You can’t beat cosying up in a warm blanket with a steaming mug of something delicious on a cold winter’s day. The holidays are here and it’s time to get into the seasonal spirit. Why not whip up a few festive cocktails to spice up your winter nights? Whether you want to unwind with an alcoholic tipple after a long day or create a special mocktail for friends and family, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, you’ll find recipes for warm, wonderful drinks with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla to transport you to a winter wonderland. Get ready to infuse your home with the scents of the season and enjoy a perfect cup of holiday cheer.
Warm Up With Hot Chocolate
There’s nothing quite like a mug of hot chocolate to warm you up on a cold winter’s day. This decadent drink is the perfect accompaniment for cosy nights in, festive celebrations, or après-ski.
Ingredients:
-2 cups milk (dairy, almond or soy)
-1/3 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
-2 tablespoons cocoa powder
-1/4 cup sugar (or substitute honey for a vegan option)
-1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
-Pinch of salt
-Optional garnishes: whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed peppermint or cinnamon
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s steaming. Don’t let it boil.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla and salt. Whisk until the chocolate melts and the cocoa and sugar have dissolved.
- Pour into mugs and top with your choice of garnishes. Enjoy!
- For an alcoholic kick, add a splash of coffee liqueur, peppermint schnapps or Irish cream to each mug.
- Get creative by substituting almond or coconut milk and sugar-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free hot chocolate or add chili powder and cinnamon for Mexican-inspired flavors.
A steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate is a quintessential part of the winter experience. Whip up a batch to share with loved ones – your friends and family will thank you for the sweet treat and chance to unwind. After all, taking time to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures is what the holidays are all about.
Cosy Up With Mulled Cider
Nothing says winter quite like a steaming mug of mulled cider. This spiced apple cider is the perfect drink to warm you up on a chilly day.
To make mulled cider, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Combine the cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar in a slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours until heated through. The longer it simmers the more the flavors will blend and intensify.
You can also make mulled cider on the stovetop. Add all ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
The aroma of the mulled cider will fill your home with the scents of the season. You can garnish each mug with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of nutmeg. Sip your cosy concoction fireside for the perfect winter moment.
For an alcoholic version, add 1 cup of rum or brandy to the simmering cider. You can also add a splash of liquor to each mug if desired. Just be sure to account for the added alcohol when serving to avoid overpouring.
Whether you want to imbibe or keep it kid-friendly, mulled cider is a festive drink that brings warmth and holiday cheer. One sip and you’ll feel the seasonal spirit.
Add Holiday Cheer With Peppermint Mochas
There’s nothing quite like a peppermint mocha to evoke the holiday spirit. This festive drink combines coffee, chocolate, and mint for a flavor trifecta that will have you dreaming of sugar plums and winter wonderlands.
To make peppermint mochas for a crowd, heat up a batch of homemade hot chocolate or mulled wine on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. For a non-alcoholic option, simmer milk or a dairy-free milk alternative with cocoa powder, sugar, and peppermint extract. You can also add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for extra minty flavor and garnish.
For homemade peppermint mocha lattes, brew a pot of strong coffee and froth some milk. Add the frothed milk, chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, peppermint extract, and a splash of vanilla to the coffee. Top each latte with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, chocolate shavings and a candy cane for stirring.
If you want to get really fancy, try a candy cane peppermint mocha. Blend candy canes into a powder and mix a few tablespoons into the frothy milk before adding it to the coffee and chocolate. The crushed candy canes will dissolve into the drink, giving it a vibrant red and white swirl and intense peppermint candy flavor. You can also rim the glasses with the candy cane powder for a festive look and extra minty kick with each sip.
Whether you prefer your peppermint mochas steaming hot, iced or somewhere in between, these mint-chocolate coffee cocktails are sure to spread holiday cheer. Sweet, refreshing and full of seasonal spice, one taste will transport you to a winter wonderland.
Get Naughty With Spiked Eggnog
A classic holiday cocktail, eggnog gets an adults-only makeover with a splash (or two!) of rum or brandy. Homemade eggnog tastes so much better than the store-bought kind, and it’s really easy to make. All you need is a blender or whisk and a few simple ingredients.
To make a spiked eggnog, you’ll need:
- 3 cups whole milk or half and half
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup rum or brandy (or a combination of both)
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until well combined. Slowly whisk in the milk and vanilla.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until frothy, about 2 minutes. (Alternatively, you can use an electric mixer.)
- Add the nutmeg and your choice of rum and/or brandy and pulse just to combine.
- Chill the eggnog for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving over ice in glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and enjoy!
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and brandy. You can also add a bit of almond extract for extra flavor. Eggnog is best consumed within 3 to 5 days, so be sure to share with friends!
Whether you choose to spike it or not, homemade eggnog hits the spot on a cold winter’s night. Curl up by the fire, put on your favorite holiday movie, and sip on this rich and creamy treat. The combination of rum, nutmeg and creamy custard flavors will instantly transport you to a winter wonderland.
