Holiday Cocktails From Around the World

Swedish White Glögg

Glögg is an aromatic mulled wine served throughout Scandinavia during the holidays. Traditionally it’s made with a robust red wine, sugar, spices, and a spirit to fortify the blend.

This Swedish White Glögg from chef Marcus Samuelsson combines white wine and rosé with cardamom-and-ginger-infused vodka. This lighter and brighter variation on the warming drink has cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and orange zest to round out the spices.

Coquito

Coquito, which translates to “little coconut,” is sometimes referred to as coconut eggnog but traditionally does not contain any eggs. The creamy rum-based holiday treat is served in Puerto Rico for Christmas and throughout the winter holidays.

This recipe, from Shamil Velázquez, the executive chef of Delaney Oyster House in Charleston, uses coconut cream and three types of milk, while warming spices and white rum add aroma and flavor. “My family’s signature is the ginger, which gives a little spiciness. That’s what makes ours different,” says Velázquez.

Whiskey Shamash

This Hanukkah-themed cocktail from the Maccabee Bar in Somerville, Massachusetts, takes inspiration from a Whiskey Smash — whiskey, lemon, and mint — but adds fig syrup for sweetness and extra complexity. Sweet and savory, with bright lemon juice and a robust bourbon, the Whiskey Shamash is served over crushed ice with a big sprig of mint.

Tom & Jerry

The Tom & Jerry dates to the early 1800s England and is a warming and decadent holiday drink that looks and tastes a lot like eggnog. The Tom & Jerry batter includes rum, eggs, spices, and sugar and can be made in advance. This recipe is served with Cognac, more rum, and warm milk with a light dusting of nutmeg for extra cheer.

Guava Ponche with Sweet Vermouth

Ponche Navideño is a warm, spiced fruit punch that’s traditionally served around the holidays in Mexico. This chilled riff on the holiday classic is from food and drink writer and cook Paola Briseño González, a native of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This brightly colored cocktail pays homage to her love of vermouth. Light and fragrant with perfectly balanced bitterness, it’s refreshing and bright thanks to hibiscus, guava, apples, and mint.

Inverno Arancione

Inverno Arancione is typically made with a base of red wine, but Centrolina wine director Alissa Diaz used a bright Pinot Grigio to make this Italian white mulled wine cocktail to focus on citrus and ginger. Inspired by the flavors of a classic panettone, a winter Italian specialty, she includes citrus, vanilla, and baking spices to the mix.

Espresso Corretto Martini

This Italian riff on an Espresso Martini is the perfect nightcap for the festive season. A Cafe Corretto traditionally features espresso with grappa or another liqueur. Charleston’s Sorelle, beverage director Michael Lay looked to the Espresso Martini and includes a rich reposado tequila instead of the usual vodka and adds grappa to round out this variation with mole bitters.

Oaxacan Coffee

Freshly hot brewed coffee combine with mezcal and simple syrup to make this Oaxacan Coffee. With a float of whipped cream and just enough sweetness to temper the bitter coffee and herbal notes in the mezcal, this spiked coffee cocktail is a perfect treat to end holiday festivities.

Cola de Mono

If you’re an Eggnog fan, look to Chile’s traditional Christmas cocktail, the Cola de Mono. Reminiscent of a creamy White Russian, this festive drink is made with aguardiente (an often high-proof distilled spirit), milk, sugar, coffee, and winter spices like clove and cinnamon.

Horchata

Creamy, nutty, and refreshing, Horchata is a classic Mexican milky treat that is served year-round but has all the flavors of a holiday drink. At Nixta Taqueria in Austin, 2023 Food & Wine Best New Chef Edgar Rico and his wife and business partner Sara Mardanbigi serve up glasses of this classic and simple Horchata recipe.