The Most Popular Holiday co*cktail in Every U.S. State (2024)

Updated: Jan. 13, 2024

From January through November, classic co*cktails reign supreme. You know, Bloody Marys, old-fashioneds, Negronis, maybe a mint julep for the Kentucky Derby. But during the last month of the year, everything in our life needs a holiday spin—including our drinks. People have go-to Christmas drinks in December, and a recent analysis of Google search data found the most popular holiday co*cktail in each state.

The data, published by Upgraded Points, shows that many states seem to have a personal favorite—like the Tom & Jerry in North Dakota or cranberry sangria in Massachusetts—but a few classic holiday libations seem to be popular across America.

What are the top five holiday co*cktails in America?

The Most Popular Holiday co*cktail in Every U.S. State (1)via upgradedpoints.com

The data shows one co*cktail is the top pick for eleven different states!

1. Christmas punch

That’s right; a classic Christmas punch is the most popular holiday drink in America. While there are many ways to make it, the classic Christmas punch recipe includes juice, cider, rum, sparkling wine and fresh fruit. Christmas punch is a go-to for gatherings in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee.

2. Eggnog

How could this boozy classic not be a top holiday co*cktail? While store-bought eggnog could easily be spiked, homemade eggnog made with whiskey and rum is particularly delicious. Residents of Oregon, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois and Vermont love to sip this traditional drink.

3. Cranberry mimosa

Scrap the usual orange juice and champagne combo. Use festive cranberry juice instead! It’s an easy drink to make, so no wonder the people of Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina and Maryland love it. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for even more holiday cheer.

4. Hot buttered rum

This cozy beverage is a favorite for quite a few northern states including Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska. Because who wouldn’t want a sugary, spicy, boozy glass of hot buttered rum when the whether outside is frightful?

5. Irish coffee

A little booze and a little caffeine, who could say no? The Irish coffee—made with sugar, whiskey, coffee, heavy cream and creme de menthe—is a go-to for California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii.

What other notable co*cktails stood out?

I noticed that three other co*cktails had fans in multiple states: the coquito, whiskey sour and Christmas margarita.

Coquito

Coquito is a traditional holiday beverage from Puerto Rico, similar to eggnog. It’s made with different types of canned milk and coconut milk, rum and warming spices. It’s most popular in New York, Connecticut and Florida.

Whiskey sour

The cranberry orange whiskey sour is a festive take on the classic co*cktail, made with cranberry juice, orange juice, whiskey, simple syrup and an egg white. Residents of New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina love this drink.

Christmas margarita

The Christmas margarita is similar to a traditional margarita—but with cranberry or pomegranate juice. People in Colorado and Nebraska like to shake up this holiday drink.

Personally, I loved some of the more unique offerings, like the maple old fashioned in Minnesota and the peppermint martini in Delaware. No matter what drink you mix, you’re sure to have a jolly holiday!

The Most Popular Holiday co*cktail in Every U.S. State (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular Christmas co*cktail? ›

Eggnog. Rich, creamy, and, well, egg-y, we'd go as far as to say no Christmas celebration is complete without a glass of this festive drink.

What is the #1 co*cktail in America? ›

1. Margarita. The classic Margarita co*cktail has been one of the most popular co*cktails in America for years and still remains on top. While there are many variations, the traditional recipe consists of tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice.

Which is a popular Christmas beverage in the United States? ›

Eggnog remains a Christmas standard

Eggnog's popularity has a long history in the U.S., and was inspired by a similar British drink that colonists adapted. In the 1700s, people sipped eggnog to stay warm during the cold months, often spiking it with rum.

What is the most popular alcohol during the holidays? ›

Top 20 Festive Holiday Drinks!
  1. Christmas Margarita. One of our favorite ideas for Christmas is a delicious Christmas margarita, which breathes new life into this classic drink! ...
  2. Classic Eggnog. ...
  3. Cranberry Sangria. ...
  4. Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. ...
  5. Mulled Wine. ...
  6. Espresso Martini. ...
  7. Coquito. ...
  8. Holiday Punch.
Nov 2, 2023

What drink is popular around Christmas time? ›

Eggnog. Can you really call it Christmas until you've had an eggnog? This traditional festive drink is made with eggs, milk, cream, and sugar, and lightly spiced with nutmeg. Go for the angelic version and keep it alcohol-free, or add rum or a rich bourbon for a little taste of Christmas in a glass.

What is the most consumed drink at Christmas? ›

Both prosecco and a spirits and mixer drinks were the alcoholic drinks most consumers in the United Kingdom anticipated drinking on Christmas. Only seven percent of consumers expected to drink beer or red wine.

What is an American Christmas drink? ›

Eggnog, the creamy classic co*cktail, is an essential part of the winter holidays. The recipe can vary depending on who's making it, but the basic formula consists of eggs, sugar, milk and cream, plus a spirit.

What is America's oldest co*cktail? ›

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America's First co*cktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a dash of Peychaud's Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official co*cktail of New Orleans was created.

What is America's #1 drink? ›

Based on search results, water stands out as the most prevalent beverage in the American diet, constituting 50% of overall consumption, encompassing both bottled and tap water.

What's the most popular drink in the USA? ›

U.S. consumption share of beverages 2022, by segment

In 2022, bottled water accounted for roughly 25 percent of beverage consumption in the United States, making it the most consumed type of beverage that year. Value-added water and energy drinks were among the least favorite beverages that year.

What is the best selling Christmas drink? ›

Warninks

Add this up and Warninks becomes the most Christmassy of all Christmas spirits, with three out of four bottles sold annually going into shopping baskets in the festive period. No other product comes close in the battle to be the ultimate Christmas drinks brand.

What is the Christmas drink called? ›

Eggnog (/ˈɛɡˌnɒɡ/), historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage. It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).

What does Santa drink on Christmas? ›

Of course, Santa loves to chase his cookies with a glass of milk because it's tasty, but it also him helps endure the long road ahead of him. Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that give Santa the ability to lead his reindeer to all the kiddos around the world expecting to see their favorite toy on Christmas morning.

What are the top three drinking holidays? ›

After the Fourth of July, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day (spiking on Thanksgiving itself, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve) accounts for the most extreme cases of alcohol consumption.

What is the most drunk day in the US? ›

The day before Thanksgiving—known as Blackout Wednesday—is the biggest drinking day of the year in many areas of the United States. But why has this hump-day holiday become the most popular day to binge drink?

Which holiday sells the most liquor? ›

On New Year's Eve, Americans spent 159% more at liquor stores than on an average day, making it the biggest day of the year for liquor stores, nationally. Christmas Eve was not far behind at all, though, with a 151% increase in total consumer spending.

What is the most popular alcoholic drink at Christmas? ›

One of the most traditional holiday beverages is now featured as an elegant eggnog co*cktail. Rimmed with classic spiced cookies, this dessert beverage makes the perfect finish to your holiday dinner.

What is the drink last Christmas? ›

Last Christmas co*cktail (a Paul Feig original co*cktail): 1 oz. Artingstall's gin 1 oz. crème de cacao 1/2 oz. creme de menthe Shake ingredients until cold.

What drink is traditionally drunk on Christmas morning? ›

Classic Bucks Fizz/Mimosa. The classic morning drink for Christmas is orange juice with a little fizz in it. There are plenty of options for adding fizz to orange juice, from Cava, prosecco or Crémant to decadent Champagnes and even a little spirit should one need the extra pick me up.

What is the name of a beverage often served at a Christmas party? ›

While a known classic, eggnog can also be cutting edge. For a fun twist on your holiday party, eggnog martinis are class. To warm up, add it as a top off in your post-dinner affogato.

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