Mulled wine, eggnog and hot buttered rum are winter favorites but when it comes to the top holiday drink in the Garden State the mimosa takes the number one spot! According to a study from alcohol.org, the simple combo of equal parts sparkling wine and OJ is the preferred Christmas cocktail in NJ and who can blame us? Mimosas are synonymous with Sunday brunch and can sneak up on you because they go down so easily.
The Making Spirits Bright study surveyed 3,000 Americans (21 and over) to compile a list of the most popular Christmas cocktails across the country. Not surprisingly, eggnog came in at the top spot overall for the U.S.
This festive favorite is made with heavy cream or milk, raw eggs, sugar, spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and/or vanilla and light rum (yum!).
And while NJ chose a mimosa as its favorite drink to sip on Christmas, it appears we also love a classic Old Fashioned as it came in second for the Garden State.
The mimosa was also a top pick in Hawaii, New Mexico and Kansas. The survey said that 34 percent of people admit they start drinking first thing on Christmas morning, which explains the choice of a mimosa!
And while most states choose eggnog for their top cocktail, there were a few outliers including Mississippi (Irish coffee) and Vermont (hot toddy). Several states went with hot buttered rum or the Moscow Mule which combines ginger beer, vodka and lime juice to make one tasty beverage.
Even though the holidays and festive drinks go hand-in-hand, it’s important to still drink responsibly.
“This year has presented a great deal of challenges for many, and the idea of indulging in a holiday cocktail is something people are looking forward to,” said Theresa Dunaway, director of nursing at Oxford Treatment Center and spokesperson for Alcohol.org. “But safety must be kept in mind. There are more alcohol-related accidents during the holiday season than during any other time of the year, and due to the spread of the virus, newly implemented COVID-19 safety measures must be adhered to. The holiday season is a time for enjoyment, but it must take place safely and responsibly.”
Click here to see the full state-by-state list of the most popular Christmas drinks. And in the meantime, here’s a recipe for a very special Christmas cocktail that will elevate your festive meal – even if it’s just your immediate family this year. These Christmas Morning Mimosas are almost too pretty to drink – almost!
Want to keep things more traditional? Try this classic mimosa recipe from Love & Lemons.