The holiday season, with its crisp air and twinkling lights, beckons us to embrace warmth and connection. It’s a time for gatherings, whether they be intimate nights in by the fireplace or lively celebrations with friends and family. What better way to elevate these moments than with a carefully crafted, festive drink in hand? The art of mixing and mulling transforms a simple beverage into a sensorial experience, a sip of the season that evokes comfort and celebration.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, the allure of a cozy night in with a warm mug or a fun night out with a festive concoction becomes irresistible. In this guide, we’ll explore a curated collection of holiday drinks that cater to both scenarios, offering a perfect blend of flavors to suit every palate. From velvety hot chocolate to the rich indulgence of eggnog, and the refreshing zing of a mocktail to the spirited kick of a holiday cocktail, we’ve got your seasonal sips covered.
1. Classic Hot Chocolate: Easy, Crockpot Favorite
Begin your journey into holiday beverages with the quintessential Classic Hot Chocolate. This timeless concoction is not just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug. Not only is this THE best hot chocolate recipe, it is as easy as throwing everything in a crockpot and not thinking about it until it’s ready to drink. I love an easy crockpot recipe and this is one of them. Be sure to top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of mini marshmallows for the best experience. Whether you’re curled up with a book on a quiet evening or hosting a family movie night, this hot chocolate recipe is a surefire way to infuse warmth into your holiday moments.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups of milk chocolate chips (can also use half semi-sweet)
Instructions
- In the crockpot, mix together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla and chocolate chips in a 5-quart crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours. Be sure to stir occasionally until the mixture is hot and the chocolate is melted.
- Once everything is melted, turn it on warm and serve!
- Garnish individual cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.
2. Eggnog Extravaganza: Traditional, Spirited, and Sober
Eggnog, with its creamy richness and nutmeg-kissed aroma, is a holiday classic that can be enjoyed in various forms. For a traditional experience, whip up a batch of Homemade Eggnog with the perfect balance of egg yolks, cream, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg. Those seeking a spirited twist can indulge in the Eggnog Martini, blending the velvety goodness of eggnog with the warmth of spiced rum or bourbon. For a non-alcoholic alternative, the Virgin Eggnog provides the same luxurious texture and festive flavor without the spirits, ensuring everyone can partake in the seasonal cheer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 + ½ teaspoons nutmeg, freshly grated
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 4 egg yolks, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- ground cinnamon (optional, for topping)
- extra nutmeg (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook milk and vanilla over medium heat. Once bubbles start to form and the milk is steaming, take off the heat.
- In a bowl, beat together eggs, yolks, sugar and salt until thick and pale.
- Slowly combine the milk mixture with the egg mixture.
- Put back on the stove and cook on low for 6 minutes or until 165 F.
- In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream and nutmeg. Strain the milk and egg mixture into the heavy cream.
- Cool in the fridge for at least 2 hours and serve!
3. Berry Bliss Mocktail: A Refreshing Symphony
For those moments when you desire a break from the rich and indulgent, the Berry Bliss Mocktail comes to the rescue. This vibrant concoction combines the tartness of mixed berries with the freshness of mint and a splash of citrusy sparkle. Muddle together fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, add a squeeze of lime juice, and top it off with sparkling water. The result is a refreshing and visually stunning mocktail that captures the essence of winter berries, making it an ideal choice for a daytime celebration or a crisp evening on the patio.
Ingredients
- 1 handful raspberry
- 1 handful blueberry
- 1 sprig fresh mint leaf
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar, or honey
- ice
- 1 splash soda water, or seltzer water
Instructions
- Using a cocktail shaker or a glass, middle the berries and mint together.
- To the glass add the lime juice, choice of sweetener and ice.
- Shake until combined.
- Strain your drink into your serving glass and top with soda or seltzer water.
- Make it fancy by topping it with fresh berries and a mint leaf and enjoy!
4. Winterberry Spice Cocktail: A Spirited Celebration
To cap off your holiday drink repertoire, we present the Winter Spice Cocktail—an enchanting blend of seasonal flavors with a spirited kick. Begin by infusing your favorite spirit—be it vodka, whiskey, or rum—with winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Strain the mixture and combine it with cranberry juice, a touch of orange liqueur, and a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a sprig of rosemary for a visually stunning cocktail that embodies the festive spirit in a glass. Whether you’re toasting to a successful year or reveling in the joy of the season, the Winter Spice Cocktail adds a sophisticated touch to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz Cranberry Spice Syrup
- 4 mandarins or about 2 oz of mandarin juice
- splash club soda / soda water optional for a little carbonation
- Ice
Sugar Rim
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a shaker or glass, combine 2 oz of mandarin juice, vodka and cranberry spice syrup.
- Shake until well combined.
- Rim your serving glass with some juice from the mandarin.
- In a small shallow bowl, combine your sugars, and rim your glass.
- Strain your shaker into the rimmed glass and top with a splash of soda water and enjoy!
As we navigate the festivities of the season, let these carefully crafted holiday drinks be the companion to your moments of joy, reflection, and celebration. From the classic comfort of hot chocolate to the spirited indulgence of eggnog and the refreshing allure of mocktails, each sip is an invitation to savor the magic of the holidays. Cheers to creating memories and toasting to the warmth that these festive celebrations bring to our hearts and homes.
