List of popular drinks tied to cultural holidays or celebrations

By Nurture Culture | 01/06/2025

List of popular drinks tied to cultural holidays or celebrations, with their ingredients, variations, and what they symbolize.  These drinks often reflect the values, climates, and cultural practices of the regions in which they are consumed, serving both as a delicious tradition and a symbol of the season or event they are associated with.  Keep the list in mind you may want to try these drinks when traveling.

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon (about 16 cups) of apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
  • 1-2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4-5 whole cloves
  • 1 orange (cut into slices or wedges)
  • 1-2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of the cider)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)
  • Optional garnish: Additional cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or star anise

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cider: Pour the apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker.
  2. Add the Spices: Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground cinnamon (if using). Drop in the orange slices (you can also squeeze a little juice into the cider before adding the slices).
  3. Sweeten (Optional): Taste the cider and add brown sugar to your preference. Stir to dissolve.
  4. Simmer:
    • On the stove: Bring the cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the cider becomes as the spices infuse.
    • In a slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to low and let the cider simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a smooth cider without the whole spices or orange slices, you can strain the cider before serving.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot cider into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, extra orange slices, or star anise if desired.

Variations:

  • Spiked Apple Cider: Add rum, bourbon, or brandy to the hot cider for an adult twist. About 1-2 oz per mug is perfect.
  • Cranberry-Infused Cider: Add fresh or frozen cranberries for a tangy flavor.
  • Maple Apple Cider: Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar to give the cider a rich, autumnal sweetness.

Symbolism:

  • Hot apple cider is a beloved fall and winter drink in the U.S., often associated with the harvest season, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The apples symbolize abundance, the cinnamon represents warmth and comfort, and the cloves and orange add a festive touch to celebrate the changing seasons. This drink is a symbol of coziness, family gatherings, and seasonal celebration.

 Eggnog (Christmas, North America, Western Europe)

  • Ingredients:
    • 6 Eggs
    • 2 Cups of Milk or cream
    • 3/4 Cup of Sugar
    • Pinch of Nutmeg
    • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
    • Alcohol (usually rum, brandy, or bourbon)
  • Variations:
    • Non-alcoholic eggnog
    • Vegan eggnog (using almond or oat milk and egg substitutes)
    • Eggless eggnog (skipping eggs, using a cornstarch base for thickness)
  • Symbolism:
    • Eggnog is a symbol of warmth and comfort during the cold winter holidays. It also represents hospitality and family gatherings. The egg symbolizes life and rebirth, tying in with the Christmas theme of renewal and hope.

Mulled Wine (Christmas, Western Europe)

  • Ingredients:
    • Red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
    • Spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg)
    • Orange peel
    • Sugar (or honey)
    • Optional additions (brandy or rum)
  • Variations:
    • Mulled cider (with apple cider instead of wine)
    • White mulled wine (using white wine instead of red)
  • Symbolism:
    • Mulled wine is traditionally served in winter as a comforting drink to ward off the cold. The spices are meant to symbolize warmth and prosperity, while the red wine represents the blood of Christ, especially during Christmas celebrations.

Saké (New Year, Japan)

  • Ingredients:
    • Rice
    • Water
    • Koji mold (used for fermentation)
    • Yeast
  • Variations:
    • Warm sake: Served in traditional cups, heated slightly (often in winter).
    • Cold sake: Served chilled or at room temperature, more common in warmer months.
    • Nigori: Cloudy sake with rice sediment.
    • Amazake: A sweeter, non-alcoholic version of sake.
  • Symbolism:
    • Saké is deeply tied to Japanese Shinto rituals, representing purity and prosperity. It is often consumed during New Year’s ceremonies and celebrations to honor the gods and to bring good fortune for the coming year.

Hot Chocolate (Winter, North America, Europe)

  • Ingredients:
    • Milk or water
    • Cocoa powder or chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
    • Sugar
    • Vanilla extract
    • Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)
    • Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder)
  • Variations:
    • Mexican hot chocolate (with cinnamon and chili powder)
    • Spiked hot chocolate (with liqueurs such as Baileys, rum, or Kahlúa)
  • Symbolism:
    • Hot chocolate represents comfort and joy during the winter holidays. It is associated with warmth, family bonding, and childhood nostalgia. The rich chocolate symbolizes the sweet pleasures of life.

