Around The World In New Year's Eve Drinking Traditions
New Year’s Eve parties across the globe often accompany libations of unique varieties that offer rich flavours. Often, these are drinks that have been passed down over centuries. Each country or a particular culture relies on a tradition drawn from their unique cultural heritage, to follow these customs for welcoming the new year.
Scotland: Whisky
In Scotland, the New Year’s celebrations are called Hogmanay, and it is a name that has baffled several historians over the years. Despite the lack of verifiable information surrounding its name, some believe it is derived from the French word 'hoginane', meaning 'gala day’. It is widely believed to have been first introduced by Mary, Queen of Scots, in the 16th century, after she returned from France. (This historical figure was brought to life on the screen by Saoirse Ronan in the film Mary Queen of Scots, which also stars Margo Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I.)
Each year on Hogmanay or New Year’s Eve, guests at house parties bring whisky as gifts for the hosts. It is believed that such gifts would bring luck to the house in the forthcoming year.
Russia: Champagne
Russia is typically associated with vodka when it comes to spirits and cocktails. It is hardly surprising as most people prefer vodka for the freezing temperatures. However, when it comes to New Year’s celebrations, the Russians are known to prefer something a little more effervescent. In the hopes of prosperity in the coming year, Russians write down their dreams and wishes on a piece of paper, burn the paper, mix the ashes in champagne, and consume it at the stroke of midnight.
Spain: Cava
The Spanish on the other hand have their own drinking custom which is equally unconventional as the Russians’. In Spain at the stroke of midnight, the locals put a coin or anything gold in Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine, and chug it. Of course, the piece of gold is not consumed, but it is meant to symbolise wealth and prosperity for the new year.
China: Baijiu
The local Chinese alcoholic drink Baijiu is one of the most popular beverages in China. While it is obviously consumed on several holidays, including the Chinese New Year, it is the drinking game that accompanies Baijiu that makes it an intriguing prospect. The popular dice game Liar’s Dice is often played during the Chinese New Year in January or February (depending on the date it falls on). However, it is a tradition which is equally adept for a New Year’s Eve party on December 31.
Puerto Rico: Coquito
Arguably the most delicious-looking drink on this list is the Coquito. While this savoury beverage is mainly consumed in Puerto Rico during the Christmas period, it is a very popular drink for a New Year’s party. Coquito is essentially a variation of the American Eggnog blend with rum and coconut milk, garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Germany: Rum-Filled Doughnuts
Unlike the other popular traditions on this list, Germany does not essentially have a specific drinking tradition, but it does have an alcoholic flavour that is consumed during the New Year celebration. In Germany, the holiday is celebrated with something known as the Berliner Pfannkuchen, which translates to “Berlin pancake’. However, in taste and composition, it resembles a doughnut. What makes it an essential part of this list is the fact that it is filled with rum icing — transforming it into a sought-after New Year’s delicacy.
Japan: Sake
When it comes to Japanese alcohol, nothing embodies it more than the Japanese rice wine, sake. While Japanese whisky comes a close second, sake remains Japan’s most popular alcoholic export. For New Year’s, a spiced iteration of sake known as the Otoso is popular in Japanese households. But the Otoso is not a party drink served on New Year's Eve. It is prepared overnight mixing herbs and spices in sake, and it is then heated up on the next day — i.e. on the morning of New Year's Day. It is shared amongst family members in three special cups, with the sake being passed from the youngest member of the family to the oldest.
