Join us this month on a delightful expedition through the world of holiday beverages with the Kukla Festive Sips Quiz! As we traverse continents, we’ll uncover the traditional Christmas drinks that warm hearts and spread joy to celebrations worldwide.
Our quiz invites you to test your knowledge of the diverse and flavourful beverages that grace tables during the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you’re sipping by a crackling fireplace or indulging in a spirited libation with loved ones, the traditions and flavours of Christmas drinks are as varied as the cultures that celebrate them.
Questions with one in three possible answers and one point earned for every correct answer. So, put on your festive thinking cap and let’s dive into the enchanting world of traditional Christmas drinks around the globe.
1. In which country does the origin of the Christmas drink Punsch, a Nordic concoction made with arrack, dark rum, sugar, tea, citrus and spices?
a) Sweden
b) Finland
c) Norway
2. Which country is the origin of the Christmas drink Bombardino, a soul-toasting blend of Advocaat and brandy, often garnished with whipped cream and cocoa powder?
a) Switzerland
b) France
c) Italy
3. Which Christmas drink, often called “Puerto Rican Eggnog”, combines coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk and a generous pour of Puerto Rican rum, creating a sweet and creamy delight enjoyed during holiday celebrations in Puerto Rico?
a) Coquito
b) Piña Colada
c) Mojito
4. Which country originated the classic Christmas drink known for combining the richness of coffee with the warmth of whiskey and a dollop of whipped cream?
a) Scotland
b) Ireland
c) Canada
5. Identify the Christmas drink that shares its roots with medieval Britain, where ale was spiced with beaten eggs, milk and sherry. In the United States, this creamy concoction is made with eggs, milk, sugar and nutmeg and often includes a touch of bourbon or rum. What’s this beloved holiday beverage?
a) Wassail Punch
b) Mulled Wine
c) Eggnog
6. Which winter elixir, originating in 16th century Sweden to mask the taste of poor wine, is a robust holiday beverage made with red wine, vodka or white rum, cardamom, sugar, orange zest, ginger, cinnamon, whole cloves, raisins and almonds?
a) Sangria
b) Mulled Wine
c) Glögg
7. What is the name of the traditional Christmas cocktail from Chile, known as the “Monkey’s Tail,” that combines aguardiente (or white rum), coffee, milk, sugar, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and optional orange zest? This festive beverage reflects the conviviality and warmth of Christmas in Chile.
a) Pisco Sour
b) Cola de Mono
c) Horchata
8. Which Australian-born Christmas cocktail, designed to embrace the laid-back Aussie Christmas vibe, offers a tropical twist with fresh mint, lime juice, white and coconut rum, coconut milk, sparkling water and pomegranate arils? This refreshing drink captures the essence of festive and sun-kissed holiday celebrations.
a) White Christmas Mojito
b) Christmas Down Under Punch
c) Aussie Sunshine Cooler
9. Which warm and fruity punch, deeply rooted in Mexican traditions and often served during posadas and Christmas celebrations, features a blend of tejocotes, guavas, apples, oranges, sugarcane, cinnamon, cloves, piloncillo, tamarind pods, and water? This cherished holiday beverage embodies the warmth and flavours of the festive season in Mexico.
a) Ponche Navideño
b) Tamarindo Cooler
c) Mexican Fruit Fiesta
10. Which traditional French winter cocktail, perfect for a comforting Christmas drink, is made with red wine, brown sugar, lemon and orange zest, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, fresh ginger and a pinch of ground nutmeg? It is gently brought to a simmer, creating a warm and festive beverage.
a) Champagne Cocktail
b) Vin Chaud
c) French Mulled Wine
Bonus Question:
At Germany’s festive Christmas markets, warm and spiced mulled wine takes centre stage, offering a delightful blend of red wine, water, sugar, orange and lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and garnished with strips of orange peel. What is the name of this drink?
a) Glögg
b) Mulled Merlot
c) Glühwein
We will include the correct answers in our January issue.
Did you know…?
George Washington had a special recipe for eggnog
The festive eggnog has a rich history. Even if it dates back to medieval England, the American colonists popularised it and added rum. Even George Washington was known for his love of eggnog, and he had a special recipe that included eggs, brandy, whiskey, sherry and rum. The Old Farmer’s Almanac has shared Washington’s original recipe, which he is said to have penned himself sometime after 1789. The recipe calls for a quart of cream, milk, a dozen tablespoons of sugar, a pint of brandy, rye whiskey, Jamaica rum and a pint of sherry. The liquor is mixed first, and then the yolks and whites of 12 eggs are separated. The sugar is added to the beaten yolks, and the milk and cream are slowly beaten. The whites of the eggs are beaten until stiff and folded slowly into the mixture. The eggnog is left in a cool place for several days and tasted frequently. Those who have attempted to make Washington’s eggnog have reported that it is undoubtedly a fantastic drink.
