In order to get the most out of the holiday season, it is of the utmost importance for one to know the most delectable and cheery of all the wintery drinks. With so many to choose from, it is difficult to prioritize which ones should be chosen to warm up chilly hands first. This list is a helpful little ranking of a few that must be had this season.
5) Hot Cider-The warm cinnamony deliciousness that is apple cider is a necessary winter treat. A recipe from Whole Foods is a sure way to feel all the joyous comfort from the sweetly fragrant delightful drink.
Recipe:
- 1 gallon Gravenstein apple juice
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 2 cinnamon sticks, more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
Combine all ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves. Ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh cinnamon sticks for each serving, if desired.
4) Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider– Okay. Two cider products in a row. Don’t judge. Nothing screams of special occasions like the non-alcoholic sparkling cider that is savored till the last drop and fought over by cousins not yet given a glass of champagne from their parents. Maybe buy an extra bottle of this sparkling cider number just to hide in the basement from the family to be enjoyed later… It’s that good!
3) Non-alcoholic cocktails– Feel like you’re missing out on all the holiday fun? Try spicing it up with a (virgin) cocktail! The interweb is full of delicious easy to make drinks that can be enjoyed by anyone. One of these is the “Paradise City” from Town and Country. Feel free to try this one out this season.
Recipe: .5 oz vanilla syrup, .5 oz passion-fruit puree, 1 oz grapefruit juice, 1 oz cream, 2 oz club soda
Directions:
Combine vanilla syrup, passion-fruit puree, grapefruit juice, and cream in a cocktail shaker over ice. Pour club soda into a highball glass, then slowly strain the contents of the cocktail shaker over the club soda, allowing the head of foam to rise above the rim of the glass.
2) Peppermint Mocha Latte– Of course, peppermint had to make an appearance. Is it really the holidays without some candy canes? This recipe below will take five minutes to make and is definitely worth it.
(Serves One) (https://lifemadesweeter.com/peppermint-mocha-latte/)
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups milk of your choice divided, 2-1/2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 Tablespoon peppermint syrup or creme de menthe,1/2 cup freshly brewed espresso preferred or very strong coffee sweetener of your choice to taste, whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies optional for garnish, chocolate chips optional for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat cocoa powder and 1/4 milk in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds, until cocoa powder, dissolves when stirred. Remove from heat and stir in espresso and peppermint syrup. Add sweetener if using. Pour into a large mug or divide into two small mugs.
- Steam remaining milk (using a frother, on the stove or in the microwave) and add to the espresso mixture.
- Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, peppermint candies and chocolate chips if desired.
1) Hot Chocolate– The ultimate holiday drink enjoyed by so many. With so many different varieties of hot cocoa it can be overwhelming, but sometimes it’s just the best to go original. The hot chocolate that made number one on this list is Trader Joe’s Organic Hot Cocoa Mix. It’s an instant mix that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This creamy chocolatey treat tops the list as the number one holiday drink. Make sure to try them all!
