Sozzled Santa? What Father Christmas drinks around the world

Whether it is drinks left out by the kids or a quick pit-stop at a local bar, these are the drinks that Santa will be consuming on Christmas Eve.

Recent data from a study by Asda has revealed that Santa consumed more than 2 million alcoholic drinks in just six hours on Christmas Eve 2022, which is the equivalent to 2.4 million units.

Mainly thanks to the generosity of parents, Santa sank 511,691 whiskies, 291,134 sherries, 220,557 wines, 216,146 brandies, and 114,698 rums. So a fair few drinks then.

Below is a list of where he consumed some of these drinks.

UK: Sherry (or brandy or whisky)

Basically, something strong and warming, whether fortified wine or a single malt. But the tradition is sherry.

Many families have their own traditions as well, and some even leave out a non-alcoholic snack, especially milk. But the common thread is a short thimbleful of thick, gorgeous liquid, whether it is beer, fortified wine, or a single malt.

Ireland: Guinness

Obvs. A pint or half pint of the stout is an essential one for Santa’s trip across the Emerald Isle, and the children of Ireland agree, placing a half or full pint for F.C. during his sojourn.

Australia: lager

It is the summer when Christmas hits the continent so Father Christmas won’t be looking for a warming dram.

Instead, children leave out that most quintessential of Australian drinks: an ice-cold lager.

France: a glass of wine

It’s France, so this is unsurprising. There may be many stories about consumer trends suggesting the French are buying less fermented grape juice, but it’s still good enough for Father Christmas, and is often left out for the big man.

One can assume that regional varieties play their part.

Santa probably enjoys his journey across this country, although it’s unknown whether he has any WSET qualifications to appreciate the complexity of  Burgundy’s DRC or one of Bordeaux’s finest.

Italy 

Baba Natale will also get a glass of wine in Italy, so it can be assumed he will be able to do an interesting compare and contrast of the adjacent wine regions.

Spain

Santa is most likely to get a similar tipple to the UK in Spain, where he is often left out a glass of brandy.

Finland: Glögi

A favourite hot drink at this time of year, made from red wine or fruit juice and mixed with cardamon and cinnamon as well as raisins and almonds.

Norway: Juleøl

Norwegians love this Christmas ale, and many breweries make their own varieties. Without doubt, Father Christmas will be getting stuck into one of these malt bombs during his time in the country.

Sweden: coffee

One assumes that Santa hits Sweden towards the end of the night, and will be in need of a much-needed caffeine boost.

Fortunately when he is on the home straight, he can grab a cup of warming coffee in Sweden. Perhaps he may add a spirit or liqueur to spice things up and finish off his trip in style.

Argentina

Children often leave out a rum sponge cake for Santa, meaning he gets that fantastic mix of sustenance and booze, which is always a match made in heaven.