Hot Christmas Cocktails from the 19th Century

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The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious and festive Christmas cocktails? In this article, we will explore some classic holiday cocktails that were popular during the Victorian era.

These drinks are sure to add warmth and cheer to your holiday gatherings. Each of these Christmas cocktails has a unique flavor and ingredients, but they all have one thing in common: They are best enjoyed when piping hot. If you are looking for something a little colder, explore some unique cocktail recipes from 1914.

Eggnog is a rich, creamy drink made with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices and is often served with a splash of brandy or rum. The exact origins of eggnog are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 18th century (or earlier) and was brought to the United States by British colonists.

Ingredients

• 1 cup eggnog
• 2 oz rum or brandy
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of ground cloves
• Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

How to Make

To make the drink, start by whisking the eggnog, rum or brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cloves together in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. You can also serve the eggnog over ice, if desired.

The Tom and Jerry is a hot, frothy cocktail made with egg yolks, sugar, and brandy or rum and is often served in a mug or heat-proof glass. This classic Christmas cocktail was created by English journalist and author Pierce Egan in the 1820s and was popular throughout the early 20th century.

Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy
• 2 oz dark rum
• 2 eggs, separated
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Hot water

How to Make

To make the drink, start by beating the egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. To assemble the drink, pour the brandy and rum into a mug, and top it with the egg mixture. Fill the mug with hot water and stir to combine. Grate some fresh nutmeg on top of the drink and serve.

Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink made with red wine, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It is often served in a mug or heat-proof glass, and is a popular drink during the Christmas season. The exact origins of mulled wine are unclear, but it is thought to have originated in ancient Rome, where wine was often flavored with spices and served hot.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

How to Make

To make the drink, start by heating the wine, honey or sugar, citrus slices, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Do not let the mixture boil. Once the wine is hot and the flavors are well-combined, strain out the solids and serve the mulled wine in mugs.

Hot buttered rum is a warm, rich drink made with rum, butter, sugar, and spices and is often served in a mug or heat-proof glass. This classic Christmas cocktail originated in the Caribbean in the 17th or 18th century and was popular in the United States during the early 20th century.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz dark rum
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground cloves
• Hot water or apple cider

How to Make

To make the drink, start by heating the butter, sugar, and spices in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. In a mug, combine the rum and the spiced butter mixture. Add hot water or apple cider to the mug, stirring to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of lemon or orange, if desired.