The holiday season is upon us, so let’s get in the ‘Spirit’ for this year’s festivities. Here is five festive drink related traditions and the Christmas drinks that accompany them.
While the holiday is traditionally associated with family, love, and giving, it’s no secret that alcohol often finds its way into the mix. Let’s explore the unique relationship between alcohol and Christmas.
The Christmas Toast
In the UK, Toasting at Christmas has its roots in ancient traditions where people believe that raising a glass warded off evil spirits. Over time, it evolved into a gesture of goodwill and celebration, symbolising unity and shared joy during festive occasions like Christmas.
If you are the toastmaster this year for your celebrations but have no idea what to say, here is a classic example that you can use: “May your days be merry and bright, and may your heart be light. Cheers to good company, warmth, and the spirit of the season.”
For a special toasting drink, why not try this combo:
-25ml Tack Room DIstillery Timms Summer Cup
-100ml Champagne
-1 raspberry to garnish.
*Method: Pour the Timms Summer Cups into a flute glass. Top up with Champagne. Garnish with a raspberry on top.
The Tradition of Mulled Wine:
In the UK, the tradition of mulled wine is a cherished part of the festive season, dating back centuries. This warm and spiced concoction, typically made with red wine, cloves, cinnamon, and citrus, holds a special significance.
Beyond its aromatic allure and comforting taste, mulled wine embodies the spirit of togetherness, serving as a heartwarming elixir that brings friends and family closer during chilly winter nights.
For those who don’t like Mulled wine, here is a warming alternative recipe to spice up the festivities:
-50ml Tack Room Distillery Timm’s Summer Cup
-100ml Warm, cloudy apple juice
-A sprinkle of ground cinnamon
-A sprinkle of ground ginger
-Garnish with a cinnamon stick for the truly festive feel-good hot toddy!
*Method: Combine the Timm’s and cloudy apple juice in a mug. Sprinkle in some ground ginger and cinnamon and stir it. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
The Infamous Eggnog:
A discussion about alcohol and Christmas would only be complete with mentioning the infamous eggnog. While the exact origins of eggnog remain debated, it’s believed to have emerged in mediaeval Britain, where a hot, ale-based drink with eggs and spices was popular.
As this drink evolved, it became known as the ‘Posset’. When this creamy, indulgent beverage arrived in America in the 18th Century, colonists added locally available ingredients like Rum and Bourbon.
Today, eggnog continues to be a popular holiday drink, often flavoured with rum, bourbon, or brandy, and can be drunk either hot or cold but always full of spice. It symbolises adding a touch of warmth and merriment to Christmas celebrations.
Gin & Ginger
The first whisperings we could find of spirits being paired with ginger was in 1715 – 1716. The story goes that it was a freezing cold winter in England, so cold that the Thames froze over. A tent appeared on the ice selling drinks made with jenever (the Dutch word for juniper, which all gins need). Next to it, up popped a tent where Londoners could buy a comforting slice of gingerbread to fill their bellies.
The two tasty treats soon became synonymous with each other, and by the 1730s, the cries of gin and ginger vendors could be heard all over London. Ginger has a spicy kick due to the chemical compound gingerol, which is related to the chemicals that give black pepper and chilli pepper their heat. Candied, crystallised, dried, fresh, ground or powdered- ginger root is a versatile and loveable spice!
A must-try recipe:
-50ml Tack Room DIstillery Bison Grass Gin
-25ml Ginger syrup
-100ml Hot water
-Orange Wedge
*Method: Combine the gin and ginger syrup in a mug. Top with hot water. Garnish with a wedge of Orange.
Our Tack Room Traditions:
At Tack Room Distillery, we love festive traditions. Some old tried and tested ones as well as creating our own unique ones too. One tradition, however, we will never stop doing. This tradition is on Christmas day. Upon waking and opening Logan’s presents (yes, he gets his first), we get up and muck out the horses in the yard.
Whilst in the yard, and to make this chore more fun, I disappear into the bar to make one of our favourite cocktails and re-emerge with Breakfast Martini’s! A truly indulgent cocktail with the fresh bittersweetness of the marmalade, complete with sides of toast to dunk. This is possibly the part of the day I look forward to most, feeling carefree, out in the fresh air, excited and full of anticipation about the wonderful day to come.
Try our Breakfast Martini for yourself:
-50ml Tack Room Distillery London Dry Gin
-15ml Triple Sec
-15ml lemon juice
-1 tsp of marmalade
-Toast to garnish
*Method: Stir the marmalade and lemon juice in the bottom of the shaker. Then combine the gin and triple sec. Add ice, shake and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a triangle of toast.
To conclude, alcohol has undeniably become intertwined with Christmas festivities, adding a touch of warmth, merriment, and tradition to the holiday season. From the heartwarming Christmas toasts to the quirky and fun traditions, alcohol uniquely creates cherished memories for you and your loved ones during the holiday season.
However, it’s crucial to remember to enjoy these traditions responsibly and prioritise the true essence of Christmas: love, togetherness, and spreading joy. Cheers to a festive and memorable holiday season- drink responsibly!