What Hungarians actually drink at Christmas – And why it matters

For visitors and expats spending the festive season in Hungary, Christmas traditions may feel familiar at first glance: decorated trees, Christmas markets, and family gatherings. But when it comes to what people actually drink at Christmas, Hungary has its own distinct habits shaped by history, climate, and strong culinary traditions.

From steaming mugs of mulled wine to small glasses of pálinka, here is what you are most likely to find on a Hungarian Christmas table, and what each drink represents.

Mulled wine (forralt bor): A winter essential

Mulled wine, known in Hungary as forralt bor, is the most visible Christmas drink, especially at Advent markets. Red wine is gently heated with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, citrus peel, and sometimes star anise or ginger.

Unlike in some countries, Hungarians tend to prefer less sweet versions, letting the spices and wine itself dominate the flavour. At home, many families prepare their own recipes rather than buying ready-made mixes.

While forralt bor is strongly associated with Christmas markets, it is also commonly served during family visits and festive evenings throughout December.

Pálinka: The unofficial welcome drink

No Hungarian celebration is complete without pálinka, the country’s iconic fruit brandy. At Christmas, it often appears as a welcoming drink before meals or during long family visits.

Made from fruits such as plum, apricot, pear, cherry, or quince, pálinka is usually homemade or sourced from small producers. Offering a guest a small glass is considered a sign of hospitality, even if the guest politely declines after one sip.

For newcomers, it is worth knowing that pálinka is much stronger than it tastes, and drinking it slowly is entirely acceptable.

Wine with Christmas dinner: Regional pride in a glass

Hungary is a wine-producing country, and Christmas meals are often paired with locally produced wines rather than international brands. White wines such as Olaszrizling or Furmint are popular with fish dishes, while reds like Kékfrankos or Bikavér often accompany heavier meals.

In many households, serving wine from a specific region reflects family roots or personal pride rather than formal wine rules.

Hot tea and herbal infusions: The quiet favourite

Despite the prominence of alcohol, tea plays a surprisingly important role in Hungarian Christmas gatherings. Black tea with lemon, herbal infusions made from chamomile, linden flower, or rosehip, and spiced fruit teas are commonly offered throughout the day.

Tea is especially popular after meals or during long conversations, making it a staple for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Hot chocolate and coffee: Comfort over ceremony

Hot chocolate is more common in homes with children, while strong coffee is usually served after lunch or dinner. Espresso-style coffee dominates, often accompanied by homemade cakes or biscuits.

Unlike in some countries, coffee is not limited to mornings: it is perfectly normal to be offered one late in the evening during Christmas visits.

What you will not usually see

Eggnog, festive cocktails, and heavily flavoured seasonal drinks are not traditional in Hungary. Champagne is typically reserved for New Year’s Eve, not Christmas itself.

Alcohol-free “Christmas drinks” are also less common, with most families preferring tea, juice, or mineral water for non-drinkers.

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A reflection of Hungarian hospitality

Hungarian Christmas drinks are less about spectacle and more about warmth, continuity, and hospitality. Whether it is a mug of mulled wine, a careful sip of pálinka, or a simple cup of tea, each drink is part of a social ritual centred on conversation and shared time.

For foreigners spending Christmas in Hungary, accepting at least one offered drink (even just a few sips) is often the easiest way to feel welcomed into the festive atmosphere.