Food & Wine
Wed, December 24, 2025
The U.S. Holiday-Drink Map: A State-by-State Snapshot of Festive Sips
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 14:46 GMT by Mental Floss- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The U.S. Holiday‑Drink Map: A State‑by‑State Snapshot of Festive Sips
Every year, as snow begins to blanket the Northeast and the lights start to glow along the East Coast, people across America turn to special beverages to mark the holiday season. From steaming mugs of cocoa to sparkling champagnes, the United States has a vibrant, region‑specific cocktail culture that’s as diverse as its people. Mental Floss recently compiled a fascinating survey of the most popular holiday drinks by state, and the results paint a delightful picture of how regional flavor, cultural heritage, and local ingredients shape what we pour into our cups during the holidays.
How the Survey Was Conducted
The article opens with a brief methodological overview. The Mental Floss team tapped into data from a national consumer‑research firm that had run a nationwide poll last winter. Respondents were asked to name their favorite holiday drink and rank its importance on their holiday menu. The firm also cross‑referenced sales data from major liquor and beverage retailers, ensuring that the results weren’t merely anecdotal but reflected actual purchasing trends. After collating the data, the writers sorted the responses by state and added a dash of local lore to each entry.
A Tasting Tour of the Nation
Rather than present a dry list, the article turns the survey into a guided tour. Each state is accompanied by a short narrative that explains why the drink has become a local staple. Below are highlights from some of the most intriguing entries:
New England – Egg Nog
No holiday season in the Northeast is complete without a pot of creamy egg nog. The article notes that the tradition dates back to the 17th century when colonial families mixed eggs, milk, and a splash of rum or brandy. Today’s New Englanders still favor a classic recipe, with a few modern twists such as adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a shot of bourbon.
The South – Sweet Tea (Hot or Cold)
The Southern states, including Georgia and Alabama, love their sweet tea—whether iced or served warm with a splash of bourbon. The survey found that 68% of respondents in these states consider hot sweet tea their go‑to holiday beverage, a nod to the region’s enduring love of tea and tradition of hospitality.
California – Pumpkin‑Spiced Latte
In California, where coffee culture thrives, the pumpkin‑spiced latte (or “pumpkin latte”) topped the list for several states, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The article credits the popularity of the drink to the region’s penchant for seasonal flavors and the abundance of local coffee roasters who experiment with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
New York – Mulled Wine
The article surprises readers with New York’s choice of mulled wine—a warm, spiced beverage made from red wine, citrus, and spices. The historian notes that New York’s large immigrant population helped popularize mulled wine in the early 20th century, and the drink remains a holiday favorite at farmers’ markets and holiday parties.
Alaska – Hot Toddy
Even in the far North, people warm up with a hot toddy—a classic mix of whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. The article cites that Alaskans especially enjoy this drink during the long winter evenings.
Florida – Frozen Margarita
Florida’s tropical climate gives it a unique holiday twist. The article highlights that a frozen margarita, with its bright, citrusy flavors, is the most popular holiday drink in many Southern Florida counties. This reflects the state’s beach culture, even during the colder months.
Texas – Tequila Sunrise
In Texas, the tequila sunrise—a layered drink of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine—has become a holiday staple, especially at Christmas Eve gatherings. The article explains that the drink’s vibrant colors and sweet taste make it a festive choice for Texas families.
Michigan – Hot Chocolate with a Twist
In the Great Lakes region, Michigan’s holiday beverage is a hot chocolate that often comes infused with a touch of peppermint or vanilla. The article notes that many locals prefer to make their own “house‑made” versions, using locally produced chocolate and milk.
Arizona – Spiced Apple Cider
Arizona’s most beloved holiday drink is spiced apple cider. The article connects this to the state’s apple orchards and the tradition of roasting apples on a fire—an activity that has become part of many Christmas morning rituals in the Southwest.
Behind the Numbers: Trends and Cultural Insights
One of the strengths of the Mental Floss article is its exploration of the cultural forces behind the numbers. In states with a strong Irish immigrant history—such as Massachusetts and New Jersey—Irish coffee ranks highly. Conversely, in regions where craft beer and local distilleries thrive—like Oregon and Pennsylvania—craft cocktails featuring locally sourced spirits dominate the list.
The article also touches on how the holiday season itself drives these preferences. For instance, the North’s colder climates mean more hot drinks, while the South’s milder winters allow for a mix of hot and cold favorites. Coastal states lean towards lighter, citrus‑based drinks, while inland states gravitate towards richer, spiced beverages.
Interactive Features and Reader Participation
Beyond the static list, the article invites readers to contribute. At the bottom of each state’s section, there’s a “Share Your Favorite” prompt encouraging users to post their own holiday drinks or personal stories tied to a particular beverage. This interactive element adds a layer of community that enriches the article’s sense of national holiday camaraderie.
Where to Find More
Mental Floss links the article to several related pieces, such as:
- “The History of Egg Nog in America” – a deeper dive into the colonial origins of the iconic New England drink.
- “Why Mulled Wine is a Holiday Favorite” – an exploration of the science behind the spices that warm the soul.
- “Regional Spirits: How State Prohibition Laws Shaped Modern Beverages” – a look at how local legislation influenced the availability of certain drinks.
These links provide readers with a richer context and a deeper understanding of the stories behind the numbers.
Takeaway
The “Most Popular Holiday Drink by State” article isn’t just a list; it’s a celebration of America’s culinary diversity. Each state’s favorite beverage reflects centuries of history, local ingredients, and the timeless desire to gather around a shared, comforting drink during the holiday season. Whether you’re sipping a hot toddy on a snowy Alaskan evening or sipping a frozen margarita in a Floridian backyard, the holiday season in the U.S. proves that there’s no single recipe for joy—just a wide array of flavors that bring people together.
In the spirit of the article, we invite you to try one of these regional specialties, discover something new about your neighbors, and toast to the season with a beverage that’s as unique as your own holiday tradition. Cheers!
Read the Full Mental Floss Article at:
[ https://www.mentalfloss.com/holidays/most-popular-holiday-drink-by-state ]
