Cigars and Holiday Spirits: Pairing Cigars with Festive Drinks

Written by: Juan Panesso

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Time to read 4 min

The holidays are a time for indulgence, celebration, and the warm, familiar embrace of tradition. As the festive season rolls in, there's an undeniable magic in the air: twinkling lights, the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, and the comforting warmth of a crackling fireplace. For cigar aficionados, this season offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy their favorite smokes while savoring classic holiday beverages.

Pairing cigars with festive drinks like mulled wine, eggnog, and spiced rum can elevate both the smoke and the sip, creating a harmonious experience of flavor and aroma. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best cigar pairings for beloved holiday spirits, ensuring your celebrations are full of cheer, relaxation, and refined enjoyment.

So, pour yourself a glass, light up your favorite cigar, and let the holiday spirit guide you.

1. Mulled Wine and Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story

Mulled Wine: Rich, spicy, and aromatic, mulled wine is a holiday classic. Made with red wine, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a hint of citrus, this warming drink evokes all the coziness of the season.

  • Cigar: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story
  • Origin: Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper: Cameroon
  • Strength: Medium

The Arturo Fuente Hemingway Short Story is a perfect pairing for mulled wine. This medium-bodied Dominican cigar, wrapped in a Cameroon leaf, offers notes of cedar, nutmeg, and a hint of spice. Its shorter format makes it ideal for a quick yet satisfying smoke while enjoying a warm mug of mulled wine by the fire.

The subtle spice of the cigar complements the cinnamon and clove in the wine, while the cedar notes add a layer of complexity to the pairing. Together, they create a festive experience that warms you from the inside out.

Why It Works: The rich, spicy notes of the mulled wine are beautifully balanced by the cigar's cedar and nutmeg flavors.

2. Eggnog and Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne

Eggnog: Creamy, sweet, and decadent, eggnog is a holiday favorite. With its blend of milk, cream, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, and often a splash of brandy or rum, this drink is pure indulgence.

  • Cigar: Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne
  • Origin: Nicaragua
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
  • Strength: Mild-Medium

The Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Champagne is a smooth, mild-to-medium-bodied cigar that pairs wonderfully with the rich creaminess of eggnog. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper delivers notes of honey, cream, and a subtle nuttiness that harmonizes with the sweet, custardy flavors of eggnog.

The light profile of this cigar ensures it doesn't overpower the delicate flavors of the drink. Instead, it enhances the nutmeg and vanilla notes, creating a balanced and indulgent pairing perfect for a cozy night in.

Why It Works: The cigar’s creamy, honeyed notes mirror the rich texture of eggnog, while the subtle nutty finish complements the nutmeg.

3. Spiced Rum and Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro

Spiced Rum: With its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy profile, spiced rum is a holiday staple. Notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, and cloves make it a versatile and festive drink, especially when served neat or in a hot buttered rum.

  • Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro
  • Origin: Nicaragua
  • Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
  • Strength: Medium-Full

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro is a medium-full-bodied cigar with a rich, complex flavor profile featuring notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of pepper. The Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper adds a layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the caramel and vanilla notes in spiced rum.

The bold flavors of this cigar stand up to the intensity of the spiced rum, while the dark chocolate and espresso notes create a luxurious contrast to the drink's sweet, warming spices.

Why It Works: The dark chocolate and espresso notes of the cigar perfectly balance the sweet vanilla and spice of the rum.

4. Hot Buttered Rum and Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut

Hot Buttered Rum: This classic winter drink combines rum, butter, brown sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It's rich, soothing, and perfect for chilly nights.

  • Cigar: Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut
  • Origin: Honduras
  • Wrapper: Connecticut Shade
  • Strength: Mild-Medium

The Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut is a mild-to-medium-bodied cigar with a smooth, creamy profile. Notes of cedar, toasted almonds, and a touch of sweetness make it a natural fit for the rich, buttery flavors of hot buttered rum.

The cigar's subtle cedar and nutty undertones complement the drink's brown sugar and spice, creating a pairing that's both comforting and luxurious. This combination is perfect for relaxing by the fire after a long day of holiday festivities.

Why It Works: The cigar’s creamy, nutty profile enhances the richness of the hot buttered rum, while the cedar adds a touch of sophistication.

5. Irish Coffee and Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill

Irish Coffee: Combining hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream, Irish coffee is a delightful blend of warmth and kick. It’s a holiday favorite for those who love a little caffeine with their spirits.

  • Cigar: Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill
  • Origin: Dominican Republic
  • Wrapper: Indonesian Shade
  • Strength: Medium

The Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill is a classic medium-bodied cigar with notes of cedar, leather, and a hint of spice. Its long format allows for a leisurely smoke that pairs perfectly with the slow enjoyment of an Irish coffee.

The cigar's cedar and leather notes complement the whiskey's smooth kick, while the creaminess of the drink adds a luscious texture to the pairing. Together, they create a refined, warming experience that's perfect for holiday mornings or chilly evenings.

Why It Works: The cigar’s balanced flavors enhance the whiskey and coffee notes, making for a sophisticated and satisfying pairing.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Cigar Pairings 🍷


  1. Match Intensity: Pair full-bodied cigars with strong drinks and lighter cigars with more delicate beverages.
  2. Temperature Matters: Warm drinks can open up the flavors of your cigar, while chilled drinks can provide a refreshing contrast.
  3. Savor the Experience: Take your time to enjoy the interplay of flavors, letting each sip and puff enhance the other.
  4. Create the Atmosphere: Light a fire, play some festive music, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

The holidays are a time to treat yourself and those you love. By pairing cigars with classic holiday drinks, you create moments of joy, indulgence, and relaxation that make the season truly special. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of mulled wine or a hot buttered rum, the right cigar can make your holiday experience unforgettable.

So light up, raise a glass, and let the warmth of the season wrap around you.

Happy Holidays and Happy Smoking! 🍷🔥