Around this time of the year, appetizers, gift trays or baskets, and meal plans get a lot of attention. Drinks? Sometimes they’re an afterthought. Or sometimes we just default to the standard fare we get at the store. The planning that goes into it pretty much involves figuring out how many bags of ice to get, whether to use disposable glasses or risk possibly losing one or two pieces of our glassware, and where in the world did you stash that punch bowl that Aunt Martha gave you for your wedding.
Drinks just don’t get the respect they deserve.
But we’ve got lots of wonderful drink recipes here. And I’m not just referring to the kind that can make you loopy if you’ve had too much. Lovely recipes for egg nog, coffee drinks that are off the hook, and some that combine both. Like Savory Sweet Life’s offering above. It’s a wonderful Eggnog Coffee Latte concoction that spreads happiness in your mouth as soon as you take that first sip. It warms you up inside out too, with or without the rum. It’s excellent both ways. Trust me, I know of which I speaketh. (That’s not a rum-induced lisp there, in case you were wondering.)
How about you? Do you have any special drink recipes that go beyond popping a can, uncorking a bottle or twisting off a cap? We’d love to hear your favorites!
Cheers,
Erika
41 Comments
Comments are closed for this recipe.
migourmetgirl on 1.19.2010
Try Eggnog with Malibu Rum, chilled very well. So delish!
laura on 12.24.2009
we love Mexican Hot Chocolate – just homemade hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon, vanilla and Kalhua – top with real whipped cream and add a cinnamon stick – yum!
Debbie C on 12.22.2009
I crave hot apple cider with a slice of lemon and a cinnamon stick. I am diabetic so a shot of agave nector adds the right amount of sweetness.
April Thrailkill on 12.21.2009
cinnamon eggnog…yum!
eta burken on 12.21.2009
I just moved into my new home so I don’t expect to put up a tree this year, but I found remnants of Christmas decorations as I unpacked. They give me the same magical feel as if I had decorated my whole home. I t seems the magic happens much more in the heart than anywhere, Merry Christmas.
Linda Susan on 12.20.2009
coffee with flavored creamers like pumpkin spice, etc
GranJan NM on 12.20.2009
Hot chocolate
Daphne on 12.20.2009
Oh Lynne B. I was just coming here to post Hot Dr. Pepper with Lemon! It is absolutely the best!
pamfletcher on 12.20.2009
The minute I get to my parents’ house for Christmas, I will have a spiked egg nog with my Dad….it’s a tradition!
Oh, and we just buy the stuff in the carton….and add a little Jack. Can’t wait!
Lynne B. on 12.20.2009
Dr. Pepper simmered with lemon slices on the stove.
grammajoan on 12.20.2009
Our traditional Christmas drink, now for about 15 years, is “Spencer Christian’s” Egg Nog. He used to be on Good Morning America a long time ago and it is his long time family recipe.. really rich and delicious. Recipe still available online.
MS Hospitality on 12.20.2009
We love to sip on really good coffee during the holidays. I usually splurge and buy some Italian Expresso and make it in the French Press Pot with some cinnamon sprinkled in the grounds before I pour the boiling water.
There is nothing like a really rich cup of coffee. ;0)
Danielle Michael on 12.20.2009
cider (saved from the fall and frozen) mix with mulling spices and heat. Yum!
Jenny on 12.20.2009
Nothing better than peppermint hot chocolate …I use the italian soda flavoring and hershey chocolate, real whip sprinkled with crushed candy canes..yum!
Emily on 12.19.2009
This is from my aunt. I serve it at my annual Christmas Open House and everyone loves it!
Cranberry Tea
In a very large pan, combine:
–2 quarts water
–2 C. sugar
–juice of 3 oranges
–juice of 1 lemon (or 1/4 C. lemon juice)
–4 oz. package of red hots
Heat and bring to boil. Add:
–20 oz. pineapple juice
–2 quarts cranberry juice
Serve hot!
jan on 12.19.2009
my favorite drink this time of year is hot carmel apple cider– YUM!
LadyDi on 12.19.2009
Current favorite nightcap I made up, the Peppermint Pillow:
One shot each Peppermint Schnapps & Vanilla Vodka in a coffee cup. Top with marshmallows (two big ones cut in half, although a little handful of small ones would probably be good, too), and a piece of candy cane, since you have leftovers from decorating the tree (at least I do!).
Fill the cup with milk.
Microwave for 90 seconds, so it gets good & hot and the marshmallows puff up.
Now top with a shot of whipped cream from a can, since you bought too much at Costco (oops, am I projecting again?)
mae on 12.19.2009
Peppermint cocoa from Williams- Sonoma
Jolly on 12.19.2009
My family always mixes Holiday Wine with apple cider and then warms it up in the microwave – I’m more of a white wine fan myself, but the rest of the family loves it!
Kristina on 12.19.2009
Egg-nog! It’s a once a year treat for me!
Susan on 12.19.2009
I make my own cappuccino mix and give it to friends and family. If it is cold out it is so good with a dollop of whip cream or even brandy!
Jody on 12.19.2009
Thanks!
We have no favorites -yet! But I’m eye-ing the Eggnog Coffee Latte!
