Christmas Cheer: Australia's Festive Drinking Traditions

what do people in australia drink on christmas

Christmas in Australia is a unique affair, with the country's summer season dictating a different set of traditions compared to the wintery norms of the Northern Hemisphere. Mulled wine and hot chocolate are out, and cold drinks are in. So, what do Australians drink during the festive period? Well, if you're looking for a true Aussie Christmas experience, you might want to try some special cocktails, such as a Cinnamon Martini, a Beach Blonde, or a Summer Sour. If gin is your thing, then you could try a Christmas Gin & Ginger with ginger ale or beer and fresh lime. For those who like bubbles, there's also the Reindeer, a cocktail made with vodka, ginger, chilli syrup, lemon juice, and champagne. Of course, no Australian Christmas would be complete without some delicious seafood, and what better way to wash that down than with a nice cold beer, just like Santa might enjoy!

Characteristics Values
Christmas drinks Cocktails, beer, gin, rum and coke
Cocktails Eggnog, Snowballs, Christmas Velvet Alexanders, Summer Sour, Cinnamon Martini, Beach Blonde, St Clemence, The Reindeer, Pavlova Shot
Summer Sour cocktail ingredients Vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white (optional)
Cinnamon Martini ingredients Vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, cinnamon syrup, chocolate bitters
Beach Blonde ingredients Advocaat, banana, rum, orange juice
St Clemence ingredients Gin, orange juice, lemon juice, tonic water
The Reindeer ingredients Vodka, ginger, chilli syrup, lemon juice, champagne
Pavlova Shot ingredients Vodka, black raspberry liqueur
Alternatives to mulled wine Gin with ginger ale or beer and fresh lime

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Australian Christmas cocktails

With Christmas falling in the Australian summer, it's no surprise that Australians tend to avoid hot drinks like mulled wine. Instead, they opt for refreshing cocktails that are perfect for sipping on the beach. Here are some Australian Christmas cocktail recipes to get you into the holiday spirit, even if the weather outside isn't so chilly.

Cinnamon Martini

This festive cocktail is a twist on the classic Porn Star Martini. It combines vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, cinnamon syrup, and chocolate bitters. The passion fruit and cinnamon give it a delicious Christmas spice flavour that is perfect for the holidays.

Beach Blonde

If you're looking for something a little more tropical, the Beach Blonde is like a Christmas Pina Colada. It blends creamy Advocaat, banana, rum, and orange juice with a huge scoop of ice. It's the perfect drink to enjoy on an Aussie beach on Christmas Day.

St. Clemence

For a simple and refreshing cocktail, try the St. Clemence. This drink combines gin, orange juice, lemon juice, and tonic water. It's a great way to showcase oranges, which are a classic Christmas fruit in Australia.

The Reindeer

This festive cocktail is a beautiful, gentle pink colour, perfect for toasting the hard-working reindeers on Christmas Day. It combines vodka, ginger, chilli syrup, lemon juice, and champagne. You can adjust the spice level of the chilli syrup to your taste, making it as mild or hot as you like.

Pavlova Shot

If you're looking for something quick and easy, the Pavlova Shot is the perfect one-shot wonder. It combines vodka and black raspberry liqueur, capturing the flavours of the iconic Australian Christmas dessert, pavlova, in a glass.

So, whether you're feasting on roast ham or seafood, playing backyard cricket, or joining the crowds at Bondi, these Australian Christmas cocktails will add a festive touch to your celebrations.

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Santa's drink

With Christmas falling in the middle of summer in Australia, it's no surprise that Australians tend to opt for refreshing drinks to celebrate the festive season. Mulled wine, a staple of colder climates, is not popular in Australia during Christmas. Instead, Australians tend to favour cocktails, gin, and beer.

Cocktails

Cocktails are a popular choice for Christmas celebrations in Australia, with many opting for drinks that reflect the warm climate. Some popular choices include:

  • The Reindeer: a festive cocktail made with vodka, ginger, chilli syrup, lemon juice, and champagne.
  • The Beach Blonde: a blend of Advocaat, banana, rum, and orange juice, served with a scoop of ice.
  • The Cinnamon Martini: a festive take on the classic Porn Star Martini, made with vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, cinnamon syrup, and chocolate bitters.
  • The Summer Sour: a refreshing mix of vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, and optional egg white.

Gin

Australian Christmas gin is a popular choice for those looking for something a little stronger. It is often served on the rocks with a twist of orange or with a teaspoon of cream. For a longer drink, it can be mixed with ginger ale or beer and fresh lime for a Christmas Gin & Ginger.

Beer

Beer is also a popular choice for Santa in Australia, with some leaving a "stubbie" of beer out for him on Christmas Eve, along with a plate of shortbread.

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Mulled wine alternatives

As Australian Christmas falls during the summer, people tend to avoid hot drinks like mulled wine and opt for climate-appropriate alternatives. Here are some festive drink options that are perfect for a warm Australian Christmas:

Cinnamon Martini

A festive take on the classic Porn Star Martini, this cocktail combines vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, cinnamon syrup, and chocolate bitters. It's a sweet and fruity option that embodies the Christmas spirit.

