As the holiday season nears, classic cocktails take a back seat to festive beverages designed to match the joy and warmth of the celebrations. From eggnog to Christmas punch, many Americans embrace holiday-inspired drinks as a way to enhance their seasonal gatherings.
An analysis of Google search trends by Taste of Home magazine has revealed the most popular holiday cocktail in each state, showcasing a mix of regional preferences and national favorites, and Newsweek has complied the data into a new map, so you can see how your state likes to celebrate.
The Most Popular Holiday Cocktails
The Top Five Holiday Cocktails in America
Christmas Punch
The classic Christmas punch emerges as the top holiday cocktail in America, reigning supreme in 11 states, including Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The punch is a vibrant mix of juice, cider, rum, sparkling wine, and fresh fruit, making it a staple for gatherings. Its versatility and festive presentation contribute to its widespread popularity.
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Eggnog
A quintessential holiday drink, eggnog ranks high for its creamy texture and comforting flavor. Often enhanced with whiskey or rum, this traditional treat is a favorite in Oregon, Texas, and Illinois, among others. Whether store-bought or homemade, eggnog remains synonymous with holiday cheer.
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Cranberry Mimosa
A festive twist on the brunch classic, the cranberry mimosa replaces orange juice with cranberry juice, offering a tart and celebratory option for the season. Garnished with fresh cranberries and rosemary, it's a top pick in states like Maryland, Kentucky, and Iowa.
Hot Buttered Rum
Perfect for chilly nights, hot buttered rum combines warmth, sweetness, and spice. This drink is especially favored in colder northern states such as Washington, Montana, and Alaska. Its soothing qualities make it a go-to choice when the weather outside is frightful.
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Irish Coffee
Blending coffee with sugar, whiskey, and cream, Irish coffee is both energizing and indulgent. This cocktail is a hit in warmer states like California, Nevada, and Arizona, proving its versatility across different climates during the holidays.
Regional Favorites
While those five drinks dominate the rankings, other unique cocktails also hold a special place in specific states. The coquito, a creamy Puerto Rican beverage made with coconut milk and rum, is beloved in New York and Florida. The cranberry orange whiskey sour and Christmas margarita offer bold flavors with seasonal twists, winning fans in states such as New Jersey and Colorado.
Methodology
The analysis, based on Google search data from January to November, highlights the shift in drinking preferences during the holiday season. While classic cocktails like bloody marys and negronis lead searches earlier in the year, December sees a distinct move toward drinks that reflect holiday themes. The study's findings offer a window into how Americans embrace the season through their beverage choices.
Whether you're sipping a warm cup of hot buttered rum or raising a glass of sparkling cranberry mimosa, holiday cocktails continue to be an integral part of festive celebrations. As the data suggests, these drinks are more than beverages—they are a way to toast the season's spirit of togetherness and joy.
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