Delicious Holiday Drinks for Hot & Cold Festive Celebrations

The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy an array of festive drinks, whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or celebrating with friends and family. From warming hot beverages to refreshing cold concoctions, there’s a drink for every occasion. This guide features nine delightful holiday drinks that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that your gatherings are both flavorful and memorable.

Holiday drinks can elevate your celebrations, offering everything from classic favorites to creative new twists. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to enjoy a seasonal treat, these recipes will provide the perfect complement to your festive activities. With options ranging from rich and creamy to light and fruity, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into these nine incredible holiday drinks that will bring warmth and cheer to your holiday season.

Ingredients for Holiday Drinks

1. Classic Eggnog

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup bourbon or rum (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
• Whipped cream for topping
• Extra crushed peppermint for garnish

3. Mulled Wine

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise

4. Hot Buttered Rum

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups dark rum
• Hot water
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish

5. Spiced Apple Cider

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice

6. Gingerbread Latte

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream and gingerbread cookies for garnish

7. Cranberry Sparkler

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

8. Holiday Punch

• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1 cup club soda
• Ice cubes
• Fresh fruit slices for garnish (oranges, lemons, limes)

9. Hot Apple Toddy

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 ounce bourbon
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• Lemon slice for garnish

How to Make Holiday Drinks

Classic Eggnog

1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined.
2. Add Dairy and Flavorings: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the freshly grated nutmeg and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Add Alcohol (Optional): If using, stir in the bourbon or rum. Mix until fully combined.
4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve chilled, and garnish with additional nutmeg if desired.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

1. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
2. Add Cocoa and Sugar: Whisk in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder until fully dissolved. Stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
3. Add Peppermint: Stir in the crushed peppermint candies until they are well incorporated.
4. Serve: Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint for garnish.

Mulled Wine

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the red wine, brandy, and honey. Stir in the sliced orange, lemon, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
2. Heat: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Do not allow it to boil.
3. Serve: Strain the mulled wine into glasses and serve warm.

Hot Buttered Rum

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
2. Combine with Rum: In a mug, place a heaping tablespoon of the butter mixture. Add the dark rum and top with hot water, stirring to dissolve the butter mixture.
3. Garnish: Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Spiced Apple Cider

1. Heat the Cider: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, honey, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
2. Simmer: Heat over medium-low heat, allowing it to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve: Strain out the spices and fruit, and serve the hot cider in mugs.

Gingerbread Latte

1. Prepare the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee and set aside.
2. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat. Stir in the molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Combine Coffee and Milk: Pour the coffee into a mug and top with the spiced milk mixture.
4. Garnish: Add whipped cream and garnish with gingerbread cookies if desired.

Cranberry Sparkler

1. Mix Ingredients: In a pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, sparkling water, and lime juice.
2. Serve: Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices.

Holiday Punch

1. Combine Juices: In a large pitcher or bowl, mix together the orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add Club Soda: Just before serving, stir in the club soda.
3. Serve: Serve over ice with fresh fruit slices for garnish.

Hot Apple Toddy

1. Heat Cider: In a small pot, heat the apple cider with the cinnamon stick and cloves until warmed through.
2. Add Bourbon and Honey: Stir in the bourbon and honey.
3. Serve: Pour into mugs and garnish with a lemon slice.

About the Main Ingredients

Eggnog Ingredients:

• Eggs: Provide richness and a creamy texture.
• Milk and Cream: Add creaminess and a smooth consistency.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy aroma.
• Bourbon or Rum: Provides a traditional kick and enhances flavor.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

• Milk and Cream: Create a rich, smooth base.
• Cocoa Powder and Chocolate Chips: Provide a deep chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint Candies: Add a refreshing minty taste.

Mulled Wine Ingredients:

• Red Wine: The base of the drink, offering depth of flavor.
• Brandy: Adds warmth and complexity.
• Spices and Citrus: Infuse the wine with festive flavors.

Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients:

• Butter and Sugar: Create a rich, sweet base.
• Spices: Add warmth and flavor.
• Rum: Provides a strong, warming kick.

Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients:

• Apple Cider: Offers a sweet, fruity base.
• Spices and Honey: Enhance the cider with warm, sweet flavors.

Gingerbread Latte Ingredients:

• Coffee: Provides a robust base flavor.
• Molasses and Spices: Create the gingerbread flavor profile.

Cranberry Sparkler Ingredients:

• Cranberry Juice: Provides a tart, fruity base.
• Sparkling Water: Adds effervescence.
• Lime Juice: Adds a citrusy kick.

Holiday Punch Ingredients:

• Fruit Juices: Offer a sweet, fruity base.
• Club Soda: Adds fizz and lightness.

Hot Apple Toddy Ingredients:

• Apple Cider: Creates a warm, fruity base.
• Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth.
• Honey and Spices: Enhance flavor and sweetness.

These holiday drinks will add warmth and cheer to any celebration, offering a variety of flavors that cater to both hot and cold preferences. Enjoy the festive season with these delicious and easy-to-make beverages!