Want to know everything about the ingredients in Christmas beer?
Love Christmas beer but not sure how it’s made or what goes into it? This guide explains the style’s hallmark ingredients and brewing approach, then points you to a few festive options available at Saveur Bière and PerfectDraft.
A quick history
In the 18th century, brewers sometimes faced a late-autumn surplus of grain. Instead of wasting it, they brewed one final seasonal beer. With limited cold storage at the time, these batches became the first winter and Christmas ales. Although modern techniques now allow long-term grain storage, the tradition lives on — today both craft and larger breweries release spiced, winter-strength beers for the festive period.
What are the ingredients in Christmas beer?
Beyond the classic quartet — water, malted barley, hops, and yeast — brewers often add warming spices and citrus to create a festive profile. Common additions include:
- Spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, star anise, vanilla
- Citrus elements: orange peel or other zest
These beers are typically higher in alcohol with a round, slightly sweet malt backbone to balance the spice. They’re designed as warming winter beers, perfect for long evenings and hearty meals.
How Christmas beers differ from traditional beers
- Flavour: richer malt notes (caramel, toffee) layered with festive spice and citrus.
- Body & ABV: fuller mouthfeel and generally higher alcohol than everyday pale lagers or ales.
- Colour: often darker — amber, brown, or black — though pale versions exist.
Exact recipes vary by brewery. Always check the ingredient list and allergens on each product page in our shop for full details.
Shop our festive selection
At PerfectDraft, you’ll find a wide range of Christmas beers with clear product information to help you choose. To order in December — or even earlier — simply tick the Christmas Ale filter to browse Belgian and other European releases featuring signature winter spices and citrus extracts for unique festive aromas and flavours. Many pair beautifully with aperitifs or rich seasonal dishes.
Each product page includes details on bitterness and sweetness levels, bottle or keg size, ABV, recommended glassware, appearance, country of origin, and background on the brewery. You can shop bottles or kegs compatible with the PerfectDraft beer tap to keep your beer fresh throughout the holidays.
Need help?
Questions about a specific spicy winter beer? Contact our customer service by email or text. Enjoy secure payment, careful breakage-resistant packaging, and fast delivery.
ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH, PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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