Christmas drinks from across the world and their recipes.

1) Wassail from the UK

Wassail literally means ‘good health’ in Middle English. In ancient southern England wassail accompanied “wassailing,” a drinking ritual to ensure a good apple harvest the following year. Today, wassail is a perfect excuse for warming up in the chilly Christmas weather.
The traditional recipe includes eggs but we’ve left them out in the following basic wassail recipe.

Simple Wassail recipe: 

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 oranges
• 10 whole cloves
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• Allspice
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 C – 1 C brandy (optional)

If you would like to sip on some Wassail in the UK, check out flights to the United Kingdom

2) Glühwein from Germany

Glühwein translates to “glow-wine”, which refers to the hot irons used to mull the wine. This German mulled wine is very popular during Christmas and is a perfect companion for a stroll through the many Christmas markets across the country.

Simple Glühwein recipe:

• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 orange
• 10 whole cloves
• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine

Experience German Christmas markets with a hot, piping glühwein in hand. Find flights to Germany

3) Poppy Seed Milk from Lithuania

This is a drink that is popular in Lithuania all through winter. And since you don’t need lactose to prepare it, the Poppy Seed Milk smoothie makes a great substitute for the traditional American eggnog.

Simple Poppy Seed Milk recipe:

• 2 cups poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cups hot/boiling water
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

If you wish to try the real deal in Lithuania, check out flights to Vilnius.

4) Eggnog from USA

Who would think that mixing eggs and milk with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg would be a popular drink? Across the United States and some parts of Canada, a good holiday party isn’t complete without a frothy glass of eggnog.

Simple Eggnogg recipe:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 pint whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 ounces bourbon
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 egg whites

Not too sure about this eggy concoction? Skip making your own and buy a carton or two in the US. Get your flight to the United States

5) Gløgg from Norway

Gløgg, or hot spiced wine, is a popular tradition not only in Norway, but across Scandinavia. With temperatures below freezing there’s no wonder this warm drink is a must when it comes to the holidays.

Simple Gløgg recipe: 

• 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
• 1 ounces dried orange zest
• 1 ounces cinnamon sticks
• 10 whole cardamom seeds
• 10 whole cloves

Looking for a white Christmas? Head over to Norway and warm up with the Nordic version of spiced wine. Search for flights to Norway

Does your country have a special festive drink that you’d like to share with us?