Once the colder months roll around, drinks tend to get warmer, highly spiced and often include a more generous helping of alcohol. This tradition is especially popular in Europe, where the Christmas markets are bursting with stalls selling mulled wine and spiked hot chocolate as the perfect antidote to the chilly temperatures outside.
Crystal Ski Holidays have created their own infographic about some of the most delicious winter drinks you can indulge in this year and where they originated from.
Here are some of their suggestions, along with a few of my own recommendations.
Bombardino, Italy
Often consumed as a warming apres-ski drink in Italian ski resorts, bombardino gets its name ("the bomb") from its high alcohol content and warm temperature. It combines egg liqueur and brandy topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Glogg, Denmark
Pronounced "glurg", this hot sweet Danish drink is similar to mulled wine with a few unique twists. The red wine is heated in a pan with festive spices, sugar and orange peel before being poured into glasses that each have a sprinkling of almonds and raisins in the bottom.
A spike of aquavit, rum or cognac can then be added to give it an extra kick.
Tom and Jerry, USA
Loved across the Midwest and sold at a popular bar in Manhattan, the Tom and Jerry is an alternative take on eggnog. It features a batter base (which can be bought pre-mixed or made from scratch using eggs, butter, sugar and spices), which is added to a mug along with a slug of rum or brandy.
Hot milk is then poured over the whole lot and topped with a garnish of grated nutmeg.
Sbiten, Russia
Sbiten is a honey-based drink that can be prepared with or without alcohol. It is made by boiling water or wine in a saucepan before adding honey, spices and fruit jam. Enjoyed in glass mugs with a stick of cinnamon, it is the perfect way to keep warm during the long winter months.
Ponche Navideno, Mexico
Think of this as the ultimate warming fruit punch. Usually served throughout the holiday season, it features all manner of different fruits (including tejocote, a type of golden apple), cane sugar and a good splash of brandy or tequila.
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