Get punch drunk this festive season with these classics

Festive drinks from around the world, including a winter punch made by Mumbai's East Indian community 

- Raul Dias

Celebrating the ongoing festive season in Mumbai-where I've lived most of my life-has been one where a vivid imagination have always played major roles. Try conjuring up images of snow-covered roofs, while envisioning the trill of riding on a sleigh through a blizzard in the midst of an actually balmy 32°C weather and you'll get my drift.

My entire month of December pivots around food, drink and festivities. To fuel this passion, I make sure my quota of all three is in full supply-especially a few seasonal alcoholic drinks, each different from the other, yet linked.

EGG(LESS)NOG!

Ever the fan of creamy, warm alcoholic drinks, I find great comfort in a cup of eggnog. But with a twist. As someone who can't bear the idea of ingesting anything made with runny, or worse, raw eggs, I've come up with my own recipe for a nog that's reassuringly eggless. But one that does not skimp on the taste and texture of the original version.