Whether you’re expecting a full house for the holidays or enjoying a quiet evening at home snuggled in your favorite pajamas, these warm and cozy drinks are sure to be enjoyed by all this holiday season.

 

Mulled Wine – Serves 4-5

Mulled wine is a drink enjoyed all over the world. It’s the perfect drink to keep you warm this holiday season.

1 bottle moderately-priced dry red wine

¼ cup orange liquor or brandy

1 orange – sliced into rounds

5 cloves, whole

2-3 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – add more or less to taste.

Combine all ingredients in a medium pot and stir. Heat to just below a simmer on medium heat. Do not boil. Reduce to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or for a fuller flavor cook for up to three hours. Strain and keep liquid only.  Serve warm and garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

 

Traditional Irish Coffee – Individual Serving

You don’t have to be from Ireland to enjoy this classic winter favorite.

4 ounces hot coffee – regular or decaf.

1 ½ teaspoons packed brown sugar – use more or less to taste

1 ½ ounces Irish Whiskey – use a quality brand for the best flavor

1 ounce heavy cream – whipped

Pour the coffee into a mug or heatproof glass.  Add the brown sugar to the coffee and stir until dissolved.  Add Irish Whisky and stir again. Slowly top with the fresh whipped cream letting the cream float on top of the coffee mixture. For the best flavor and experience don’t stir the cream into the drink – drink the coffee through the cream – Delicious!

 

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss – Individual Serving

This drink is the perfect mixture of soothing chocolate and refreshing peppermint – and it’s so simple to make.

6 ounces of prepared hot chocolate

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1 ounce White Crème de Mint

1 ounce Heavy Cream – Whipped

Chocolate kisses and crushed peppermints for garnish.

Prepare your favorite hot chocolate in a mug or heatproof glass.  Stir in Crème de Cacao and White Crème de Minte.  Top with Fresh Whipped Cream and Garnish with a chocolate kiss and crushed peppermints.

 

Hot Apple Cider* – Serves 5-6

Not only does this hot apple cider taste great – it’s a great way to bring out the warm aromas of the holiday season.

½ gallon fresh apple cider

½ cup whiskey, apple brandy or cinnamon whiskey

¼ cup brown sugar

1 orange – sliced in rounds

2 cinnamon sticks – add additional cinnamon sticks for garnish

Combine all ingredients into a slow cooker and cover. Bring to a simmer on low heat and cook for 3 – 4 hours.  Stir occasionally. Reduce heat to warm when ready to serve and garnish.

 

English Cider* – Serves 4

You’ll love this twist on the traditional Hot Apple Cider!

½ gallon fresh apple cider

6 tea bags – English Breakfast or Earl Gray

2 ounces brandy

2 ounces dark rum

1 – 2 Lemons – sliced in rounds

¼ cup honey – add more or less to taste

In a medium pot, bring apple cider to a simmer.  Simmer for 45 minutes and let apple cider reduce. Remove cider from heat and add the tea bags, brandy, dark rum, lemon and honey.  Let seep for 5 minutes.  Remove tea bags and serve warm with a garnish of lemon.

 

Snow Angel* – Makes 2 Servings

This creamy heavenly drink is the perfect treat to enjoy after dinner.  You’ll have a hard time having just one.

2 tablespoons white chocolate chips

2 tablespoons caramel sauce

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup milk – use 1% or 2%

2-4 ounces Baileys Irish Cream

1 cup mini marshmallows

In a small pot combine the first 4 ingredients. Heat on low to simmer, continuously stirring until chocolate chips are melted. Remove from heat and stir in Baileys.  Pour in mug and top with mini marshmallows, and caramel drizzle.

Don’t drink alcohol? Make it a mocktail instead. Drinks marked with an “*” can be made without alcohol and are just as delicious!  Cheers and Happy Holidays.