Mirella Pandjaitan
Dec 12, 2025
Christmas has a way of touching every sense. It could be the sight of twinkling lights, the scent of fresh pine, or the taste of carefully curated festive treats. But normally what is normally poured into a glass that truly defines the season.
Culinary traditions have always shaped the soul of a celebration, and Christmas is no exception. Around the world, each culture has its own cherished holiday beverages that are more than recipes—they are liquid traditions, steeped in history and ritual, crafted to warm the heart and lift the spirit.
Join us on a journey through five countries and five drinks that make Christmas unforgettable.
Australia
Half a world away, Christmas arrives beneath a blazing summer sun. Australians trade steaming mugs for something far more refreshing: sangria. Their holiday version is a vibrant, fruit-laced cocktail that feels tailor-made for beachside gatherings—red or white wine blended with orange juice, ginger ale, sugar, cherries, citrus slices and plenty of ice. It’s Christmas, but with a splash of sunshine.
Italy
In Italy, Christmas is never truly complete without vin brûlé, the country’s beloved winter warmer. This aromatic mulled wine steeped with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, raisins and an array of fragrant spices drifts through homes and Christmas markets alike. Slightly sweet and irresistibly comforting, it’s the Italian way of chasing away winter’s chill.
Germany
Germany brings drama to the season with Feuerzangenbowle, often called German Fire Punch. Built on the backbone of traditional mulled wine—slowly heated with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom and more—this drink becomes a spectacle when a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set ablaze above the pot, caramelising into the wine below. It’s warmth, theatre and tradition all in one glowing ritual.
United States
Anyone who has watched a classic American Christmas film knows the season’s signature drink: eggnog. Though its roots trace back to medieval England, the U.S. has turned it into an unmistakable holiday icon. Made from eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon and nutmeg—and usually enriched with a pour of rum—it’s velvety, rich and entirely indulgent.
Venezuela
The holidays are synonymous with ponche crema, a creamy, custard-like drink beloved since the early 1900s. Made from milk, eggs, sugar and a splash of alcohol, its sweetness is balanced with a gentle tang. Modern recipes enrich the original with condensed milk, lemon zest, cinnamon and rum, transforming it into a festive dessert in a glass.