While the Northern Hemisphere sips hot cocoa by the fire, Australians enjoy a sun-soaked festive season. This article explores global holiday drink traditions around the world, ranging from spicy European warmers to refreshing Latin American coffee punches.
We will look at how to bring these international flavours into your home, with a special focus on coffee-based treats and cold options perfect for an Aussie holiday.
Classic Winter Warmers from the Northern Hemisphere
Most of the imagery we see during the festive season comes from cold climates. Movies show snow, fireplaces, and steaming mugs. While the weather in Australia is different, the coffee flavour profiles from these regions remain popular. We often adapt these rich, spicy tastes to suit our warmer climate.
Eggnog (USA & Canada)
Eggnog is perhaps the most famous North American holiday beverage. It is a rich, dairy-based drink made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. Traditionally, people add bourbon, brandy, or rum. The defining flavour comes from a generous dusting of fresh nutmeg on top.
For coffee lovers, this tradition has evolved into the Eggnog Latte. This involves mixing espresso with steamed eggnog instead of milk. In Australia, you can easily adapt this by using cold milk and ice to create an Iced Eggnog Latte. The nutmeg and creamy texture pair perfectly with a strong espresso shot.
Glögg and Mulled Wine (Scandinavia & Europe)
In Europe, the smell of Christmas is often the smell of warm wine and spices. Known as Glögg in Sweden or Glühwein in Germany, this drink involves heating red wine with sugar and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
These spices are the same ones found in many festive coffee blends. Roasters often create seasonal blends that mimic these warming notes. Even if you are drinking iced coffee, using beans with notes of clove, citrus, and cinnamon can evoke that traditional Christmas feeling without the heat.
Kinderpunsch (Germany)
Not everyone wants alcohol during the holidays. In Germany, Kinderpunsch is a popular non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine. It typically uses hibiscus tea or fruit juice (cherry or apple) as a base, simmered with winter spices. This is a fantastic inspiration for summer holiday beverages. You can brew a strong fruit tea or a floral coffee, chill it, and serve it over ice with orange slices for a refreshing, festive punch.
Coffee-Based Holiday Traditions
Coffee plays a massive role in celebrations globally. Many cultures incorporate their daily caffeine fix into their evening festivities. As a consistent supplier of high-quality beans, we know that the base ingredient is the secret to making these recipes shine.
You can also check our brew guides to help you create the perfect holiday drink.
Cola de Mono (Chile)
This is one of the best traditional Christmas drinks for the Australian climate because it is served cold. Translating to "Monkey's Tail," Cola de Mono is a Chilean holiday staple.
It is a creamy punch made with aguardiente (a local spirit), milk, sugar, spices, and—most importantly—strong coffee. The result is similar to a White Russian but with more spice and complexity. It is potent, sweet, and served straight from the fridge, making it an ideal dessert drink for a hot Christmas Day lunch.
Pharisäer (Germany)
The Pharisäer hails from North Frisia in Germany. Legend says it was created to hide alcohol from a strict pastor. It consists of a mug of strong, hot black coffee, a shot of rum, and a thick layer of whipped cream on top. The cream prevents the smell of the rum from escaping.
While it is a hot drink, it is perfect for those occasional rainy summer evenings or as a decadent morning brew on a lazy holiday. The contrast between the hot, bitter coffee and the cool, sweet cream is delightful.
Cafe de Olla (Mexico)
In Mexico, coffee is often brewed in a traditional clay pot known as an "olla." This method, called Cafe de Olla, is popular during Christmas festivities (Las Posadas). The coffee is brewed with cinnamon sticks and piloncillo (raw cane sugar).
The clay pot adds a unique earthy flavour, but the real secret is the integration of the cinnamon during the brewing process, not just as a garnish. To get this right, you need a coffee with chocolate or caramel notes to balance the spice. Using a reliable roaster ensures you have the fresh beans needed to stand up to the strong sweetness of the piloncillo.
Australian Summer Holiday Drinks
In Australia, the "white Christmas" is usually white sand, not snow. Our traditions revolve around beating the summer heat. We trade roasting fires for BBQs and heavy stouts for crisp lagers. However, coffee culture is strong here, and it has found its way into our holiday menu.
