Traveling From Home (TFH), Holiday Cocktail Edition
Hey, 21+ crew… we just might have an idea for how you can celebrate the holiday season this year─you know, without actually leaving the house. With the holidays just a snowfall and a cookie exchange away, our travel team figured there was no better way to kick off the season than with a way to enjoy it (keeping pandemic and travel restrictions top of mind, of course).
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Our seasonal travel and routine itineraries—which are usually filled to the brim with merry holiday parties to attend and ugly sweaters to shop for—are just a few of the many things we’ve been forced to put on hold this year. But while our holiday getaways and sparkly holiday frocks might be taking a backseat this year, our celebrations don’t have to. In fact, we’re making sure they don’t.
Introducing: our guide to TFH (traveling from home, duh). And by TFH, we mean booze cruise-ing across the globe, sipping on the seasonal flavors served up in the world’s most renowned cocktails. Since travel is a mere fantasy at the moment, we’re convinced the best way to travel this season is with a holiday-inspired cocktail─from an international locale─in hand. So, whether you’re gift-exchanging over Zoom or watching Christmas movies ad nauseum by the fire, there’s always room (and need) for a warm, festive *boozy* beverage. So, let’s substitute physical travel for travel-inspired tradition and Grandma’s hot chocolate for eggnog─spiked, s'il vous plaît.
No matter what you celebrate, or don’t, we’re pretty sure everyone can get behind a boozy abroad trip from the comfort of their couch. So, without further ado, here are a few of our favorite international, holiday-inspired beverages… each to be enjoyed in flannel pj’s and with loved ones.
A classic ─ United States & Canada
What kind of holiday beverage list-makers would we be if we didn’t start off with a classic? A North American favorite, eggnog is not only the perfect cozy-up-by-the-fire and sip-till-Santa-comes kind of refreshment, but it’s also the drink that single-handedly typifies holiday festivities.
Originating in the 18th century, this yuletide brew has yet to lose its widespread popularity, and for good reason. Perhaps the taste of the North American holiday season, this drink is blended deliciously with aromatic spices─nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla─that elicit a holiday mentality like no other. Oh, and did we mention the rum? Yeah, it’s a must.
Ready to make your own? Check out our go-to recipe here.
“The Bomb” ─ Italy
Strap in and put your phone on airplane mode (JK, you don’t have to), we’re taking a quick flight over to Italy for a traditional, warm winter beverage.
In absolutely no disrespect toward the U.S., we must say, Italy does a lot of things better─fashion, wine, and dessert to name a few. And this Lombardy-founded rendition of eggnog is no exception. Beloved by Alps skiers far and wide, the Bombardino (fittingly translated: “the bomb”) is a delicious concoction of brandy, egg liqueur, cinnamon, and (what else other than) whipped cream. This concoction is the perfect pick-me-up after a chilly day on the slopes. Whether you’re entering the lodge after a day spent down white-powdered trails or lounging around at home, a Bombardino is always the answer. Trust us, this recipe is the bomb.
Hot Toddy ─ Scotland
With a muddled history, the origin of the Hot Toddy beverage is unclear. Some acclaim its origin to India, while others believe the Scots can take full responsibility. Either way, this beverage is a delicious holiday must-have. Its ingredients are so simple that you probably already have them ready to brew one up. Hot water, whiskey, honey, and lemon will do the trick, but we’d be lying if we said cloves and cinnamon sticks weren’t added bonuses.
Oh, and the best part? The Hot Toddy was the OG flu remedy, as its ingredients are believed to alleviate symptoms─hydrating, soothing sore throats, and relieving congestion. So, if you’re feeling under the weather, consider it an excuse to brew up this winter favorite.
Cola de Mono ─ Chile
A creamy combination of sweetness, richness, and caffeinated goodness, this warm Chilean punch is a holiday staple. Often compared to a White Russian, another holiday favorite, a cola de mono is the perfect blend of milk, coffee, spices, and aguardiente (or pisco, a brandy produced in Peru and Chile, depending on your preference). While it bodes well as an aperitif, it may also be enjoyed with fruit, perhaps as a substitute for evening tea or coffee. Just be careful, rumors say a glass of this (translated: “monkey’s tail”) might just have you swinging like a monkey. But hey, a rumor is just a rumor─right? You can find a recipe here.
Snap a pic of your beverage world tour and tag @theedgemag on Instagram, so we can share in the holiday adventure with you. Cheers!