PENNSYLVANIA — A new survey suggests many Pennsylvanians are heading into the holiday season with a dangerously inaccurate understanding of how strong their festive drinks really are.
The poll of 2,002 adults, conducted by Bisnar Chase, found that 42% of Pennsylvanians believe popular holiday cocktails carry no more alcohol than a low-alcohol beer — outpacing the national average of 38%. The misconception runs especially deep when it comes to traditional favorites.
According to the survey, 45% of Pennsylvania respondents think eggnog is as mild as light beer, and an identical share said the same about mulled wine. More than a third — 36% — believe hot toddies fall into the “low-alcohol” category.
The confusion extends far beyond a single drink. Nationwide and in Pennsylvania:
- 20% believe holiday cocktails don’t count toward drink-driving limits.
- 57% admit they’ve unknowingly consumed more alcohol at holiday parties because seasonal cocktails “didn’t taste strong.”
- 46% assume warm alcoholic drinks are weaker than chilled cocktails.
- 48% say they would expect a menu item called Santa’s Milkshake to be alcohol-free.
Even more concerning, respondents were asked which festive drinks they believed they could consume before legally driving. The answers included:
- 23% choosing spiked hot chocolate.
- 10% selecting a sugar cookie martini.
- 7% choosing a snowball cocktail.
The survey also found that 77% of Pennsylvanians want bars and restaurants to clearly label alcohol strength, a sign that many recognize they are guessing when it comes to holiday beverages.
Legal experts warn that these misconceptions can have real consequences during a season already marked by heavier social drinking and increased DUI enforcement.
“People don’t set out to break the law at Christmas — they simply underestimate what’s in the glass,” said nationally recognized attorney Brian Chase. “Cocktails look fun and harmless, but their alcohol content doesn’t magically drop because it’s the holidays. A single misjudged drink can lead to a DUI, license suspension, and consequences that follow you long after the decorations come down.”
With Pennsylvania residents heading into office parties, family gatherings, and nights out across the region, the findings highlight a growing seasonal risk: holiday cocktails that look cheerful but hit far harder than many expect.
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