There are so many great holiday celebrations during the winter season. Whether you’re celebrating near or far, why not kick your BYOB up a notch? Here’s our list of 10 great holiday beverages, but with a little extra fun and flair mixed in! We’ve included both a kid-friendly version as well as the adult variation to keep the whole party happy!
1. Christmas Punch A holiday classic! Colorful, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Holiday punch is often served in your biggest, fanciest punch bowl and ladle, and typically consists of: orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice and sparkling white grape juice. Adult version: either add in your favorite vodka or swap the sparkling juice for champagne. For a prettier presentation, add an ice ring with cranberries and orange slices to your punch bowl.
2. Hot Chocolate Is there anything better than curling up by a fire with a cup of hot chocolate? Here’s our spin on a classic: try adding a dash of flavored coffee creamer to your hot chocolate! Adult version: add a splash of Bailey’s, Mint Bailey’s or Kahlua. For presentation, pile on the whipped topping, and sprinkle with crushed Andes mints or crushed-up candy canes.
3. Eggnog You either love it or hate it. For those in the latter group, sub out your traditional eggnog for a White Russian (same idea, just eggless). There’s no shame in buying the premade eggnog either. Honestly, once you add in a little holiday flair, your guests won’t even know the difference. To take it up a notch, Add a splash of Rum Chata, top with a hefty dollop of whipped topping, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
4. Cider For this one, we do not recommend skimping! There’s a huge difference in fresh-pressed cider from an orchard versus store-bought. Cider is always a treat, but why stop there? For non-alcoholic versions, try mixing it cold with lemon-lime soda. Adult version: mix in a shot of caramel vodka. It tastes just like a caramel apple! One last tip: when buying cider, it’ll be more tart earlier in the season, and get sweeter later in the year.
5. Mimosas Why drink juice when you can have a mimosa? Mimosas typically consist of: orange juice and champagne, but here’s our holiday spin on it. Add a splash of cranberry or even pomegranate juice, and top with frozen cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
6. Champagne Is there anything more timeless than a glass of champagne for New Years Eve? Consider this fresh take on a classic: champagne Jello shots. Yes, classy Jello shots exist! Use clear, unflavored gelatin, with ginger ale and champagne, and top with some pretty sugar crystals. Your guests will be dazzled!
7. Martini There are countless ways to make martinis - even for kids! For the adult version, try Rum Chata, Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps and a touch of half and half. For the alcohol-free, just mix chocolate milk and a splash of mint coffee creamer. And any great martini should be shaken, not stirred! For extra pizzazz: rim your glasses with chocolate syrup and a dusting of crushed candy canes.
8. Mulled Wine/Cider Mulled Wine is great, especially when hosting. Make this delicious drink in your slow cooker, and your whole house will smell amazing in no time. Adult version: red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon is best, or try a Burgundy as a splurge), and toss in some thinly sliced oranges, cranberries, a cinnamon stick, a vanilla bean pod and a clove. For a kid-friendly version, use apple cider instead of wine.
9. Jello Shots Now it’s a party! Super easy to make an alcohol-free version too. Make fun combinations! The Santa Hat: Fireball Whiskey and cherry Jello topped with whipped cream and a strawberry. The Grinch: use Crown Royal and apple flavored Jello. Kids version: mix black cherry Jello with lemon-lime soda. Feeling fancy? Drop a frozen berry or cherry to each spot before setting.
10. The Grinch You will NOT be the Grinch when you show up with Grinch punch! Traditionally non-alcoholic, this colorful punch is made with lime sherbet, ginger ale, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Adult version: add a bit of rum or swap out the ginger ale for champagne. Kick it up a notch: rim your glasses with red sugar crystals and add a maraschino cherry garnish.
One final tip: if you decide to serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, please make sure you use a clever way to differentiate between the two. No matter which drinks you celebrate with this holiday season, we wish you and yours the very best! Cheers!
Comments