Experts named the most popular Christmas drinks in different countries of the world

During the winter and Christmas season, taste preferences noticeably shift towards warming drinks with a rich taste, which help to take a break from the festive rush. PIMS experts told Izvestia on January 6 what kind of drink is traditionally chosen in different countries of the world at this time of the year.

Mulled wine remains one of the main symbols of Christmas in Europe. Warm wine with cinnamon, cloves and citruses is traditionally served at Christmas markets in Germany and Austria. Over time, other popular options have appeared based on it: for example, Feuerzangenbowle with strong alcohol and Eierpunsch, an egg punch that is strongly associated with winter holidays.

According to experts, the Nordic countries of Europe have developed their own traditions. In Sweden, Julmust, a sweet soft drink that often replaces soda, is especially popular during the Christmas period. Another local classic is mumma, a mixture of dark beer and sweet soda, sometimes with spices or spirits. In the cold regions of Central Europe, Jägertee based on black tea and rum is also drunk in winter.

"In the UK, Wassail is considered a Christmas symbol. It is a warm, fruity and spicy drink associated with the tradition of caroling and wishing health. It is prepared on the basis of cider or beer, adding sugar, spices and citrus fruits," the experts said.

Eggnog, a thick egg drink based on milk, cream and spices, which is often supplemented with rum or brandy and served during the festive season, remains equally popular.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, Christmas drinks reflect a warmer climate. In Mexico and Central American countries, rompope, a version of an egg drink with vanilla and rum, is considered traditional. In Chile, Cola de Mono is prepared for the holidays — a coffee and milk cocktail with spices and alcohol, which is served chilled. In Puerto Rico and neighboring islands, the Christmas symbol has become Coquito, a coconut-rum drink similar in texture to eggnog, but with bright tropical notes.

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Tea occupies a special place in the Christmas culture. According to PIMS experts, it rarely becomes the centerpiece of a festive drink, but it is often used as the basis for warm seasonal options. Thus, English grog is often prepared on the basis of strong black tea with the addition of fruit juices and spices. Non—alcoholic versions of Christmas drinks are also becoming increasingly popular - fruit and tea infusions with cranberries, orange and cinnamon, which are suitable for family holidays.

"Many Christmas drinks are easy to adapt for the home format. As an alternative to classic mulled wine, you can brew a warm drink based on strong black tea with the addition of juice, cinnamon, cloves and citrus fruits. This option is suitable for a home—cooked dinner, and for a small winter evening with friends," the experts advised.

They emphasized that Christmas drinks remain not just a part of gastronomic culture, but an important element of family and personal traditions. From mulled wine at European fairs to tropical cocktails in the Caribbean and simple tea with spices at home, it is through them that many find a sense of comfort and warmth at the end of the year.

Nikolai Gulyaev, chief cardiologist at the Cardiology center of the Vishnevsky National Research Medical Center, said that 50-70 grams of strong drink or a glass of wine is considered an acceptable dose of alcohol, but even such a portion creates additional stress on the heart, blood vessels and liver. According to him, alcohol consumption should be completely eliminated or limited to occasional intake no more than once or twice a month in a minimum amount.

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