Té de Jamaica (Christmas and New Year’s, Mexico)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 Cups dried hibiscus flowers
    • 3 Cups water
    • ½  Cup of piloncillo or cane sugar
    • Lime (optional)
    • Cinnamon stick
  • Variations:
    • Can be served hot or cold (iced).
  • Symbolism:
    • This vibrant drink represents celebration and refreshment during the holiday season, particularly in Mexico. It is often seen at festive gatherings, symbolizing prosperity and good health for the new year.

Glögg (Christmas, Scandinavia) Measurements personal to taste

  • Ingredients:
    • Red wine
    • Spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger)
    • Orange zest
    • Sugar
    • Almonds and raisins (optional)
    • Brandy or aquavit (optional)
  • Variations:
    • Non-alcoholic Glögg (made with fruit juice or tea instead of alcohol)
    • Some variations use different types of wine or spirits for flavor.
  • Symbolism:
    • Glögg is a traditional winter drink in Scandinavian countries, symbolizing warmth, togetherness, and hospitality. The spices are linked to the hope of a prosperous and joyful new year.

Caipirinha (Carnival, Brazil) Measurements personal taste

  • Ingredients:
    • Cachaça (Brazilian rum)
    • Lime
    • Sugar
    • Ice
  • Variations:
    • Caipiroska (using vodka instead of cachaça)
    • Caipirissima (using rum instead of cachaça)
  • Symbolism:
    • The Caipirinha is a traditional Brazilian cocktail, commonly consumed during Carnival and other festive occasions. It represents the lively, celebratory nature of Brazilian culture and is a symbol of hospitality and joy.

Feliz Navidad Punch (Christmas, Puerto Rico) Measurements personal taste

  • Ingredients:
    • Rum
    • Tropical fruit juices (like pineapple, orange, and guava)
    • Fresh fruit (such as lime, orange, and pineapple)
    • Spices (cinnamon, cloves)
  • Variations:
    • Virgin versions (non-alcoholic)
    • Some variations include coconut milk or cream for a creamy texture
  • Symbolism:
    • This festive punch symbolizes the tropical warmth and vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican culture. It’s a drink meant to share joy, family unity, and the celebratory spirit of Christmas.

Coquito (Puerto Rico, Christmas and New Year’s)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
    • 1 can (15 oz) coconut cream
    • 1 cup white rum (or more, depending on preference)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
    • Optional: 1 egg (raw or pasteurized)
  • Variations:
    • Non-alcoholic Coquito: Simply omit the rum.
    • Flavored Coquito: Some variations use chocolate or pistachio flavorings.
    • Vegan Coquito: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the dairy and use a vegan sweetener.
  • Symbolism:
    • Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, especially during Christmas and New Year’s. It is a symbol of family and togetherness, bringing warmth and cheer during the cold winter months. The coconut symbolizes fertility and abundance, while the rum reflects the island’s history of sugar and rum production.

Atole (Mexico, Day of the Dead, Christmas, and New Year’s)

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 cups milk (or water for a lighter version)
    • 1/2 cup masa harina (corn dough)
    • 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    • 1 tbsp cocoa powder or chocolate (optional for chocolate atole)
    • Pinch of salt
  • Variations:
    • Chocolate Atole: Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the mixture.
    • Strawberry Atole: Add pureed strawberries for a fruity version.
    • Fruit-flavored Atole: Some variations include fruit flavors like mango or pineapple.
    • Vegan Atole: Use almond or coconut milk as a substitute for dairy milk.
  • Symbolism:
    • Atole is a warm and comforting drink consumed during major celebrations in Mexico, particularly during the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) and the Christmas season. It symbolizes nourishment and warmth, often consumed after long nights of celebration. The corn in atole is sacred to many indigenous cultures in Mexico, symbolizing life, sustenance, and community.