Snuggle Up With Irish Coffee
Nothing says cosy winter nights like a mug of hot Irish coffee. This cocktail classic is the perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and a kick of whiskey.
To make traditional Irish coffee:
- Brew a pot of hot coffee. For extra flavor, use coffee beans with notes of chocolate, nut, or caramel.
- Add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a shot (1 1/2 ounces) of Irish whiskey to an Irish coffee glass or a heatproof glass mug.
- Pour the hot coffee over the sugar and whiskey. The heat will melt the sugar into the drink.
- Top it off with a thick layer of lightly whipped heavy cream. The cream will float on top of the coffee for a signature Irish coffee look.
- Garnish each drink with a cinnamon stick for extra spice and festiveness.
For a non-alcoholic twist, simply omit the Irish whiskey. The hot coffee, brown sugar, and whipped cream make a delicious combination on their own. Kids and non-drinkers won’t miss the alcohol at all.
Other ways to customize your Irish coffee:
• Use bourbon, rum or brandy in place of the Irish whiskey.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
• Top with Nutella, chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint candy canes.
• Make Mexican coffee by adding a bit of chili powder, cinnamon and cocoa powder.
• For a “skinny” lower-calorie version, use fat-free half and half or milk and sugar-free sweetener.
Curl up by a fire, put on your coziest sweater and enjoy a mug of homemade Irish coffee. The blend of hot coffee, sugar, cream and whiskey is sure to warm you up from the inside out and fill you with feelings of comfort and joy. Santé!
Delight With Gingerbread Martinis
Nothing says winter wonderland quite like gingerbread. This delightfully spicy and molasses-sweet cookie inspires nostalgic memories of the holidays. Why not capture that same cosy feeling in a cocktail? Gingerbread martinis are the perfect mix of festive flavor and seasonal warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur like Kahlúa
- 1/2 ounce molasses
- 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce gingerbread syrup (recipe below)
- Cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish
Gingerbread Syrup:
Simmer 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves and a pinch of nutmeg over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves. Let cool and store refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, molasses, lemon juice and gingerbread syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into chilled martini glasses.
- Garnish each drink with a light dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The blend of vanilla, coffee and warm spices mirrors classic gingerbread flavors. The molasses and gingerbread syrup provide a robust sweetness balanced by bright lemon notes. Whether enjoying by a cosy fire or amidst a winter wonderland, these martinis capture the holiday spirit. For an alcohol-free option, substitute brewed coffee or ginger ale for the vodka and liqueur. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!
This season, delight your guests with the nostalgic flavors of gingerbread in a delightfully festive cocktail. Gingerbread martinis are sure to lift your spirits and spread good cheer. Happy holidays!
FAQ: Answers to Common Holiday Cocktail Questions
So you want to craft a signature cocktail for your holiday party, but have some questions about how to pull it off. No worries, we’ve got you covered with answers to the most frequently asked holiday cocktail questions.
What are some easy but festive options?
For an easy crowd-pleaser, make a batch of mulled wine or cider. Simply heat red wine or cider with mulling spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and orange peel. The aroma alone will fill your home with holiday cheer. Another simple option is cranberry spice punch—combine cranberry juice, orange juice and ginger ale or ginger beer and garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
Do I have to use alcohol?
Not at all! There are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options for your holiday gathering. Hot chocolate is always a favorite. For an extra special treat, top it with whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies or marshmallows. You can also make a sparkling cranberry spritzer by combining cranberry juice, club soda and a splash of lime or lemon juice over ice in a pitcher. Garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries.
What are some classic holiday cocktails I can make?
If you want to go more traditional, try making eggnog, a Tom & Jerry or a Candy Cane cocktail. Eggnog is a rich blend of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites and nutmeg, often spiked with rum or bourbon. A Tom & Jerry combines rum, brandy, eggs, sugar and spices. The Candy Cane mixes peppermint schnapps, white crème de cacao and milk or half and half over ice for a refreshing minty treat.
How can I garnish the cocktails to make them more festive?
Don’t forget the garnishes! Things like candy canes, crushed peppermint, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, star anise or citrus peels and twists can add spice and color to your cocktails. You can also use fresh or frozen cranberries, pomegranate seeds or blood orange slices. For an over-the-top treat, rim glasses with crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles and top drinks with a sprinkle of edible metallic or luster dust. Your guests will surely be wowed!
Hope this helps take the guesswork out of your holiday cocktail planning. With these tips, you’ll be crafting festive drinks in no time. Cheers to a wonderful winter wonderland!
So there you have it, some delicious drink options to warm your body and soul this winter. Whether you want to cosy up fireside with a mug of hot cocoa or spice, or get the party started with a festive cocktail, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple to make but packed with holiday flavor. Your friends and family will surely appreciate you bringing the bar home this season. Now all that’s left to do is put another log on the fire, turn up the holiday tunes, and start mixing! Before you know it, you’ll be feeling as warm and merry as Santa himself. Cheers to a winter wonderland!
