As the days get shorter and the nights get cozier, there’s nothing quite like a warm and festive holiday drink to put you in the mood for cheer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to treat yourself to a special pick-me-up, these 18 cozy holiday drink recipes are sure to become new favorites.
From classic spiced apple cider to more unique concoctions like pumpkin spice white Russian and mulled wine with orange and cloves, we’ve got you covered. With flavors ranging from sweet and spicy to tangy and creamy, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy. So grab your favorite mug and let’s get cozy – it’s time to start sipping the season away!
Spiced Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks
As the seasons change, a warm cup of spiced apple cider is just what you need to cozy up and feel the magic. This simple recipe combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and cloves to create a deliciously spicy drink that’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 4-6 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the cider has reached your desired level of spiciness.
4. Strain the cider into mugs and serve hot, garnished with an additional cinnamon stick if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream
Warm up on a cold winter’s day with this decadent peppermint hot chocolate topped with a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe combines the classic flavors of hot chocolate and peppermint to create a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add in chocolate chips, sugar, peppermint extract, and salt. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream (see below).
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Whipped Cream:
1. In a large bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. Top hot chocolate with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Eggnog with Bourbon and Nutmeg
Warm Up with a Glass of Spiced Eggnog!
Eggnog, the classic winter beverage, gets a luxurious twist with the addition of bourbon and nutmeg. This creamy concoction is perfect for sipping by the fireplace or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon (such as Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring the warm cream mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
3. Return the saucepan to the heat and add the bourbon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and hot, but not boiling.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Mulled Wine with Orange and Cloves
Mulled wine is a classic winter warmer that’s perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings. This recipe adds the brightness of orange and warmth of cloves to create a unique and delicious twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 2 oranges, sliced
– 6 whole cloves
– 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the sliced oranges and cloves.
2. Add the bottle of red wine and stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it mulled for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and add the sugar. Stir until dissolved.
6. Strain the mulled wine into mugs or glasses and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gingerbread Latte with Caramel Drizzle
Escape the chill of winter with this comforting gingerbread latte, topped with a rich caramel drizzle. Made with real ginger and creamy milk, this treat is perfect for a cold morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strong brewed coffee
– 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
– 2 tablespoons ground ginger
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Caramel syrup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Brew the coffee and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, ginger, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat until the mixture simmers.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
4. Pour the latte into mugs.
5. Top with caramel syrup to drizzle.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cranberry Sparkler with Rosemary Garnish
Celebrate the season with this refreshing Cranberry Sparkler, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. This sparkling cocktail combines tart cranberries with crisp rosemary and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup sparkling wine (such as Prosecco or champagne)
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
– 1 sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries and simple syrup. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until cranberries have popped and mixture has thickened.
2. Strain the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry liquid, sparkling wine, and triple sec. Stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the cocktail in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Just before serving, garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
This autumnal take on the classic White Russian combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the smooth richness of vodka and coffee liqueur. Perfect for sipping on a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce pumpkin-flavored syrup (or to taste)
– 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice
– Pumpkin pie spice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, pumpkin-flavored syrup, and coffee liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Top with heavy cream and drizzle with vanilla extract, if desired.
6. Sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice on top for garnish.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Hot Buttered Rum with Vanilla Ice Cream
Hot Buttered Rum with Vanilla Ice Cream is the perfect wintertime indulgence. This comforting drink combines the warmth of rum, butter, and spices with the creaminess of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup dark rum (or to taste)
– 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the butter has melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in dark rum (or to taste).
3. Pour the warm mixture into a mug or glass.
4. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Chai Tea Latte with Cardamom and Honey
Experience the comforting flavors of India with this classic Chai Tea Latte infused with cardamom and sweetened with honey. This aromatic drink is perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon loose-leaf black tea
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the black tea leaves and let steep for 3-5 minutes, or until desired strength is reached.
3. Strain the tea into a large mug. Discard the tea leaves.
4. Add the ground cardamom, honey, and cinnamon (if using) to the tea.
5. Stir until the honey dissolves.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramel Apple Sangria with Cinnamon Sugar Rim
This autumn-inspired sangria combines the flavors of crisp apple, sweet caramel, and warm cinnamon for a cozy drink perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/4 cup caramel syrup
– 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish
– Salt, for rimming glasses
– Sugar, for rimming glasses
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, diced apple, caramel syrup, and orange liqueur. Stir to combine.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in honey until dissolved.
