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Winter drinks can be warm and cozy on a quiet evening, or a refreshing “cherry on top” after a delicious meal with friends.
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We Love Winter Drinks!
Cozying up with a hot drink on a winter evening is one of my favorite things to do. There are also some great holiday punches and kid-friendly winter cocktails!
Why we love these best winter drinks:
- Warm options. There’s the festive wassail, delicious apple cider, and the famous hot chocolate.
- Cold options. Or maybe you need a fabulously festive punch to serve!
- Flavor. With the flavors of winter, these seasonal drinks are sure to please the palate!
Hot Cocoa Tips
- Make a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board for your next party!
- Make homemade Whipped Cream to add to the cocoa.
- Peppermint sticks or Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows are a delicious way to flavor cocoa.
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce.
- Sprinkle on a bit of grated nutmeg or cinnamon.
- Mix in extracts like vanilla, mint, or peppermint.
- Have whole milk, almond milk, or crème on hand when serving hot cocoa. It will help cool the cocoa and add a deliciously creamy element.
The Right Temperature
From hot chocolate to cider, the ideal temperature for a hot drink is 140°F. If not serving immediately, heat to 160°F so it will cool to the perfect temperature.
- Use a crock pot to keep drinks warm.
- For larger amounts, use an actual hot drink dispenser or a large orange igloo drink dispenser.
- For smaller amounts use a coffee thermos.
Drink Tips for Parties
- Hold the ice until just before serving OR make a small batch of punch and freeze it in ice cube trays. As it melts it will not water down the drink.
- Add the carbonation as close to serving as possible.
- Garnish your punch bowls with coordinating fruits like cranberries, pomegranate seeds, spiraled orange peel, or sliced lemons.
- Sugared rim. Dip the top of each glass in lemon juice then into the sugar. Let it dry before filling. Use colored sugar to make things even more festive.
- Fruit juice. Winter fruits make the best winter juice for party drinks. Pineapple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, fresh lemon, and fresh lime juice pair perfectly with carbonated soda or adult beverages.
Best Winter Drinks
The biggest holiday parties of the year fall within 6 weeks of one another. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all share the magic of the winter season. Everything from the decorations to the drinks helps create special moments with family and friends.
Whether hot or cold, this list rounds up our best winter drinks. There is sure to be something for every occasion!
1 Hot Chocolate Recipe
2 Easy Eggnog Recipe
3 Holiday Punch Recipe
4 Wassail Recipe
5 Apple Cider Recipe
6 Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe
7 White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe
8 Mint Hot Chocolate Recipe
9 Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
10 Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Recipe
11 Eggnog Milkshake Recipe
12 Caramel Apple Cider Recipe
13 Butterbeer Recipe
14 Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board Recipe
Favorite Winter Drinks
Whether it’s to accompany a special meal, or to serve as a treat on its own you’re sure to find some new family favorite drink recipes!
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