When the nights get long and the cold air is biting, nothing beats a big, comfortable sweater and a cozy, heartwarming drink. So why not indulge and make your days a little more festive with a delicious winter holiday drink? We’ve rounded up our top five recipes that will dazzle your loved ones, or just get you through a really snowy evening when it’s far too cold to go out.
Kick off the season with a Classic Eggnog
It’s not the holidays until the eggnog has been poured, and this version is sure to put a rosy glow in your cheeks. There are many variations of this seasonal treat, but the basic formula consists of eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and an optional spirit. Feel free to leave out the alcohol for a virgin eggnog that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 6 oz granulated sugar
- 1 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated)
- ⅛ tsp allspice
- ⅛ tsp clove
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 oz cognac
- 2 oz orange liqueur (brandy-based)
- 4 oz bourbon whiskey
- 12 oz whole milk
- 8 oz heavy cream
- Nutmeg for garnish
Method:
- Blend the eggs for 1 minute in either a mixer fitted with a whip attachment or a blender.
- Add the sugar and spices and blend for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate.
- Slowly add the liquors and blend another 30 seconds.
- Then add the milk and cream and blend 1 minute more. Cover and refrigerate.
- Grate fresh nutmeg or cinnamon over the top for garnish (optional).
Sip the flavors of the holidays with Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider
A must-have for all winter shindigs, this cozy drink will be sure to put a little jingle in your step. Whether you’re looking to serve a new drink at your holiday celebration, or have something to sip on while you wrap all those gifts, this little concoction is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 64 oz apple cider
- 48 oz 100% cranberry juice
- 4 oz white sugar to taste
- 2 oz brown sugar to taste
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 3 sticks cinnamon broken into pieces
Method:
- Pour the apple cider and cranberry juice into a large saucepan.
- Add the sugar and spices
- Bring to a low boil and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
- Strain the spices, then discard them.
- Serve warm.
Tip: Store the cranberry apple cider in a Thermos bottle or a slow cooker to keep it warm.
Warm up with this winter morning favorite – Slow Cooker Gingerbread Latte
It’s time to toss the steamy pumpkin latte aside and welcome a new latte flavor to town. Once the holidays roll around, gingerbread is the only way to flavor your coffee. This one requires a slow cooker, so you can toss in all your ingredients and let the cooker work its magic.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk (use whole milk for extra creaminess, or your favourite non-dairy milk if you prefer)
- 24 oz strong black coffee (use your favorite!)
- 2 oz sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tsp powdered ginger
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp whole allspice (or 1/4 tsp ground)
- 1 tsp whole cloves (or 1/4 tsp ground)
- Whipped cream and caramel sauce for serving
Method:
- Add the milk, coffee, sugar, cinnamon sticks, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to your slow cooker and stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Cover the pot with the lid and set on cook for 2 ½ hours on high heat or for 4 hours on low heat, stirring once about half way through cooking.
- Serve hot with fresh whipped cream and caramel sauce and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Create wintertime magic in a glass with this Peppermint Hot Chocolate
As the lights are strung and snowflakes fall, you’ll need a perfect-for-winter steaming cup of hot chocolate to cuddle up under the blanket with. Whether it’s the ultimate sweet ending to your holiday meal or a little guilty pleasure after a weeknight dinner, this peppermint hot cocoa will remind you that it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 drops peppermint oil
- Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Method:
- In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, salt and heat over medium-low heat.
- When the cream mixture just begins to steam, add the chopped chocolate, and stir, until melted. Then stir in the peppermint oil.
- Divide the hot chocolate among mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Tip: Add a candy cane in each mug as a stirrer to give it that extra Christmassy touch.
Pack a festive Christmas Punch!
Whether you’re cuddled up watching old Christmas movies (cue the Home Alone Kevin McCallister scream) or dancing to the ultimate Christmas party playlist, a good holiday punch will make all the difference! This one is packed with fruits and spice, and the best part is you can make it alcohol-free for the kids or pack it with wine or champagne for the grown ups!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pomegranate seeds
- 2 oranges
- 1 cup orange juice fresh squeezed if possible
- 16 oz pomegranate juice
- 16 oz 100% cranberry juice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 20 oz 7Up or similar soda
- Alcohol that can be added (optional):
Method:
- Slice oranges into thin slices and cut them in half.
- Combine orange slices, pomegranate seeds, pomegranate juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and vanilla together in a punch bowl or pitcher. Mix and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- Before serving, add soda and gently stir just enough to mix.
With Alcohol:
- Add rum (or vodka) at the same time as fruit and juices.
- Add Prosecco right before servings.
Tip: Make the punch a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. The juices will get a chance to infuse with fresh fruit for the best flavor.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and whether you’re hosting a virtual get together or enjoying a night at home with family, the best way to get into the holiday spirit is with a festive drink in your hand!
