Global Holiday Cocktails: Traditions from Around the World

The holiday season is a time to celebrate traditions, connect with loved ones, and savor festive flavors. Around the world, different cultures mark this special time of year with unique drinks that reflect their history, climate, and culinary heritage. From warm mulled wines to sparkling prosecco creations, these global holiday cocktails inspire a journey of tastes and traditions.

Here’s how you can bring the world to your glass this holiday season, blending flavors from afar with NYC’s multicultural energy.

1. Mexican Ponche Navideño

A traditional Mexican holiday punch, ponche navideño is warm, fruity, and fragrant, often served at festive gatherings or alongside tamales on Christmas Eve.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water

• 8 oz tamarind pods, peeled

• 6 oz tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn fruit) or substitute with crabapples

• 1 cup hibiscus flowers (or 2 hibiscus tea bags)

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 cup sugar (or piloncillo, a Mexican cane sugar)

• 2 cups mixed fruits (sliced apples, pears, guava)

• Optional: 1 cup rum or tequila for a spiked version

Method

1. Combine water, tamarind, tejocotes, hibiscus, cinnamon, and sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

2. Add the sliced fruits and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Strain into mugs and serve warm, optionally spiked with rum or tequila.

Pro Tip

For NYC flair, garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh orange.

2. Scandinavian Glögg

This spiced mulled wine from Scandinavia is a warming holiday classic, perfect for snowy nights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine

• 1 cup aquavit or vodka

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 orange (sliced, with peel)

• 4 cardamom pods

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 6 whole cloves

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup blanched almonds

Method

1. Heat wine, aquavit, and sugar in a pot over low heat (do not boil).

2. Add orange slices, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Let steep for 30 minutes.

3. Strain and serve warm in mugs, garnished with raisins and almonds.

Pro Tip

Add NYC charm by serving glögg in glass mugs with frosted rims dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

3. Italian Sgroppino

Light, refreshing, and bubbly, sgroppino is an Italian holiday favorite, blending prosecco with lemon sorbet for a dessert-like cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lemon sorbet

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 1/2 cup prosecco (chilled)

Method

1. In a blender or cocktail shaker, combine lemon sorbet and vodka. Blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a coupe or flute glass.

3. Top with prosecco and stir gently.

Pro Tip

Add a festive twist with a rosemary sprig garnish or a sugared cranberry skewer.

4. New York City’s Multicultural Inspirations

NYC’s melting pot of cultures makes it the perfect place to explore global holiday flavors. Combine international traditions with local creativity to craft diverse, inspired cocktails.

Fusion Ideas

• Cranberry & Lychee Mule: A nod to NYC’s Chinese-American community, this mule combines vodka, lychee juice, cranberry, and ginger beer for a vibrant and festive drink.

• Churro Hot Chocolate: Blend Mexican heritage with NYC’s love for indulgent treats by spiking hot chocolate with reposado tequila and topping with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

• Pomegranate Spritz: Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this spritz pairs pomegranate juice with prosecco, an orange liqueur, and a touch of sparkling water.

5. Bonus: DIY Multicultural Holiday Cocktail Bar

Host a global-inspired cocktail party with a drink station featuring:

• Base Spirits: Tequila, vodka, rum, and prosecco.

• Flavors from Around the World: Tamarind syrup (Mexico), lingonberry jam (Scandinavia), limoncello (Italy).

• Garnishes: Dried citrus wheels, fresh pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and sugared cranberries.

Provide recipe cards and let guests craft their own holiday drinks inspired by global traditions.

Celebrate the World in a Glass

Exploring global holiday cocktails is a delicious way to embrace the spirit of the season while celebrating diversity. By incorporating these drinks into your holiday menu, you’ll bring together loved ones with flavors that transcend borders.

For an elevated experience, consider hosting a private mixology class with Art of the Cocktail, where our experts can guide you and your guests through crafting these international favorites.

Cheers to a season filled with warmth, flavor, and a touch of global inspiration.