1. Masala Chai – India
There’s no better symbol of India’s daily rhythm than a steaming cup of chai. But what is Masala Chai made of? Masala chai is traditionally brewed with black tea, milk, sugar, and a blend of spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. Masala Chai is both energizing and soothing. Served from bustling train stations to street-corner stalls, it’s more than a drink—it’s a ritual of connection. What is the difference between Masala Chai and regular Chai? While Masala Chai has a mix of spices, a regular Chai is simpler, made only with black tea, milk, sugar, and sometimes a hint of cardamom.
Experience it in Delhi’s Old Spice Market
2. Mulled Wine – Europe
Known as Glühwein in Germany, vin chaud in France, or vin fiert in Romania, this festive drink is the heart of European winter markets. Red wine is gently heated with slices of oranges or apples, cloves, cinnamon, and a touch of honey or sugar. Every sip feels like the holiday season itself—warm, aromatic, and full of cheer. Mulled wine pairs exceptionally well with a cheese platter, as cheeses like Camembert, Cheddar, or Brie complement the spiciness of the mulled wine. For a sweet pairing, try a hot cup of mulled wine alongside a slice of Romanian Cozonac.
Visit the Christmas Markets in Vienna
3. Mexican Hot Chocolate – Mexico
Authentic Mexican hot chocolate carries a bold kick. Made with tablilla (traditional chocolate discs infused with cinnamon and sometimes chili), it’s whisked until frothy and paired with pan dulce—sweet bread for dipping. Compared to the American Hot Chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate is less sweet and more complexly spiced. Champurrado is another version of Mexican Hot Chocolate, thicker due to the addition of corn flour.
Try a Cacao Day Experience in Oaxaca, Mexico
4. Sbiten – Russia
Before tea arrived in Russia, Sbiten was the go-to winter drink, first mentioned in chronicles dating back to the 12th century. It combines honey, water, spices like cloves and cinnamon, and sometimes red wine or jam. Historically served by street vendors, it remains a nostalgic taste of old Russia.
Read more:
Fall Sangria Easy Recipe
5. Sujeonggwa – Korea
This traditional Korean punch blends dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger for a naturally sweet, spiced flavor. It’s typically served chilled, but its aroma still evokes comfort and celebration. Sujeonggwa is similar to a ginger cinnamon tea, and different from another Korean traditional drink – Sikhye – a sweet and light punch with a rice aroma.
6. Hot Buttered Rum – United States
Born in colonial America, this drink blends rum, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for pure fireside indulgence. Some versions call for vanilla ice cream for an extra flavor and creaminess.
7. Glogg – Scandinavia
In the Nordic countries, winter warmth comes in the form of Glogg—a Scandinavian cousin of mulled wine that’s richer and more aromatic. Traditionally enjoyed around Christmas, Glogg is made by simmering red wine (and sometimes a splash of port or aquavit) with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel. It’s typically served with blanched almonds and raisins in each cup, and paired with ginger cookies or saffron buns. The drink embodies hygge—the Danish concept of cozy comfort shared with loved ones during long, dark winters
8. Spiced Cider – England & North America
Apple cider infused with cloves, cinnamon, and orange peel defines cozy autumn gatherings—the aroma alone feels like fall in a cup. Spiced Cider has ancient roots; it became popular in medieval Europe, especially England, where drinking mulled cider was part of the winter solstice celebrations. Today, spiced and mulled cider is enjoyed in many cultures during the festive season, with variations like German Glühwein and Scandinavian Glögg.
9. Sahlab – Middle East
A silky, comforting beverage made from orchid root powder, milk, sugar, and a touch of rosewater or cinnamon, Sahlab is a winter favorite in Egypt and Lebanon. Common flavorings include rose water or orange blossom water, with a sprinkling of cinnamon and chopped nuts on top. Sahlab was also sold in England as “saloop” when tea and coffee were too expensive.
Sample it on a Nile dinner cruise.
10. Chicha Morada – Peru
This purple corn drink features warming spices like cinnamon and cloves and is sweetened with pineapple and lime – a refreshing yet grounding South American classic. Chicha Morada tastes sweet and slightly tart, and it’s also known as a healthy drink due to its high antioxidant content from purple corn.
Join a Peruvian cooking class in Lima
Related on Faraway Life
Love recipes that connect you to culture and place? Follow me on Instagram @farawaylifetravel for more traditional dishes from around the world, stories from my travels, and cozy food rituals that inspire slow, meaningful living—wherever you are.