Beach Blonde

This cocktail is perfect for those who want a taste of Christmas in a tropical setting. It blends creamy Advocaat, banana, rum, and orange juice, with a generous scoop of ice, creating a Christmas Pina Colada.

St. Clemence

A simple yet refreshing cocktail, St. Clemence combines gin, orange juice, lemon juice, and tonic water. It's a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the citrusy flavours of the season without the heat of spices.

The Reindeer

This cocktail is a festive twist on a classic champagne cocktail. It includes vodka, ginger, chilli syrup, and lemon juice, resulting in a gently pink and fizzy drink. The chilli syrup can be adjusted to suit your preference for a mild or spicy kick.

Summer Sour

A unique cocktail that combines vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, and optionally, egg white. It's a refreshing and tangy option that is perfect for a hot summer Christmas.

So, while Australians may not be drinking mulled wine on Christmas, they certainly have a range of creative and delicious alternatives to choose from!

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Summer drinks

Given that Christmas in Australia falls during the summer, traditional winter drinks like eggnog, snowballs, and mulled wine are not popular. Instead, Australians opt for drinks that are more suited to the warm weather, such as cold cuts and seafood. Here are some ideas for summer drinks that are perfect for an Australian Christmas:

The Reindeer

This festive cocktail is a fun and refreshing option for a summer Christmas. It combines vodka, ginger, chilli syrup, lemon juice, and champagne. The chilli syrup can be made as hot or mild as you like, adding a festive spice to your drink.

Pavlova Shot

A quick and easy shot to enjoy, the Pavlova Shot is inspired by the iconic Australian Christmas dessert. It's made with vodka and black raspberry liqueur, capturing the flavours of the pavlova in a glass.

Cinnamon Martini

A festive take on the classic martini, this cocktail combines vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, cinnamon syrup, and chocolate bitters. It's a sweet and fruity drink, perfect for those who want a taste of Christmas spice.

Beach Blonde

Reminiscent of a Christmas Pina Colada, the Beach Blonde is a boozy and fruity blend of Advocaat, banana, rum, and orange juice. Served with a huge scoop of ice, it's the perfect drink to enjoy on an Aussie beach on Christmas Day.

Summer Sour

This cocktail is a refreshing blend of vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar syrup, and optionally, egg white. It's a crisp and tangy drink that will help you beat the Australian summer heat.

Christmas Gin & Ginger

For a simple and thirst-quenching option, try a Christmas Gin & Ginger. This drink combines Australian Christmas gin with ginger ale or beer and fresh lime, resulting in a cool and refreshing cocktail.

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Christmas seafood pairings

In Australia, Christmas falls during the summer. Instead of mulled wine, Australians tend to opt for cold drinks and seafood, accompanied by pavlova. If you're looking to pair some drinks with seafood this Christmas, here are some ideas for seafood dishes and their ideal drink companions.

Prawns

In Australia, prawns are a Christmas staple. These can be pre-cooked and peeled, or you can throw them on the barbie. Pair prawns with a refreshing glass of rosé, which will complement the seafood's cool, tasty flavour.

Oysters

Oysters Kilpatrick are a luxurious treat for an Australian Christmas. The cool, crisp flavour of oysters pairs well with a glass of Chenin Blanc. This wine has a nice palate acidity with a balanced honeysuckle, pear and citrus nose.

Salmon

A festive, colourful salmon dish is an impressive addition to your Christmas table. Salmon is a rich food, so it pairs well with a slightly oaked Chardonnay.

Scallops

A sweet and spicy scallop dish is a great way to warm up your guests. Scallops are best paired with a Pinot Noir Rosé, which has flavours of strawberry, rhubarb and citrus.

Crab

Crab cakes or a buttery garlic crab bruschetta are ideal Christmas seafood starters. Pair these with a Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, which has a tart, citrus-forward flavour that will cleanse the palate.

Lobster

A lobster roll is a great Christmas seafood dish, especially when paired with a glass of Chenin Blanc.

Of course, there are also some great Christmas cocktail options if you're looking for something a little stronger. Try a Cinnamon Martini (vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, cinnamon syrup and chocolate bitters), a Beach Blonde (advocaat, banana, rum and orange juice), or a Summer Sour (vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and optional egg white).

Frequently asked questions

Australians tend to opt for cold drinks that are well-suited to the warm Christmas weather, such as gin cocktails, beer, and wine.

One popular option is a Christmas Gin & Ginger, which includes ginger ale or beer, fresh lime, and a nip of gin on the rocks with a twist of orange.

Some festive cocktails that are popular in Australia include the Cinnamon Martini, Beach Blonde, St. Clemence, The Reindeer, and the Pavlova Shot.

Australians leave Santa a stubbie of beer, rum and coke, or milk and cookies.

Australians tend to eat cold cuts, seafood, and pavlova on Christmas. Since these foods are well-suited to the warm weather, Australians typically opt for cold drinks like the ones mentioned above.

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