Tis The Season: What's Washington's Most Popular Christmas Drink?

WASHINGTON — The holiday season has long been considered a time to be merry, and for some, that includes a seasonal drink.

A recent study trying to identify the most popular alcoholic beverages across the country found that for Washington: the obvious choice is the best one. The most popular Christmas drink in the evergreen state is eggnog, according to a November survey by Alcohol.org of 3,000 American drinkers age 21 or older.

That makes sense, as nog was the clear cross-country favorite as determined by the survey. Eggnog is the most popular holiday drink in more than half the states, 27 in all. Hot buttered rum is the next most popular, having been chosen as the favorite in six states.

Champagne, Moscow mule, mimosa, hot toddy and Irish coffee were selected as the favorites in other states.

The Alcohol.org survey also shows that more than 1 in 5 respondents avoid alcohol in preparation for a “boozy holiday season,” a company spokeswoman said. And about 34 percent of survey participants said they start drinking first thing in the morning on Christmas Day.

Whenever indulging in an alcoholic drink, Alcohol.org says, it's important that people make sure to do it responsibly — and never drink and drive.

“The holiday season is a time for enjoyment, but it must take place safely and responsibly,” said Theresa Dunaway, director of nursing at Oxford Treatment Center and spokeswoman for Alcohol.org.