4. Rim glasses with salt and sugar by dipping rim into a shallow dish of sugar, then pressing gently onto cinnamon stick to coat.
5. Pour sangria into prepared glasses and garnish with cinnamon stick.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Peppermint Mocha Martini
Add a festive twist to your holiday gatherings with this refreshing Peppermint Mocha Martini. Perfect for a cold winter evening, this drink combines the flavors of rich chocolate, bold coffee, and invigorating peppermint.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce Kahlúa liqueur
– 1/2 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
– Peppermint extract (to taste)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Kahlúa, and white chocolate liqueur.
2. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, holding back the foam with a spoon.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes, if desired. Add a dash of peppermint extract to taste.
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 1
Cranberry Orange Mulled Cider
As the temperatures drop, cozy up with a mug of this flavorful and aromatic mulled cider. The perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet orange, and spices will transport you to a winter wonderland.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6 cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine apple cider and water.
2. Add cranberries, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let mulled cider cook for 20-25 minutes, or until flavors have melded together and cranberries have popped.
5. Strain out solids and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional orange slices and cranberries if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Mulled Cider!
Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with a rich and creamy Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate that combines the warmth of chocolate with the sweetness of toasted coconut flakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or nonfat)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes
– Whipped cream and additional toasted coconut flakes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until steaming hot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the warmed milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until the hot chocolate is smooth and creamy.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, butter, and toasted coconut flakes until melted and well combined.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and additional toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this warm and inviting Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch. The combination of sweet pear, spicy cinnamon, and bubbly Prosecco is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped pear, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pears are tender.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard the solids.
4. Add the Prosecco to the pitcher and stir gently.
5. Chill the punch for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
White Chocolate Peppermint Martini
Elevate your holiday party with this refreshing and decadent cocktail, combining the richness of white chocolate and the invigorating zing of peppermint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white chocolate liqueur
– 1 oz Godiva white chocolate vodka
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine white chocolate liqueur, vodka, heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and simple syrup.
2. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint sprinkles.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy
Warm up with this sweet and spicy twist on the classic hot toddy, featuring rich maple syrup and smooth bourbon. Perfect for cold winter nights or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1 shot (1.5 oz) bourbon whiskey
– 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the maple syrup, ginger, and lemon juice. Stir until the syrup dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the mixture into a mug or teapot.
5. Add the bourbon whiskey and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as it’s a warm drink!
Enjoy your Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy!
Gingerbread Martini with Molasses Syrup
This seasonal cocktail combines the spices of gingerbread with the richness of molasses, perfect for a cozy winter evening. The combination of bourbon, ginger liqueur, and warm spices creates a comforting drink that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz ginger liqueur
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– Molasses Syrup (see below)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and crystallized ginger for garnish (optional)
Molasses Syrup:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
Combine sugar and molasses in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the syrup thickens, stirring occasionally. Let cool before using.
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, ginger liqueur, heavy cream, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Drizzle Molasses Syrup over the top of the drink.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and crystallized ginger, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Cinnamon Roll Hot Chocolate with Cream Cheese Foam
Warm up with a delicious twist on traditional hot chocolate! This Cinnamon Roll Hot Chocolate with Cream Cheese Foam recipe combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the richness of cream cheese, all topped off with a velvety foam.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– Whipped cream or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk or chocolate chips over low heat, whisking constantly.
2. Add the heavy cream, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in confectioners’ sugar until dissolved.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
5. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mixture to the cream cheese, whisking until well combined.
6. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get cozy this holiday season with these delicious and festive drink recipes. From Spiced Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks to White Chocolate Peppermint Martini, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try your hand at Mulled Wine with Orange and Cloves or Eggnog with Bourbon and Nutmeg for a grown-up twist. Or, indulge in sweet treats like Gingerbread Latte with Caramel Drizzle or Hot Buttered Rum with Vanilla Ice Cream. With over 18 recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect drink to warm your spirits this holiday season.
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