Eggnog is a Christmas staple, made with sweet cream, nutmeg, rum, and eggs. But if you aren’t an eggnog person, you will be happy to read this list of alternative holiday drinks.
Frozen Grasshopper
This drink, courtesy of Food & Wine, is a frozen twist on a classic mint-flavored Grasshopper. Makes two glasses.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces aquavit (such as Krogstad)
- 2 ounces rich simple syrup
- 1 ounce green or white crème de menthe
- 1 ounce banana liqueur (such as Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane)
- 3½ cups ice cubes
Instructions: Beat cream and crème de menthe with a hand mixer on medium-high until medium peaks form, about 8 minutes. Place all ingredients into a blender at low speed, quickly increasing to medium-high. Beat until smooth, 60-90 seconds. Top with shaved chocolate, if desired.
Mulled Wine
This recipe from Delish for hot mulled wine is sure to warm you up this season.
Ingredients:
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup brandy
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve warm and garnish with extra citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.
French Hot Chocolate
You will be transported to Paris with this French hot chocolate recipe from Taste of Home that can be served with or without booze.
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup 2% milk
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp confectioners’ sugar
- ⅛ tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
- 3 ounces rum (optional)
- 2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar, chopped
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings
Instructions: In a small saucepan, heat milk, cream, brown sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and espresso powder on medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and whisk in dark chocolate until melted. Add 1.5 ounces of rum per serving (will make two servings). Serve in mugs with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Let us know if you try any of the above holiday drink recipes! We’d love to hear about your experience.