5 Easy Holiday Drink Recipes You'll Love

Classic Eggnog

Eggnog, a traditional holiday drink, brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, perfect for holiday celebrations. Here is an easy recipe to make this creamy delight:

Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₂ cup dark rum or bourbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.
2. Combine Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat until it’s just below boiling. Turn off the heat.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Return the combined mixture back into the saucepan.
4. Cook Until Thickened: Over low heat, stir the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
5. Add Alcohol and Flavorings: Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and, if desired, alcohol.
6. Chill: Let the eggnog cool, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or overnight.
7. Serve: Serve cold, garnished with an extra dusting of nutmeg.

☕ Note: If you're serving this to guests, consider making a non-alcoholic version too, or just add alcohol to individual servings for flexibility.

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is another classic drink, providing a comforting warmth during the chilly holiday season. Here’s how to make this spiced delight:

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (¹⁄₂ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Hot water
• Dark rum

Instructions:

1. Prepare Butter Mixture: Cream together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well mixed.
2. Assemble Drink: Scoop 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into a mug. Add 1 ounce of dark rum and top with hot water, stirring to combine.
3. Serve Hot: Stir well and serve immediately while hot.

Peppermint Mocha

Peppermint mocha combines the festive flavors of chocolate and peppermint, making it a favorite during the holidays:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups milk (any kind will do)
• ¹⁄₂ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine cocoa powder and sugar, stirring in a splash of milk to make a paste.
2. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the remaining milk, ensuring no lumps form.
3. Heat: Over medium heat, warm the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling.
4. Incorporate Coffee: Add the espresso or strong coffee and peppermint extract. Stir well.
5. Serve: Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies if using.

☕ Note: For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle some chocolate syrup inside the cup before pouring in the mocha.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, or glühwein in German, is perfect for serving at holiday parties or sipping by the fire:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (preferably a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• ¹⁄₄ cup brandy or rum (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup honey or sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 star anise

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Stir to dissolve the honey or sugar.
2. Heat: Gently warm the mixture over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil. Simmer gently for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Serve: Strain out the spices and serve hot, garnished with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick.

Champagne Punch

For a festive and bubbly option, try this easy champagne punch recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• ¹⁄₄ cup grenadine syrup
• Fresh fruit (oranges, strawberries, raspberries) for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Mix Juices: In a punch bowl or large pitcher, mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
2. Add Champagne: Just before serving, gently stir in the champagne or sparkling wine.
3. Garnish and Serve: Add ice, slices of fresh fruit, and serve immediately to keep it fizzy.

In summary, these holiday drink recipes are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Whether you're looking for something creamy, spicy, or bubbly, there's an option here for every palate. Enjoy crafting these drinks at home to make your festive gatherings even more memorable. With each recipe, you bring warmth, joy, and a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations.