When it comes to the holidays, I’m all about tradition—especially my family’s tradition to try ethnic food! For Christmas Eve, we always skipped the ham and turkey in favor of kimchi, curry, and gnocchi. I loved trying new foods and learning about what people ate in others countries. You might still want your Christmas ham, but this year, my challenge for you is to try an ethnic holiday beverage! These are lighter, healthier versions, but many are still high in calories, so enjoy a glass…but maybe just one. Happy Holidays!
Ponche Navideno
This Mexican Christmas Punch is sweet and loaded with fruit and cinnamon. The fruit used can vary, depending on what you have available, so don’t be afraid to use what you have.
Wassail Punch
The aroma alone of this holiday British classic is sure to put everyone in a cheerful spirit.
Hungarian Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate has unique spices, like cloves and paprika helps bring out the richness of the chocolate.
Anijsmelk
The warmth of milk and honey, and the soothing taste of anise seeds make this old-fashioned Dutch drink perfect for late winter nights.
Ginger Beer
African Ginger Beer is much stronger than ginger ale. The fiery, spicy kick ginger adds is a sure to warm you up.
Cola De Mono
Toast friends and family with this creamy, Chilean drink. With a hint of coffee and cloves, this drink is an excellent way to enjoy the holidays!
Glogg
This non-alcoholic version of the Swedish Holiday drink is a delicious, hot, spiced punch that’s sure to warm you up and put you in a cheerful mood.
Sahlab
Served warm or cold, this Egyptian drink is amazing! It’s thick and creamy and has a divine vanilla flavor. Plus, the recipe is so simple!
Cioccolata Calda
Italian hot chocolate is the perfect indulgence to enjoy this holiday season. So thick you may need a spoon!
Hot Toddy
This non-alcoholic twist on the traditional Scottish drink has all the flavor without the calories. Hot toddys not only warm you up on a cold day, but the honey and lemon help sooth sore throats, making the perfect drink for you to try this winter!
Sorrel Punch
Holidays in the Caribbean wouldn’t be the same without Sorrel Punch! With exotic spices and dried sorrel, it tastes a little bitter, but unique. If you can’t find sorrel at your store, it might be sold under the names hibiscus or Jamaica Flowers.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Infusing hot chocolate with peppermint gives it an instant holiday twist. You may want to double or triple this recipe if you’re serving for a larger crowd.
SujeongGwa
SuJeongGwa, or Korean Cinnamon Punch, can be enjoyed hot or cold. It’s sweet, and the cinnamon gives a warm feeling, even if you enjoy it cold.
Egg Nog
This low-fat eggnog recipe is still rich and creamy, bringing back all your favorite holiday memories without all the calories. Be sure to garnish with nutmeg just before you enjoy this decadent Canadian drink.
French Hot Chocolate
With just a hint of coffee, this hot chocolate is rich and flavorful—perfect for any true chocolate lover.
Sbiten
When the weather turns cold, it’s time to cozy up next to a delicious, warm drink! This Russian spicy honey drink is even soothing for your throat during cold season.
Sweet Spanish Hot Chocolate
If you’ve never tasted anything but hot chocolate made from store-bought envelopes, you’re about to have your tastebuds tingled with this stovetop, sweet, Spanish hot chocolate.
Gluhwein
This spiced punch drink has holiday flavors in every sip. So come in from the snow and warm up with a steaming mug of Germany’s favorite Gluhwein!
Tablea Tsokolate
This Filipino drink is made with chocolate wedges that are melted to give you a mug of rich hot chocolate that can be enjoyed on any chilly night.
Canelazo
A steaming mug of this non-alcoholic Ecuadorian Canelazo will keep you warm and festive this winter!
Conquito
If you like frothy, cold drinks, you’ll enjoy this refreshing, creamy Puerto Rican Coquito. With the heavy flavor of rum spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, one serving may not be enough!
