Spice up the holiday season with seasonal and craft winter warmer ales to warm up evenings as it gets colder outside. These ales date back to the 1600s and before, and they're ideal for helping keep off the winter chill. The addition of spices gives these beers the flavors and aromatics of the holiday season as you sip from each glass. Some brews have holiday spice flavors, while others have a deep, rich flavor to brighten the holiday spirit. These strong ale beers, chock full of festive aromas and tastes, are bolder than a traditional dark ale, ranging anywhere from 5% to 14.9% alcohol by volume.

Christmas ale is a tad hoppier than traditional brews for a richer flavor. Some are dark and rich with toasty, chocolatey flavors, while others have essences of holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to leave a hint of holiday cheer on the palate. Savor the decadent aromas of spice, sweetness, fruits or florals that sweeten each sip.

Friendly gatherings and bountiful feasts make the holidays grand, so top them off with a delicious aged ale. Serve appetizers, sweet, full-flavored foods with cream-based sauces and desserts like fruitcakes or citrus pies and cakes. Chocolaty brews pair well with hearty entrées and indulgent desserts. Ales with a caramel flavor complement sweet pies or tame a pungent blue cheese.

For something different for the celebrations, add a touch of seasonal ale to flavor meats, soups and other dishes. Bring some holiday cheer to practically any dessert with the few drops of seasonal beer to kick them up a notch.

Majestic long-stemmed goblets or heavy, thick-walled chalices with rims laced with gold or silver and stems with seasonal sculptures bring out the best of these seasonal beverages. The wide mouths allow the beverages' aromas to tease the senses before the spices of the season reach the palate. Sip by the fire or after enjoying a bountiful holiday feast.

Enjoy seasonal beers and other beverages with a hand from Drizly in your city or find liquor stores near you.