[cmoneyspinner]

Born and raised in the USA, so when it comes to traditional Christmas drinks I am only familiar with two: eggnog and wassail. I never even think about these two drinks any time of the year other than Christmas time.

As I did a little research to write this article I found out that:
~ Eggnog is a creamy drink and mostly Americans and Canadians partake.
~ Wassail is a fruity drink and mostly people in the USA and the UK partake.

EGGNOG:
Even though it's tradition, eggnog is not a traditional drink in our home. Why? Because only one of my kids likes this drink, so he buys his own eggnog to enjoy. Me? I like the fact that eggnog can be used in lots of dessert recipes. Cookies, cakes, etc. However, because certain members of my family have dietary restrictions I can not make those desserts. But if other people make and serve them at a holiday gathering, I can indulge myself without feeling guilty.

You can buy eggnog ready-made in the grocery store or make your own. Once again because of special diets, many people choose to make their own ~ with or without raw eggs, with or without alcohol, some with ice cream, some with no cream, etc. Here is a traditional recipe.

Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog


WASSAIL:
As for wassail, in addition to it being a delightful warm drink, I discovered accidentally that it is wonderfully soothing for sore throats. That was an unexpected health benefit.

Most people buy a spice blend and make their own wassail using the juices they like and mixing the spices into the liquid. Some people have their own spice blends and swear that it is better than anybody else's blend. Everybody has different methods. I find that using a slow cooker works great and I let my daughter pick the spices she wants to put in the pot. Here is a link to a traditional recipe.

Old Fashioned Wassail - Accidental Happy Baker

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Since this is a global community I did extra research and learned about the traditional holiday drinks from all around the world and I can honestly say that most of them I have never heard of until now. Make a history mark for the month of December 2020 on my calendar. I arranged them in alphabetical order by country.

NOTES:
~ Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, but they have their own traditional drink, so they are also in the list.
~ Some countries have either 2 drinks or 1 drink that is known by 2 different names. (Not sure.) OR if they are like US and they have a creamy drink and a fruity drink. (???)



Bulgaria – Greyano Vino
Chile – Cola de Mono
Cuba – Aliñado
France – Kir Royale
Germany – Glühwein
Italy – Bellini
Italy – Bombardino
Jamaica – Sorrel Punch
Lithuania – Krupnikas
Lithuania – Poppy Seed Milk
Mexico – Ponche Navideño
Mexico – Rompope
Puerto Rico – Coquito
Romania – Tuica
Ukraine, Russia, Poland, other – Kompot


These drinks are what I could find surfing the Internet.

~ Are you familiar with any of these drinks?

~ If you know of any more Christmas drinks, please share.

~ If you don't celebrate Christmas, is there a traditional drink associated with a particular holiday that you do celebrate? One that you usually don't drink unless it's that special time of the year.

[Netherrealmer]

I tried to DIY eggnog before. I cooked it in lowfire and tempered the eggs because I don't want to drink raw eggs.

[cmoneyspinner]

I tried to DIY eggnog before. I cooked it in lowfire and tempered the eggs because I don't want to drink raw eggs.

Many people object to drinking eggnog because they don't like the idea of the raw eggs. But as you say if you cook it on low temperature most people won't mind drinking it. When I do drink eggnog I prefer it served warm anyway. I have never made my own eggnog. We have a brand here in America called Borden and they have been selling their eggnog since I was a kid. Almost everybody buys Borden. I wouldn't be surprised if UNESCO added it to its "World Heritage List".

[sysforum]

Compared to the number of individuals pursuing other religious paths in the world, the Christian religion in Bangladesh may be a minority, but Xmas in Bangladesh, which is a public holiday, is observed with utmost diligence. Christmas breakfast consists of food such as cookies, pitha, paes, semai, or sandwich. With tasty fruits, soft drinks, and ice creams, assorted carrots, mutton, chicken, pork or beef are picked for lunch and dinner.

[cmoneyspinner]

@sysforum - I looked it up and pitha looks so pretty; like flowers. I found drinks on Pinterest, but only for Ramadan. Thanks for sharing your part of the world.

[Netherrealmer]

There is a recipe that I dont like which is the 100 year old eggnog. I mean who ferments eggnog.

[nela13]

I know many countries have special drinks for festivities but here in Portugal we have special wine that we drink every time we want to celebrate, it is Porto wine, a sweet light wine.

[cmoneyspinner]

There is a recipe that I dont like which is the 100 year old eggnog. I mean who ferments eggnog.

Forget about it! I got to draw the line somewhere. You just reminded me of that 100-year-old fruit cake they found in Antarctica. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news ... erra-nova/

-- 11 Dec 2020, 14:02 --

I know many countries have special drinks for festivities but here in Portugal we have special wine that we drink every time we want to celebrate, it is Porto wine, a sweet light wine.

I have tasted that wine. It is very sweet! But I didn't know it was for the holiday.