The Most Popular Holiday Cocktail in Every U.S. State
Updated: Jan. 13, 2024
Do you agree with the drink for your state?
From January through November, classic cocktails reign supreme. You know, Bloody Marys, old-fashioneds, Negronis, maybe a mint julep for the Kentucky Derby. But during the last month of the year, everything in our life needs a holiday spin—including our drinks. People have go-to Christmas drinks in December, and a recent analysis of Google search data found the most popular holiday cocktail in each state.
The data, published by Upgraded Points, shows that many states seem to have a personal favorite—like the Tom & Jerry in North Dakota or cranberry sangria in Massachusetts—but a few classic holiday libations seem to be popular across America.
What are the top five holiday cocktails in America?
The data shows one cocktail is the top pick for eleven different states!
1. Christmas punch
That’s right; a classic Christmas punch is the most popular holiday drink in America. While there are many ways to make it, the classic Christmas punch recipe includes juice, cider, rum, sparkling wine and fresh fruit. Christmas punch is a go-to for gatherings in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee.
2. Eggnog
How could this boozy classic not be a top holiday cocktail? While store-bought eggnog could easily be spiked, homemade eggnog made with whiskey and rum is particularly delicious. Residents of Oregon, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois and Vermont love to sip this traditional drink.
3. Cranberry mimosa
Scrap the usual orange juice and champagne combo. Use festive cranberry juice instead! It’s an easy drink to make, so no wonder the people of Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina and Maryland love it. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig for even more holiday cheer.
4. Hot buttered rum
This cozy beverage is a favorite for quite a few northern states including Washington, Montana, Idaho and Alaska. Because who wouldn’t want a sugary, spicy, boozy glass of hot buttered rum when the whether outside is frightful?
5. Irish coffee
A little booze and a little caffeine, who could say no? The Irish coffee—made with sugar, whiskey, coffee, heavy cream and creme de menthe—is a go-to for California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii.
What other notable cocktails stood out?
I noticed that three other cocktails had fans in multiple states: the coquito, whiskey sour and Christmas margarita.
Coquito
Coquito is a traditional holiday beverage from Puerto Rico, similar to eggnog. It’s made with different types of canned milk and coconut milk, rum and warming spices. It’s most popular in New York, Connecticut and Florida.
Whiskey sour
The cranberry orange whiskey sour is a festive take on the classic cocktail, made with cranberry juice, orange juice, whiskey, simple syrup and an egg white. Residents of New Jersey, Virginia and North Carolina love this drink.
Christmas margarita
The Christmas margarita is similar to a traditional margarita—but with cranberry or pomegranate juice. People in Colorado and Nebraska like to shake up this holiday drink.
Personally, I loved some of the more unique offerings, like the maple old fashioned in Minnesota and the peppermint martini in Delaware. No matter what drink you mix, you’re sure to have a jolly holiday!
