Let’s be real. Whether it’s for general levity or to get you through that awkward politics discussion with your uncle, there are plenty of reasons to have a drink around Christmas time.
But, if your family is like mine, that family time often includes little kiddos running around. Couple that with the fact that we here at The Everyday Hostess run a family-friendly operation, there can’t always be Bailey’s in the hot cocoa or rum in the eggnog.
So we’ve channeled our inner bartender and thought up some drink recipes that can be easily adult-ified (I’ll have one, please and thank you) or toned down for the munchkins.
“Reindeer bubbles”
Raise your hand if you like champagne! Whether it’s Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s, or a random Tuesday evening on the couch — oops, did I just say that out loud? — it’s never a bad time for some bubbly.
And these “reindeer bubbles” are a classic twist on a champagne toast. The 21-and-up crowd can obviously pour a nice flute of Le Grand Courtage, and the little ones can have it with Martinell’s and feel part of the toast! Add some pomegranate seeds in the bottom for a Christmasy look, and voílà, you’ve got a holiday beverage for the whole party!
- Green rimming sugar
- Martinelli's or Champagne
- 2 tsp pomegranate seeds
- 4 tsp Pomegranate syrup (2 tsp simple syrup and 2 tsp pomegranate juice)
- Dip the rim of each champagne flute in the pomegranate syrup followed by the green rimming sugar to form a thin line around the glass
- Add a teaspoon of pomegranate seeds into the bottom of each champagne flute
- Pour two teaspoons of pomegranate syrup into each flute (on top of the pomegranate seeds)
- Top with Champagne or Martinelli's and pour until the level is about 1/2 to 1 inch below the sugar rim.
Pop, fizz, clink!
Creamy peppermint punch
Time for dessert, but you’re all out of pinwheel cookies and gingerbread? This drink is the perfect mix of delicious and simple to make. All it takes is some peppermint ice cream — Blue Bell makes a mighty fine one if you’re asking for suggestions — and eggnog. Blend it up and you’ll be sure to enjoy it (as long as you’re not counting calories).
Running around trying to tend to a million things while the rest of the family is watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the next room? Give yourself an extra splash of peppermint Schnapps and don’t share with those peeps!
- Agave
- Crushed candy canes (to rim the glasses)
- 2 cups of Egg Nog
- 5 large scoops of peppermint ice cream
- Club Soda or 4 oz. of Peppermint Schnapps (optional)
- Red food coloring
- Dip the rim of your glasses in agave and place on crushed candy canes to create a thin rim around your glass. Set aside.
- In a blender, add egg nog, ice cream, and a few drops of red food coloring (until you reach the desired shade of red)
- Blend until smooth.
- Fill glasses 2/3 full with the peppermint punch and top with a splash of club soda or peppermint schnapps.
- Serve and enjoy!
“Grinch punch”
This Christmas drink doesn’t come from a store… But once you have some, you’ll want a little bit more!
Those of you who are familiar with my work know that I am obsessed with styling tables and settings…and I just love how you can dress this drink up! It’s a combination of lemon-lime Kool-Aid, pineapple juice and Sprite (you can add Vodka at the grown-ups table) but you can line the rim with red sprinkles to add the holiday look, or even add a Grinch kabob to make it look like our popular green furry friend! Put a green grape, a banana slice, a strawberry and a marshmallow on a toothpick and your drink will be the talk of Whoville!
- Red Sanding Sugar for Glass Trim + Agave
- 2 .13oz packets Unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 1 12oz Frozen Lemonade Concentrate, thawed
- 1 12oz Can Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 liter of Sprite
- Pour 2 quarts of warm water into a pitcher
- Pour the Kool-aid and sugar into the pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved in warm water
- Add the lemonade concentrate and pineapple juice and stir
- Add ice and sprite to chill
- Dip the rim of your glasses in agave and then dip into the red sugar
- Pour your Grinch Punch into your rimmed glasses until 2/3 full
- Serve and enjoy!
Christmas Sangria
Ah, old faithful. For the lover of both wine and sweets within me, I can never turn down a good sangria. This rendition of a traditional sangria is tailor-made for the holidays with the addition of cranberries! Sparkling white grape juice or Martinelli’s can be used instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic but equally delicious take on the beverage.
- 2 bottles Chardonnay
- 3/4 cup sparkling apple cider
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup cranberries, whole
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- 2 bottles Martinelli's sparkling apple cider
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup cranberries, whole
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients and stir together with a large spoon until the sugar dissolves.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled or over ice.
Alright, I’ll be right back — I’m going to go drink whatever champagne wasn’t use in the making of this post. Cheers and happy holidays!
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