How People Toast the Holidays Around the World

As the festive season unfolds, people worldwide come together to celebrate the holidays with unique traditions and, of course, special drinks that reflect their cultural richness. Join us on a global tour of holiday toasts and traditional beverages, as we explore how different corners of the world ring in the season with unique flair.

The US and Canada: Eggnog

Love it or hate it, eggnog is a traditional (and polarizing) holiday drink. The creamy cocktail, whether spiked or nonalcoholic, has been a staple of the season in the US and Canada for centuries. Eggnog is often made with rum, brandy or bourbon, but we believe vodka is often a good substitute for other spirits. We also have several delicious cocktails that make use of egg whites — and may be more palatable for the whole crowd. Try the crisp Silver Fizz or the holiday-tinted Rosy Ramos.

The UK: Wassail

Wassail, a time-honored English tradition, brings warmth and merriment to festive gatherings. This spiced and aromatic drink is made of a blend of apple cider, holiday spices, and sometimes spirits. Typically made in batches and shared among friends and family, potentially while caroling door to door, Wassail is a great drink to serve while entertaining. You can try a similar, simple drink by making Warm Apple Cider Punch.

France: Kir Royale

In France (our home) the holiday spirit takes a sophisticated turn with the cherished tradition of savoring Kir Royale. This elegant concoction features a blend of sparkling wine, typically champagne, and a touch of crème de cassis. The result is a shimmering, ruby-hued drink that encapsulates the essence of celebration. We like serving the similar Amour Rouge, which features crème de cassis and the French aperitif pineau des charentes.

Australia: Champagne

In keeping with the bubbly theme, Australians love to serve champagne around the holidays. Since they’re located in the southern hemisphere, that means their holiday season is right in the middle of summer. A cool beverage is in order. We incorporate champagne in the Pomegranate Sparkler, a fizzy drink served in a flute that embodies both the look and the tastes of the holiday season.

Jamaica: Sorrel Rum Punch

In Jamaica, the holiday season is infused with the vibrant flavors of Sorrel Rum Punch. This traditional festive libation combines the tropical essence of sorrel — an indigenous hibiscus flower — with Jamaican rum. Our Northern Lights pairs hibiscus with the seasonal flavors of apple and cinnamon (and sparkling wine makes an appearance yet again) for a flavorful holiday cocktail.

Chile: Cola de Mono

In Chile, the holiday season is celebrated with Cola de Mono, a traditional drink translated to "Monkey's Tail." This creamy concoction features coffee, milk, spices, and aguardiente. For a vodka-based milky drink you can make a White Russian, or enjoy espresso in the Candy Cane Martini Cocktail.

How to Toast in Different Languages

No matter what drink you serve, you can always end your toast with “cheers” in a different language. Here’s a handy guide of a few different ways to say it:
Spanish: ¡Salud!
French: Santé!
Italian: Cin cin!
German: Prost!
Portuguese: Saúde!
Japanese: Kanpai!
Korean: Geonbae!
Norwegian: Skål!
Greek: Yamas!
Czech: Na zdraví!

How to Give a Holiday Toast

Of course you can toast to friends, family or the magic of the season. But if you want even more ideas, try Tailored Toasts, our AI-generated speech generator. From holiday-specific toasts to milestone-based speeches, simply answer a few questions to get a customized toast perfect for any occasion.

The celebration of the season is as diverse as the cultures that embrace it. Each glass is raised in the spirit of joy, togetherness and the goodwill that unites us all. So, this holiday season, try making a traditional drink from a different country. Or you can also make just about any cocktail festive with these drink-decorating ideas.