The holidays are a time when many people enjoy celebrating with family and friends, often with a festive drink in hand. But when it comes to the most popular alcoholic beverages this time of year, what tops the list? Let’s explore some of the leading contenders for the holiday alcohol crown.
Wine
Wine is a classic holiday choice, with all its variety lending itself well to festive meals and gatherings. Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir pair beautifully with hearty holiday dishes. White wines like Chardonnay and Riesling complement foods like roast chicken and rich sauces. Sparkling wines add special occasion flair, with Champagne and Prosecco popping up frequently at holiday parties. In fact, the sales of sparkling wine in the U.S. nearly double in December over other months. With so many food pairing options, wine is surely a top contender for the most popular holiday alcohol.
Beer
Beer is another very popular holiday drink choice. In fact, U.S. beer sales in December are more than double the sales in January. The crisp, refreshing quality of beer makes it a crowd-pleasing option when celebrating with family and friends. Many holiday beers are released in winter, often darker, stronger, and more full-bodied. Styles like bock, stout, scotch ale, and winter warmers give beer drinkers festive options. Seasonal beers flavored with spices or herbs like nutmeg, cinnamon, and pine are also holiday favorites. With its wide variety and versatility, it’s easy to see why beer earns a top spot on the holiday alcohol list.
Eggnog
What would the holidays be without eggnog? This thick, creamy, custard-like beverage has a distinctive vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavor. Traditional homemade eggnog contains a hefty dose of brandy, rum, or bourbon, while store-bought versions may use lower amounts of liquor. Regardless, the alcohol content makes it a popular adult drink for holiday gatherings. In fact, over $90 million worth of eggnog is sold in the U.S. each winter holiday season. With its indulgent flavor and nostalgic seasonal appeal, eggnog is undoubtedly one of the most iconic holiday drinks out there.
Hot Cocktails
When the weather turns cold, nothing warms you up like a steaming hot alcoholic beverage. Drinks like hot toddies, hot buttered rum, mulled wine, and Irish coffee see their popularity surge during the winter holidays. These hot cocktails typically consist of a spirit like whiskey, rum, or brandy, mixed with warm water, spices, coffee, tea, or cider. The comforting warmth and seasonal flavors make these drinks a beloved part of holiday traditions. Bars and restaurants also tap into their popularity by featuring hot holiday cocktails. The appeal of hot cocktails lands them high on the list of popular holiday libations.
Brandy and Cognac
Brandy and cognac have long been associated with the holidays, used for flavoring eggnog, hot cocktails, and standalone sipping. In fact, over 30% of cognac consumption in the U.S. takes place during the holiday months. The global shipments of cognac also consistently peak in both November and December. The smooth elegance and warming quality of these aged grape brandies make them a natural fit for chilly holiday celebrations. From splashing into drinks to savoring neat by the fire, brandy and cognac remain holiday alcohol staples.
Liqueurs
Sweet liqueurs are a key ingredient in many holiday cocktails and baked goods. Spirits like Irish cream, coffee liqueur, amaretto, peppermint schnapps, and spiced rum work well mixed into festive drinks or simply poured over ice. Popular combinations like mixing coffee liqueur with brandy or Irish cream are part of many end-of-meal holiday traditions. Bottles of flavored liqueurs also make popular gifts during the holidays. With their sweet, indulgent flavors and versatility, liqueurs rank among the most beloved holiday alcohols.
Hot Buttered Rum
One quintessential cold weather drink is hot buttered rum. Dating back centuries, this hot cocktail contains rum, butter, brown sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and hot water. The sweet, creamy, warming blend makes it a highly anticipated part of holiday parties. Simply mixing up a batch in a slow cooker makes entertaining easy. Friends and family will be eager to ladle a steaming cup of this comforting classic. With its long-standing seasonal popularity, hot buttered rum deserves a place of honor among cherished holiday drinks.
Conclusion
When all is said and done, no single alcohol claims the definitive title of most popular holiday drink. Wine, beer, eggnog, hot cocktails, brandy, liqueurs, and more each play a special role during the festive winter season. Whatever your preferences, there are so many wonderful options to choose from to complement your holiday meals, parties, and traditions. So pick your favorite festive sip, raise a glass, and let the holiday cheer commence!