Many people think about breaking out a nice bottle of champagne on a special occasion, and a glass of bubbly definitely has a festive feel to it, but champagne is a drink that you can toast to all year round and winter holidays deserve their own special celebration drinks that you won’t see much at any other time of the year.
- Hot Caramel Apple Cider is a wonderful way to dress up apple cider. Cider – homemade or even store bought – is dressed up with caramel sauce and whipped cream for a real treat that practically shouts “happy holidays!” You could even spike this with a little alcohol for a more grown-up party drink, but I like to keep it simple because I never get tired of this treat.
- Eggnog is a holiday classic, a thick, dairy-based drink made with milk, sugar, eggs and spices, usually nutmeg and vanilla. You can spike it with a little brandy or rum for the grown-ups, too. You can easily buy eggnog, but nothing beats homemade. A cooked Homemade Eggnog is the most common kind of ‘nog recipe. This drink base is cooked like a custard, so it develops a thick and velvety texture. It is rich, but satisfying, and can actually stand in for dessert because it is quite indulgent.
- The most traditional eggnog is an Uncooked Eggnog. This ‘nog gets a little foamy and has a much lighter consistency than cooked ‘nogs do. You will probably want to use pasteurized eggs when you give this recipe a try, but it is worth the effort to find or make them because this traditional recipe is unique and delicious.
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate is a creamy hot chocolate made with both white and dark chocolate, with enough molasses and spice added to give you a good gingerbread feel. The added spice also makes this one a little extra warming – and something a little different than your standard hot cocoa mix. Use any kind of marshmallows as toppers, but holiday edition Gingerbread marshmallows are really a perfect way to finish this off.
- Peppermint fans can get their fix with a Double Chocolate Peppermint Mocha. Mint adds just the right touch of holiday spirit to this chocolaty drink, and you get a nice little pickup from the coffee. This could be good for a morning or evening celebration. You can also make this without the coffee as straight hot chocolate, if you have anyone who wants to skip the caffeine.
What do you think?