The Rise of Festive Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee has become the King of the Australian Christmas morning. It is smooth, low in acidity, and incredibly refreshing. It also serves as a perfect canvas for cold brew coffee cocktails.
You can easily festive-up a cold brew by infusing the water with orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and star anise while the coffee steeps overnight. Strain it the next morning, and you have a liquid that tastes like Christmas but drinks like an iced tea. It keeps you caffeinated for the long day of family gatherings without making you sweat.
The Pavlova Martini (Coffee Twist)
The Pavlova is an icon of the Aussie Christmas table. Recently, this dessert has inspired cocktail menus. A Pavlova Martini usually involves vodka, vanilla, and passionfruit.
For a coffee twist, many are adding a shot of espresso. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the extreme sweetness of the meringue and fruit flavours. It balances the drink, making it a sophisticated option for an evening celebration. It is a modern take on Australian Christmas drinks that honours both our coffee obsession and our favourite dessert.
Adapting Traditions for the Australian Heat
You do not have to miss out on international flavours just because it is 30 degrees outside. With a few tweaks, you can enjoy the taste of a European winter while sitting by the pool.
Iced Versions of Classics
Almost any hot holiday drink can be iced. The key is potency. When you pour hot coffee over ice, it dilutes quickly. To solve this, make coffee ice cubes. Freeze your leftover batch brew in ice trays.
Use these cubes in your Christmas coffee recipes. For example, make a Gingerbread Latte syrup using ginger, molasses, and vanilla. Mix this with cold milk and pour it over your coffee ice cubes. You get all the spicy goodness of the traditional version without overheating.
Spices and Syrups
To be ready for the holiday season, stock your pantry with the essentials. You can turn a standard latte into a festive treat instantly if you have the right ingredients.
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Cinnamon sticks: Essential for infusing cold brew or garnishing cocktails.
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Vanilla syrup: A universal sweetener that pairs with coffee and alcohol.
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Fresh nutmeg: Grating this over any milky coffee adds instant holiday vibes.
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Quality espresso beans: Freshness is vital. Partnering with a consistent supplier ensures your base product is always excellent.
Summary On Holiday Drink Traditions
Exploring global beverages allows you to travel the world from your kitchen. Whether you prefer a chilled Chilean coffee punch or a classic spiced latte, the key is quality ingredients. Remember that Australian festivities call for refreshing options, so do not be afraid to add ice to traditional recipes. Enjoy the festive season with a cup that suits your style.
Contact us. The Blind Coffee Roaster is the best coffee roaster to partner with for residential and commercial coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Drink Traditions
What Is The Most Popular Holiday Drink In The World?
Eggnog and Mulled Wine (Glögg) are likely the most globally recognised holiday drinks. Eggnog dominates in North America, while spiced warm wine is the standard across Europe. Both have heavily influenced flavours in other beverages, including coffee.
What Do Australians Drink At Christmas?
Because of the heat, Australians typically drink cold beverages. This includes cold beer, white wine, and sparkling wine. In the non-alcoholic space, iced coffee and cold brew are very popular to help people stay awake and cool during the summer heat.
What Are Some Traditional Christmas Coffee Drinks?
Globally, there are several unique coffee traditions. Cola de Mono is a Chilean coffee punch served cold. Cafe de Olla is a spiced Mexican coffee. In Europe, drinks like the Pharisäer combine coffee with spirits and cream.
What Is The Traditional Drink For Christmas Morning?
For many adults, the morning starts with a high-quality coffee or a mimosa (champagne and orange juice). In Australia, a chilled cold brew or a freshly pulled espresso is a common way to kick off the festivities before the heat sets in.
What Are Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drink Options?
There are many festive options without alcohol. Spiced apple cider, Kinderpunsch (German fruit punch), and decaf specialty coffee are excellent choices. You can also make iced teas infused with cranberries and rosemary for a festive look.
What Countries Drink Coffee For Christmas?
Scandinavians are among the highest coffee consumers in the world and drink it throughout the holidays. Latin American countries like Mexico, Chile, and Colombia also have deep traditions involving coffee punches and spiced brews during their celebrations.
