This holiday season, put a unique twist on these classic drinks.
Hot Chocolate
A holiday go-to and the perfect base for many creative additions…
- After making your hot chocolate, try adding some peppermint extract—or grab a candy cane and stir it as you drink, letting it melt into the warm concoction. For an adult version, throw in some peppermint schnapps.
- To really spice it up, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for some fiesta cocoa. This spicy addition is well balanced with a tablespoon of cream or almond milk.
- A scoop of Nutella can transform a plain hot cocoa into a hazelnut-rich delicacy.
Eggnog
A few simple adjustments can turn this traditional beverage into a real crowd pleaser…
- The classic adult recipe features brandy, cognac, rum or whiskey alongside cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Switch up the booze—celebrity chef Curtis Stone suggests vodka for an eggnog martini, or try some Baileys and coffee for a late night pick-me-up.
- Top your nog with frozen bananas and chocolate shavings for an eggnog banana split, or turn it into a delicious crème brulee: add more egg yolks and heavy whipping cream to thicken, then pour into ramekins. Add water to pan and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes or until centers are set. Cool 30 minutes, then refrigerate overnight. Before serving, top with a tablespoon of brown sugar and broil for one minute for the perfect sugar crust.
Apple Cider
This fall favorite leaves plenty of room for interpretation…
- Martha Stewart offers a great twist on this classic with her own “Apple Pie” recipe: Mix apple cider with all the spices used in an apple pie—cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and allspice. Brandy is optional, and a cinnamon stick makes the perfect decorative touch.
- Mix hot cider with warm red wine—cabernets typically work best—for a unique seasonal treat.
Cranberry Cocktail
Often underutilized, cranberry complements most meats—not just turkey…
- Add a splash of cranberry juice to a classic old-fashioned (sugar cube, bitters, club soda and whiskey). Sprinkle on a few frozen cranberries for extra texture and decorative flare.
- Make an easy cranberry syrup by heating a cup of sugar and three cups of cranberries in two cups of water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries pop. After cooling and straining, add to your favorite cocktail. A cranberry gin and tonic or cranberry vodka tonic are sure bets.
Milkshake
Need a non-alcoholic drink for the kids? Beware: these twists may also tempt the most mature of adults…
- Add some crushed candy canes and peppermint extract to a classic vanilla milkshake for a minty-fresh after-dinner pleaser.
- Add cinnamon, ground ginger cookies and honey for a “gingerbread” milkshake. a&s
