Traditional Christmas Drinks Along my Travels

Christmas Drinks: Don’t Blame it in the Alcohol

I grew up in a family that allowed children to take a sip or two of alcoholic beverages.

It was mostly during Christmas or special occasions.

I think I turned out okay.

My “habit” consists of an occasional fruity drink in a pretty container. My main objective is to get a decent social media picture.

A buzz is optional!

I don’t need alcohol to have fun.

On my recent seven day cruise, my 6 drinks in total was a little excessive for me.

The sole alcoholic beverage I own is a souvenir rum bottle from my Cuba cruise in 2018.

I think it’s safe to say there are no AA meetings in my immediate future.

I’ve completed my first holiday blog and was inspired to add another to the repertoire.

It’s Christmas time and I have Cremas on my mind!

Instead of focusing solely on my beloved culture’s drink, I thought I would add other countries I’ve visited to the list. 

Haiti’s Cremas

To this day, I love the sweet and milky taste of my cultural drink called Cremas.

I wasn’t born in Haiti. It’s my parent’s homeland.

I visited for the first time in 2001. I’m overdue for another trip.

Cremas is a drink Haitian people buy or make for weddings, parties and Christmas! There are thick and “watery” versions.

I’ve had it with fine coconut pieces.

Some eat it with Haitian bread (think French baguette but less crispy).

My preference is the thick kind on the rocks.

Cremas is a blend of coconut, sweetened milk, cinnamon, lime, and Haitian Rum.

To order the bottle pictured, contact 305-493-0922.

Jamaica‘s Sorrel

I visited Kingston for my birthday this year and fell absolutely in love!

Below is a series of blogs based on that trip!

Tips on Getting Around Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica: Airbnb or Hotel

How to Experience the Culture?

Culture via Airbnb Experiences

Kingston, Jamaica: Best Sunday Brunch

It may change at any time, but I like using my own pictures for the blog.

Even though they aren’t perfect shots, I like the authenticity and realness.

I’m scared that if my pictures are always “super filtered” and plastic, some of it will rub off on me.

I don’t have any pictures of the Sorrel or the Crema de la vie. They’re the two that I haven’t tasted.

According to Jamaicans.com, Sorrel is the drink of choice during Christmas.

Sorrel is another name for the hibiscus sabdariffa flowers used to make the drink.

It has a cranberry color and is a great health booster! The ingredients are sorrel, ginger, water, sugar, pimento grains and, wine (optional).

Cuba’s Crema de Vie

Haiti, Cuba and Puerto Rico’s Christmas drinks are very similar. That’s how I knew I would love Coquito before I ever tasted it.

“America’s” eggnog isn’t too far behind!

I’m sure Crema de vie (so close to Cremas; meaning cream of life) will be no different!

I couldn’t leave off Cuba’s traditional Christmas drink considering it was number one on my bucket-list at one time.

Divermex.com has Crema de vie as number four on their top 5 traditional Cuban drinks.

The main ingredients are condensed milk, syrup, egg yolk, vanilla, alcohol, water, sugar and star anise.

Puerto Rico’s Coquito

I moved to Miami at age nine. It didn’t take long for me to hear about Puerto Rico’s traditional Christmas drink Coquito (little coconut).

This is the last weekend before Christmas! If you celebrate, you’ve either attended a party or will be going to one soon.

My supervisor is Puerto Rican. She was also hosting our Christmas party.

I knew Coquito would be served.

I wasn’t disappointed! It was homemade by her and so good.

Out of all the countries, Puerto Rico’s Coquito comes the closest to Haiti’s Cremas.

The ingredients are basically the same.

The main difference is Coquito has a more liquid consistency than Cremas.

“America’s” Eggnog

I came to America at age eight.

“Technically” it’s a country that I’ve traveled to.

I just “never left”! (LOL!)

Based on my observations, eggnog is America’s traditional Christmas drink. Most stores only sell them during the Christmas season.

It has always been my favorite virgin holiday drink! You can spike it to make things interesting or just have a Cremas/Coquito instead.

Ironically, the American top pick has British roots, says Time. It wasn’t until the 1700’s that the drink “crossed the pond”.

Eggnogg is made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks.

Santa’s Favorite

Like eggnog, Santa didn’t originate in America. Nevertheless, they’re both widely popular in an American Christmas.

Over the years, Old Saint Nick has evolved into a sleigh riding gift deliverer. The toys are made by elves at the North Pole

His guides are no other than 12 reindeer.

Santa works up quite an appetite with his worldwide deliveries.

I would be amiss if I left the jolly old fellow’s favorite drink off the list.

A nice cold glass of milk to go along with freshly baked cookies.

Some say that leaving cookies-and-milk for Santa came from the tradition of hanging and stuffing stocking by the chimney, and leaving something to eat and drink was a way to welcome Santa! –Delicioustable.com

It is said that in the 1930s during the Great Depression, cookies and milk for Santa took off as an American holiday tradition. Due to the severe hard financial times, many parents wanted to teach their children to give, be generous to others, and to show gratitude for their Christmas gifts. –Delicioustable.com

The tradition continues today, as expectant boys and girls leave Santa this yummy “thank you” treat!

Santa has never clarified what type of cookies/milk he likes. Sugar and chocolate chips are widely promoted.

What’s in it for Santa?

Since hot chocolate has milk in it, I’m sure Santa will not disappoint his followers by rejecting any offerings of that either.

Maybe with repetition, he’s grown to love them all!

Its no wonder he can barely fit in the red velvet suit. Keep those chimneys clear for the sound of (Ho, Ho, Ho!).

It’s almost Christmas! I’m on the nice list! Are you?

I typed this blog while I sipped on Cremas on the rocks! It was comforting being reminded of my first taste in childhood.

If you haven’t tried any of these traditional Christmas drinks, be sure to request them on your travels (especially around Christmas)!

I kept the list small! Did any of your favorites make it? Was I close?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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