Kristin on 12.19.2009
Sorry I don’t have anything to contribute–we’re pretty boring on the drinks front with simple homemeade hot chocolate and store-bought egg not! But the post was inspiring and the comments have provided lots of great ideas! Thanks, everyone! ~K
my3greys on 12.18.2009
For the holidays I love to serve my cranberry bellini. Just add a couple of whole cranberries in bottom of pretty flute glass and add chilled prosecco . I also rim the glasses before with colored green sugar. Very festive and pretty.
barb on 12.18.2009
With our Christmas Brunch we love Preseco and fresh squezzed orange juice. Use a variety of oranges available this time of year then adda a bit of pomegranate or cranberry juice.
Stephanie on 12.18.2009
I make my own Hot Chocolate mix every year- usually a couple of batches! Swiss Miss be darned.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered adding cinnamon to my hot chocolate was fantastic! I almost can’t have “plain” hot cocoa anymore. Topped with marshmallows or- for a special treat- whipped cream, it’s a true winter delight. I haven’t decided whether or not to post my Hot Chocolate Mix recipe here on Tasty Kitchen. I better see if anyone has a similar one posted first!
Rbooknut on 12.18.2009
A friend brought some carrot juice from Cosco which I’m not crazy about,,,,, but added together 1/3 carrot juice, 1/3 APPLE JUICE, and 1/3 Diet GINGER ALE, and crushed ice. It is amazing, it’s healthy, it’s light, especially if you are having a heavier meal, and delicious!
soufflebombay on 12.18.2009
I love traditional Wassail this time of year, the smell of it simmering on the stove and just a sip usually mean I am hosting or at a gathering of family and friends – it’s the holidays in a cup for me!
Then a bit later, I am ready for some good wine!
Happy Holidays!!
Anitza, aka Obizuth on 12.17.2009
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champurrado
Those with Mexican tastes and inclinations love champurrado, especially with some delicious tamales during the Christmas season! Ponche is also a popular drink (http://www.experience-san-miguel-de-allende.com/ponche.html).
Brittney on 12.17.2009
my favorite easy drink to make me feel wintery – just toss a candy cane into a cup of hot chocolate. so good!
Melissa on 12.17.2009
I’m not sure if this is something you can fix, but the photo on this post did not come through in Google Reader. Pioneer Woman’s photos always do come through.
sweetwater on 12.17.2009
Coffe eggnog latte sounds delicious but being a novice ….the recipe does not explain how to steam eggnog or how to steam the milk. Is it just heated until it steams in a sauce pan????? Or do you need an expresso maker or machine?
Katie on 12.17.2009
Pumpkin Spice Latte – make a mixture of milk, pumpkin pure, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan. Put in a blender and blend till frothy. Add in some espresso. Mmmmm
Clabbergirl on 12.17.2009
We LOVE Candy Canes! First, fill a highball glass with crushed ice. Pour in 1 tbsp peppermint schnapps, 1 tbsp white creme de cacao, and a splash of grenadine. Pour in 1/2 & 1/2 (I use fat free- thank you Land o’ Lakes!) to about 3/4 of the way up. Throw in a splash of 7 Up and stick in a straw and a real candy cane for garnish. These are incredible!!!
mae27 on 12.17.2009
My sister and I make a drink we call “Holiday Cheer.” its a shot of gin topped off with pomegranate 7up (which is actually pretty darn tasty plain).
Birgit Kerr on 12.17.2009
It’s not Christmas without Gluehwein around here. It’s a mulled wine, traditionally served around christmas time and on Christkindl/Christmas Markets in Germany. I posted recipes for the original alcoholic version and the kid-friendly non-alcoholic version on Tasty Kitchen (once it shows up.) Two more favorites are my Mom’s creation, both very potent though on the alcohol front. “Nikolaus Tea” and our family “Wonder Elexier”. I have to see if I can find those recipes in my mom’s folders!
julo on 12.17.2009
I like to do a spiced apple cider. I take organic unfiltered apple juice and simmer it with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, nutmeg, and a quartered orange. It tastes so fantastic and really gets me in the holiday spirit!
Julie P on 12.17.2009
I’m making my friends warm cranberry tea for a get together I’m hosting tonight. Cranberry, pineapple and orange juices with a hint of cinnamon. Sounds delicious. http://shanellecooks.blogspot.com/2008/12/cranberry-tea.html
Amy Sorensen on 12.17.2009
I love White grape juice in the bottom of a pretty glass with Cherry 7-up on the top, they both should be chilled. Son’t mix, they have a pretty layered look, you can add ice, but it’s not as pretty with the ice.
Cynthia Matzat on 12.17.2009
My favorite holiday hot drink is Hot Spiced Tea. It’s a bit odd that it’s called “tea” as it has no tea in it, but it’s a great holiday beverage. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it, and then reheat it when it’s time for your party.
See the recipe on my blog at http://thematzats.blogspot.com/2008/12/hot-spiced-tea.html.
shirleyelizabeth on 12.17.2009
Oh this is the perfect post! We were just assigned to bring drinks for our family party and I had no idea what I was going to do, and you’ve just reminded me to check here! Perfect.