Winter Spirits: Top Warming Drinks From Around the World

Tunes, lights and tinsel all help to bring in the festive cheer, but what are the drinks that are worth venturing out into the cold for?

Countries across the globe all boast their own traditional winter delicacies, and Crystal Ski Holidays have selected the best tipples to try on your travels.

Whether it’s mulled, plank-smoked or served flaming, here are 13 Wonderful Winter Drinks from Around the World:

  1. Mulled Wine – One of the more well-like winter drinks has to be mulled wine. The popular alcoholic beverage is made by heating red wine with spices and fruit and found at many Christmas markets including The Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg for €16.
  2. Tom & Jerry – With ingredients such as dark rum, brandy, hot milk and a raw egg, you can see how this warm treat is a new spin on the classic eggnog. You can find this winter wonder at The Pegu Club in Manhattan.
  3. Candy Cane Cocktail – While many are puzzles as to where this sweet drink originates from, the best option is Albany, Georgia, which is the home to the original candy cane.
  4. Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate – Originating from Germany, The Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate is an alcoholic twist on one of winter’s favourite treats and also sometimes known as a Peppermint Patty.
  5. Bombardino – Bombardino is a drink popular in Italy during the Winter season in most ski resorts. The Bombardino’s name supposedly originated from one of its first imbibers noting its warm temperature and high alcohol content.
  6. Pear Brandy Sidecar – While the exact origin of the cocktail is still under debate, the Ritz Hotel in Paris claims origin of the original side-car drink, thought to be invented around the end of World War I. Nowadays, you can treat yourself to one at The Granary in Edinburgh, for £6.95.
  7. Champagne on a Zip Line – As a VIP in Maribel, Val Thorens Val D’Lsere, you and your guests can have your favourite bottles of champagne delivered on a smocking, firework zip line straight to your table. However luxury comes at a cost and this bubbly treat will set you back a cool €550.
  8. Plan-Smoked Old Fashion – While the Plank-Smoked Old Fashion is an inventive variation of the traditional Old Fashion cocktail, the original was created during the 19th century and given its name in the 1880’s. Find it at the American Cut Steakhouse, USA.
  9. Whiskey Mac – The invention and its name, is credited to a Colonel Macdonald, who created the cocktail during the days of the British Raj in India. This drink is also sometimes referred to as “The Golfers’ Favourite”, as apparently, many golfers drank whiskey macs to warm themselves after a chilly round on the links. You can get one yourself at The Blue Blazer in Edinburgh.
  10. Salmiakki Koskenkorva – The process of making this drink involves dissolving Tyrkisk Peber, a Finnish liquorice, in vodka and sugar over days to produce this Finnish delicacy loved by partygoers.
  11. Lemongrass & Chilli Martini – This drink is commonly associated with Thai cuisine, however its warming properties see it join many classic cocktails on the apres ski menus in Europe. You can try one for yourself in Verbier.
  12. Paramp Ampoli – This flaming Italian drink was supposedly created in the 1960s. When serving the drink, ‘robust’ cups are advised to allow the cocktail to be served ‘flambe’. If you’re brave enough, you can sample this delight in Rifugio Crucolo, Italy.
  13. Coffee Grog with Brandy – This is a traditional swedish drink that acts like a dessert and a drink all at once. Splurge out in Yaki-Da, Sweden.

You can view the infographic (including ingredients to make these at home) here.

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