Since the holiday season is approaching so quickly, I thought I would compile a list of some of my favorite holiday drinks that you can make and enjoy with friends, family (socially distanced, of course), or on your own! These drinks are delicious, easy to make, and will leave you and your guests very impressed.
1. Eggnog Martini
If you love eggnog, then I guarantee you’ll love this drink. This drink is simple and relatively inexpensive to make, as it only has three ingredients. It is also versatile, as it can be served hot or cold depending on your personal preference.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce Amaretto
2 ounces eggnog
Optional: ground nutmeg and cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vanilla vodka, amaretto, and eggnog and shake well for at least 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick, if you wish.
If you would like to enjoy this festive drink hot, pour the eggnog in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Combine the vodka and amaretto in a heatproof glass or mug and pour the eggnog into the mug. Stir to combine and garnish with ground nutmeg and cinnamon stick if desired and enjoy!
2. Peppermint Vodka Hot Chocolate
For this recipe, you can easily use packets of hot cocoa mix with either milk or water, or you can go the extra mile and make your own hot chocolate, which I have included a recipe for as well. Either way you choose, this drink will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces peppermint vodka
8 ounces hot chocolate
Optional: whipped cream and crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Directions:
Pour vodka and hot chocolate into a mug or glass and still until combined. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes if desired and enjoy!
3. Hot Spiced Wine
Wine is great any time of the year, but come the holidays you can step it up a notch and add some amazing flavors and festivity to your glass. This recipe yields about 12 servings, so this drink is best served at social gatherings or parties (don’t forget about social distancing!).
Ingredients:
2 bottles red wine
1 ¼ cups sugar
Zest from 1 orange
Zest from 1 lemon
3 black peppercorns (crushed)
2 cardamom pods (crushed)
1 clove (crushed)
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
½ cup kirsch
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the red wine with the sugar and zest from the lemon and orange. Put the spices in a tea ball and add to the saucepan. Bring the wine to a slow simmer over medium heat while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat, remove the tea ball, ladle into heatproof glasses and enjoy!
4. White Chocolate and Peppermint Martini
To me, white chocolate and peppermint just screams Christmas. This is a gorgeous drink that is delectably sweet and creamy and will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces white chocolate liqueur
1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka
1 ounce creme de cacao
1 ounce half and half
½ ounce peppermint schnapps
Optional: white chocolate syrup and crushed peppermints or candy canes (for garnish)
Directions:
Rim the edge of your martini glass with white chocolate syrup and dip into crushed peppermint candies and set glass aside. Add ice, white chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, half and half, and peppermint schnapps into a cocktail shaker and shake well for at least 20 seconds. Strain into the prepared martini glass and enjoy!
5. Homemade Hot Chocolate
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good packet of hot chocolate, but nothing beats creamy, homemade hot chocolate, especially on a cold winter night. This recipe yields four servings, so if you want to make a smaller batch, simply halve each of the ingredients.
Ingredients:
4 cups milk
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Put the milk, cocoa powder, and sugar into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk frequently until warm. Add the chocolate chips while still whisking until the chocolate melts and is evenly distributed. Whisk in vanilla extract and then serve. Top with whipped cream and/or other garnishes such as crushed candy canes, shaved chocolate, or chocolate syrup if desired.