10 Holiday Beverages: Recipes

This Recipe Hit List rounds out the holidays with a selection of festive beverages. For more holiday recipes, see Holiday Cookie Recipes and Squares, Slices & Tarts For Holiday Baking. There’s also a bonus recipe at the bottom for a green holiday punch I found in an old magazine.

10 Holiday Beverages

*Note: Descriptions below are quotes from the recipe sites

1. Homemade Eggnog: It wasn’t difficult to put together and the ‘nog was light, with a foamy, fluffy top, in sharp contrast to the heaviness of store-bought stuff. Recipe found at Slashfood.
2. Mulled Cider: I generally brought the cider to a hard simmer, then turned off the heat, covered it, and forgot about it for an hour or so. Then Dave would say “didn’t you make cider?” and I’d remember and be excited and drink some and love October. Recipe found at The Way The Cookie Crumbles.
3. Icy Holiday Punch: It’s easy and convenient to prepare the base of this slushy punch ahead. Its rosy color makes it so pretty for Christmas. Recipe found at Taste Of Home.
4. CrockPot Wassail (Spiced Punch) Recipe: Delicious and soothing. One of my kids has a sore throat, and she drank a lot, and was happy with how it made her throat feel better. We’re having some more for breakfast. Recipe from A Year Of CrockPotting.
5. Hot Buttered Rum: Like so many things during the holiday season, drinks represent dearly-held traditions. Egg nog, Irish coffee, and hot buttered rum are the three drinks I associate with Christmastime. And when it’s my turn to invite family and friends in for a party or a cozy dinner at this time of year, I serve them my version of hot buttered rum. Recipe found at Well Fed Network.
6. Hot Spiced Tea: There is actually no tea in this recipe. It is a great hot drink to make for a party or family gathering. Recipe found at What’s For Dinner?
7. Hot Apple Cider: There’s nothing quite like hot apple cider on a chilly autumn afternoon. Once you’ve mulled the cider and are ready to serve it, you can either leave the whole spices in or strain them out. Recipe found at Culinate.
8. Uncle Billy’s Holiday Treat: Here’s a holiday cocktail you’ll never forget! Recipe found at FineLiving.
9. Hot Cranberry Cider: Recipe found at Food Network.
10. Holiday Cocktail: Peppermint Patty: This Peppermint Patty “hot toddy” from the Winter 2008 issue of The Nest looks absolutely de-lish! Perfect holiday “dessert cocktail” or signature drink idea for home parties like ornament/cookie exchanges. Recipe found at Hostess With The Mostess.

Holiday Punch Recipe

Its cool green color adds a festive note to your party table.

Yield: Makes 50 punch-cup servings

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 two-inch piece of stick cinnamon
5 whole cloves
5 whole allspice
2 cups water
2 cans (6 ounces each) frozen concentrate for lemonade
2 cans (6 ounces each) frozen concentrate for limeade
2 bottles (1 pint, 12 ounces each) carbonated water, chilled
Ice block (directions follow)

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, and water in a small saucepan; heat to boiling; simmer 5 minutes. Strain into a medium-size bowl; cool.
2. When ready to mix punch, pour spiced-water mixture into a punch bowl; stir in frozen lemonade and limeade, and carbonated waters.
3. Float ice block on top. Surround bowl with clusters of green grapes, as pictured, if you wish.

Ice Block: The day before the party, fill a fancy mold that will fit into the punch bowl with water; freeze. To unmold, dip quickly in and out of a pan of hot water; float on top of punch. Garnish with a ring of alternating slices of lemon and lime.

Source: Family Circle Magazine, 1960

Also see Ice Cube Ideas for Punch & Recipes and Party Punch Ice Ring Directions.

Originally Published December 18, 2008

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