Rompope (Mexico, Christmas and Celebrations)

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 large egg yolks
    • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1 cup rum (or brandy or vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • Variations:
    • Non-alcoholic Rompope: Use vanilla extract instead of alcohol for a family-friendly version.
    • Chocolate Rompope: Add cocoa powder to create a chocolate-flavored version.
    • Flavored Rompope: Some versions incorporate nuts or spices such as cloves or anise.
  • Symbolism:
    • Rompope is a traditional Mexican drink often served during Christmas, weddings, and other celebrations. It is typically associated with indulgence and festive occasions. The rich texture and sweetness symbolize abundance and prosperity, and the drink is often a symbol of hospitality and celebration during special gatherings.

Chicha Morada (Peru, Celebrations and Festivals)

  • Ingredients:
    • 5 cups water
    • 1/2 cup dried purple corn (maíz morado) substitute arrowroot
    • 1-2 cloves
    • 1-2 cinnamon sticks
    • 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
    • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 1-2 slices of pineapple (optional for added flavor)
  • Variations:
    • Chicha Morada with Fruit: Add pieces of fruit such as pineapple or apples for added sweetness and flavor.
    • Chicha Morada with Pisco: For an alcoholic version, add a shot of Pisco (a type of brandy from Peru).
    • Non-sweetened version: Some variations omit sugar for a more natural taste.
  • Symbolism:
    • Chicha Morada is a popular Peruvian drink, typically enjoyed during national celebrations and festivals like Fiestas Patrias (Peruvian Independence Day). The purple corn symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of Peru and the connection to ancient Andean traditions. It is often considered a drink of health and vitality due to the antioxidants in the purple corn.

Canelazo (Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, New Year’s Eve and Celebrations)

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups water
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 3-4 cloves
    • 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)
    • 1 cup aguardiente (or rum)
    • 1/4 cup lime juice (optional for added zest)
  • Variations:
    • Non-alcoholic Canelazo: Can be served without alcohol, making it a sweet, spiced drink for children and adults alike.
    • Canelazo with Fruit: Some versions add orange or apple slices for a fruity twist.
  • Symbolism:
    • Canelazo is traditionally consumed during colder nights, particularly during New Year’s Eve in the Andes region, and other celebrations. The drink symbolizes warmth, comfort, and community as people gather to celebrate. The cinnamon in the drink is often linked to prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

 Tepache (Mexico, Festivities and Celebrations)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 medium pineapple (peeled, skin reserved)
    • 5 cups water
    • 1/2 cup piloncillo (unrefined brown sugar) or regular sugar
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2-3 cloves
    • Optional: 1/4 cup orange peel
    • Optional: 1/2 cup beer or tequila (for an alcoholic version)
  • Variations:
    • Alcoholic Tepache: Add beer or rum for a fermented, alcoholic version.
    • Fruity Tepache: You can add other fruits like apples or guava for added flavor.
  • Symbolism:
    • Tepache is a traditional Mexican fermented beverage made from pineapple. It is often consumed at festive events, especially during Mexican Independence Day (Dia de la Independencia), Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), and other celebrations. The drink symbolizes community, fermentation (representing life and renewal), and the use of local, sustainable ingredients.

Guarapo (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Central America, Celebrations and Social Gatherings)

  • Ingredients:
    • Fresh sugar cane juice (or make a sugar cane syrup by dissolving sugar in water)
    • Lime (optional)
    • Ice
    • Rum (optional for alcoholic version)
  • Variations:
    • Guarapo con Rum: The alcoholic version is made by adding rum, typically white rum.
    • Guarapo with Ginger: Some versions include ginger for an added spicy kick.
  • Symbolism:
    • Guarapo is made from sugar cane, a crop that holds significant cultural and economic importance in the Caribbean and Latin America. It is often consumed during social gatherings, celebrations, or to cool off on a hot day. The drink symbolizes the natural sweetness of life, the agricultural wealth of the region, and the joyful nature of Caribbean celebrations.
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