Getting Into The Holiday Spirit(s)

While Christmas is traditionally known as a Christian holiday celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, it has evolved over the years to a day celebrated by many worldwide, regardless of religious affiliation. Today, the holiday is recognized through festive decorations, intricate light and tree displays, seasonal activities, and of course, delicious food and drink shared with loved ones. So, when did we begin celebrating the season with alcohol-infused festivities?   

The First Festivals

Contrary to popular belief, the origins of Christmas stem from Pagan and Roman cultures. The Pagans celebrated Yule, or winter solstice, on December 21st, also known as the longest night of the year. They would keep a fire burning during the festivities and light candles until the sun rose to keep the darkness at bay, a tradition that the Romans carried with them into their celebrations. The first was known as Saturnalia, a week-long festival honoring Saturn's god of agriculture, which ran between December 17th-25th. Later, on December 25th, they would celebrate the birth of their sun god, Mithra. Later, as Christianity began to spread across Europe, the Christian clergy could not bring the Pagan customs and celebrations to a halt. And, because no one knew Jesus’ date of birth, they adapted the pagan ritual into a celebration of His birthday known as Christmas.

Christmas and Alcohol

As history suggests, both the Roman and Pagan celebrations could be compared to what is now known as a loud, drunken party. So, when did the rest of the world catch up? Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Christmas was not widely-celebrated because the act of partying and merry-making was seen as ‘unChristian.’ However, by 1840, celebrating Christmas became more widespread, and by 1870, it was declared a national U.S. holiday. Though the early celebrations were not like the Christmas we know today, rather than spend the day with family exchanging gifts, Christmas was often spent at the local pub, as it was one of the few times that working-class men had off of work. As the years went by, Christmas evolved to keep up with the ever-changing society, and as the years went on, alcohol consumption grew alongside it.

‘Tis The Season for Festive Cocktails

As Christmas evolved into a day spent with loved ones, many people looked for ways to keep the ancient festivities alive. So, while the day was no longer spent drinking in a pub, holiday festivities called on friends and family to raise a glass of festive libations and cheers to the merry season.

Eggnog – Perhaps the most popular holiday drink, eggnog was first created in Europe during the early 13th century and originated from the early medieval Britain drink known as "posset," a hot, milky, ale-like drink often crafted with eggs and figs. Derived from the word "nog," an Old English saying associated with strong beer, the drink changed form multiple times before becoming the holiday cocktail we know and love today. For instance, in the early 17th century, sherry took over ale as the primary ingredient, and it was common to use this eggy beverage as a toast to one's health and prosperity. By the time this cocktail hopped the pond in the late 1700s, it had changed form yet again, taking on an entirely new taste for the American colonies. Because Caribbean rum was considerably less expensive than brandy and wine shipped from England, the rum version of eggnog quickly became a drink for people of all classes throughout America. By the late 1700s, eggnog was the drink of choice during the holiday season, with each region adapting the drink to their personal tastes. For example, in the South, people would choose to spike their eggnog with whiskey rather than rum, and additional flavors including cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla were often added for a more festive flavor.

Hot Toddy – Originated in Scotland in the late 1700s, the Hot Toddy was first created using only Scotch whiskey and hot water. These drinks were very popular during the winter months, as the Scottish used them to ward off the unforgiving Scottish cold. The drink was first recognized in the states back in the 1880s and was referred to as a "Hot Scotch." Over the years, the Hot Toddy evolved to incorporate either brandy, whiskey, scotch or rum and now includes additional ingredients such as fresh lemon, honey and various spices. The Hot Toddy continues to be enjoyed throughout the holiday season for the warm comfort it provides during winter months, and, of course, its cold-fighting properties. 

Snowball – Created in the 1940s in the UK, the Snowball may not sound like your typical holiday cocktail, but it’s festive all the same. Crafted with Advocaat (Dutch alcohol consisting of eggs, sugar and brandy), lemonade and a dash of lime, this festive yuletide drink gets its name from the pale, custard-like appearance and frothy white foam that gathers at the top of the drink. Enjoyed for those living in warmer climates, this drink keeps things festive all year long.

Cheers! Celebrate the season with a festive cocktail (or two) and remember where it all began those many years ago.

Traditional Eggnog Recipe (Serves 4):

Eat, drink and be merry with this traditional Christmas cocktail.

Ingredients:

½ cup Northside Bourbon Whiskey

2 eggs, separated

¼ cup sugar, divided

1 ½ cups whole milk

½ cup heavy cream

Instructions: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with three tablespoons of sugar until fluffy. Stir in the milk, heavy cream and Northside Bourbon Whiskey. Beat the egg whites with the remaining one tablespoon of sugar in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Combine both mixtures and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and enjoy!