The holiday season is finally here, which means it’s time to whip up some festive drinks. Whether you’re a fan of piping hot cider or frozen slushies, there’s a tasty holiday beverage for you. Here are just a few for you and your family to try this year:
1. Olaf’s Warm Hug from Two Sisters Crafting
If your kids are crazy about “Frozen,” they’ll love Olaf’s Warm Hug. Add a little excitement to your next movie night with this bright blue drink. With just six ingredients, it couldn’t be easier to make. Plus, you can customize it to be lactose-free if you or your little ones have dietary restrictions. Pile on the whipped cream and sprinkles and serve with snowflake-shaped sugar cookies.
2. Easy Wassail from Oh So Delicioso
Wassail is a warm, spiced juice that has been served at large gatherings for many generations. Of course, big parties and family get-togethers may be out of the picture this year, but don’t let that stop you from making this holiday drink. You’ll need a handful of ingredients, including frozen orange juice concentrate and cinnamon sticks. A slow cooker and cheesecloth may also come in handy during the mulling process.
3. Gingerbread Smoothie from Tasty Yummies
Are you looking for a healthier holiday drink option? Stick to your diet and enjoy this gluten-free and vegan-friendly gingerbread smoothie all season long. While this recipe does call for quite a few ingredients, you can find most of them in your local grocery store. If you can’t find unsulphured blackstrap molasses, use honey, maple syrup or a sweetener of your choice. Make a more grown-up version by adding a shot of spiced rum or bourbon, and drink up!
4. Jack Frost Cocktails The Blond Cook
Is Jack Frost nipping at your nose? Let him tantalize your taste buds instead with these frosty blue cocktails. All you need is six simple ingredients and a blender to make these tasty drinks. However, if you don’t want them icy, you can always skip the blender and serve the mixture in a martini glass. Dip the rim of your glass in corn syrup or honey and then in some coconut flakes for a more festive finish.
5. Grinch Punch from Eating on a Dime
Grinch Punch is a fun twist on the traditional sherbet punch you’ll find at holiday parties. Plus, it’s bright green, so the kids are sure to love it, especially when you pair it with a “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” movie night. After whipping up the main ingredients, dip your glass rims in water or simple syrup. Then, dip them in red sanding sugar. Spoon in the punch and serve.
6. Reindeer Tracks Hot Chocolate from Today.com (image by Nathan Congleton)
This hot chocolate tastes like the holidays and is sure to become a family favorite from the moment you taste it. Yes, the recipe may require a few more ingredients, but the result will be more than worth it. Besides, homemade hot cocoa beats the packaged mix any day. This recipe makes six drinks — or four large ones — so there’s enough for everyone. Top with whipped cream, pretzels, chocolate shavings and pecans for a truly indulgent treat.
7. Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzer from Tidy Mom
No holiday cocktail party is complete without Rudolph’s Tipsy Spritzers. These tasty drinks feature the perfect balance of flavors and take the typical vodka and cranberry to a whole other level. With hints of cranberry, orange juice, ginger ale and vodka, this cocktail will surely be a hit. Toss in a few cranberries and top them off with a sprig of rosemary. Make this tipsy spritzer by the pitcher and refrigerate it for three to five days.
8. Hot Buttered Rum from Rachel Ray
Fight off those winter chills with a mug of hot buttered rum. This drink is just as comforting as it sounds — and even more delicious! As its name suggests, the recipe does call for one-fourth stick of butter per drink, so if you’re trying to eat healthy, stay far away from this beverage. On the other hand, if your diet doesn’t start until the New Year, mix up the spices, butter and rum and drink up.
9. Eggcellent Elf Nog Iced Coffee from Crazy Cups
Eggnog season is finally here and, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll indulge in an Elf Nog iced coffee. This seasonal treat is super easy to whip up. Simply fill a glass with ice, add the coffee, vanilla extract, sugar and spices and pour in some eggnog. Top with milk and whipped cream and sip away. If you start craving this treat later in the day, skip the caffeine and just make it with decaf.
Creating Holiday Favorites
As you try different beverages and cocktails, you’ll get a better feel for what flavors your family enjoys the most. As you gain more insight into everyone’s holiday drink preferences, feel free to tweak each one to suit your taste buds better. Play around with sweeteners, garnishes and food coloring to make your perfect holiday drink. With a little luck, it might just become a family favorite.
