Top 10 festive drinks in the US
Several cocktails made the top 10 most searched-for festive drinks in the US list, but which serve came out top?
Hot drink blog Coffeeness analysed Google Trends data to discover which drinks are the most popular in each US state during the Christmas season. It specifically looked at search interest data for popular festive drinks across all 50 states over a 12-month period.
The winning drink was the favourite in 13 states, while joint second place was taken by two beverages that were the favourite in 11 states each.
Read on to find out which drinks have won the hearts and mouths of Americans at Christmas.
8. Winter Aperol Spritz
While 10 drinks made the list, the final three drinks tied, meaning our first entry comes out in eighth place.
Italian bitters brand Aperol has spent the past few years expanding out of its niche as a drink for a European summer holiday, with deliberate pushes for the après-ski season and winter drinking. It seems that work is beginning to pay off, with the Winter Aperol Spritz making the top 10 list of festive drinks this year.
Although the drink was only highlighted as the favourite in one state – Tennessee – it’s likely that many across the country will be enjoying an orange Christmas this year. While the classic 3:2:1 recipe of Prosecco, Aperol and soda will work for many, the winter recipe sees the addition of cranberry juice or cranberry syrup.
8. Bellini
The Mimosa has long been a Christmas favourite, but this year, Americans are expanding their sparkling wine cocktail repertoire – particularly those in Texas, who have been searching for the Bellini this year.
The Bellini is believed to have originated in Venice’s Harry’s Bar in the 1930s or 40s. The cocktail is a combination of peach purée and Prosecco – though, as it’s Christmas, you can probably push the boat out and use Champagne.
8. Hot Toddy
Our third and final drink in joint eighth position is a winter classic: the Hot Toddy. This was a favourite in Minnesota – possibly reflecting the northern state’s cold weather.
The Hot Toddy is a flexible recipe, traditionally made with a spirit – usually whisky – hot water, honey and lemon. Many believe it to have healing properties, with the honey curing coughs and the lemon aiding sore throats. You can also add in ginger for further medicinal power, or cloves and cinnamon to make it even more festive.
6. Brown sugar shaken espresso
It’s another joint position at number six, and the first drink that is not a cocktail.
A favourite in California and Florida, the brown sugar shaken espresso is an iced coffee drink that originated at Starbucks. And while it might be non-alcoholic, it would probably be delicious with the addition of a coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa. The brand has created a Caramel Swirl Cream liqueur in collaboration with Dunkin’, which would be a perfect – if not traditional – addition.
6. Mimosa
Also coming in at sixth place is one of the most iconic Christmas cocktails: the Mimosa. Those in Arizona and Hawaii picked this as their favourite festive drink, with the serve a simple combination of Champagne and orange juice.
We’d have expected this to come out a lot higher in the list – which perhaps shows how tastes are evolving in the modern day.
4. Amaretto Sour
It’s another tie for fourth place, with the Amaretto Sour being the most searched-for festive beverage in Illinois, Missouri, New York and Ohio. Amaretto’s notes of sweet almond and marzipan are undoubtedly Christmassy, with many brands also delivering spicy, toasted flavours perfect for the season.
The Amaretto Sour is made with the eponymous liqueur, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white – though we’re particularly fond of Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s version, which amps it up with a little cask strength Bourbon.
4. French 75
Also in fourth place and beating its more traditional rival in the Champagne cocktail game (the Mimosa) is the French 75. The cocktail was the most searched-for in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington and Georgia.
Like the Mimosa, the French 75 is believed to have originated in France – hence the specification for Champagne over other sparkling wines. The recipe combines Champagne with gin, lemon juice and syrup, and is named after a field gun during World War I. Apparently, the cocktail has a kick equal to being hit by the weapon – but please, no guns at the dinner table.
2. Espresso Martini
In joint second place is our final cocktail of the list, but it’s a doozy. The Espresso Martini has been winning over drinkers all over the world since its creation by Dick Bradsell in 1985. Allegedly, a model asked the bartender to make her a drink that would “wake me up and then fuck me up” – making it the perfect cocktail for the festive season.
Bradsell’s recipe calls for a fresh espresso shot, sugar, coffee liqueur and vodka, but there are endless ways to riff on the classic. Sir Edmond Gin’s version includes its own spirit, along with Frangelico, while Desi Daru’s take (pictured) adds chai spices – which share a lot of similarities with festive flavours, like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
2. Apple cider
Also in second place is apple cider, which was the most searched option in 11 states, including traditional apple-growing regions like Idaho, Oregon, Virginia and North Carolina.
While the serve is typically non-alcoholic, you could treat it like a Hot Toddy and spike it with a spirit of your choice – with Calvados or apple brandy being an obvious option.
1. Hot chocolate
Taking the number-one spot for Christmas this year is a favourite that feeds into both nostalgia and decadence: the hot chocolate. This is another non-alcoholic serve that could get the cocktail treatment. The Bailey’s Hot Chocolate (pictured) is a classic, or treat it as you would an after-dinner coffee, adding Irish whiskey, rum or Cognac.
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