Now that this week has turned consistently cool on the Gulf Coast, I can enjoy some warm holiday drinks!  It seems sad to bet sweating while trying to enjoy a hot chocolate. During cold nights, I will enjoy a hot decaf tea before bed, and sweet drinks at all the holiday parties going on.  Here is a small selection of the ones I look forward to most this Christmas week!  

Eggnog Sugar Cookie Tea

I must admit that I can drink the Celestial sugar cookie tea on its own.  However, sometimes I like to make it a little special. I will add eggnog to my recently steeped tea.  I prefer to use the almond or soy milk brands of eggnog. Silk Nog or Califia Farms Holiday Nog are particularly delicious with a fraction of the sugar in regular nog.  Here are the details:

Ingredients:

8 oz boiling water

1 Celestial sugar cookie tea bag

¼ cup soy or almond nog 

Steep your tea in a large mug while warming the nog.  (I usually do this in the microwave, but stove top works as well.)  Remove the tea bag and add the warm nog. **Makes 1 big cup.  

Malted Milk Hot Chocolate

When it comes to Sonic Drive-In, the malts have always been my preference over the milkshakes.  The little extra malted milk adds to a treat makes my taste buds dance! So this year, I am going to try this drink I found from Martha Stewart.  

Ingredients:

4 cups of milk

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 

4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)

¾ cup malted-milk powder

Mix vanilla and milk.  Steam over stove in a pot 5-6 minutes.  Whisk in chocolate until melted. Pour over malted-milk powder in another saucepan, and whisk until combined.  **Makes 4 servings.

Honey and Cinnamon Nighttime Drink

I consulted with my friend and fellow baking enthusiast Lisa at Mrs Price’s Plates.  She recommended this simple and delicious drink.  Cinnamon always brings back nostalgic Christmas memories from cinnamon cookie ornaments to cinnamon dolce lattes at Starbucks.  This drink is the perfect night cap for everyone in your family.  

Ingredients:

1 cup milk

1 tsp honey

2 drops vanilla extract

1 pinch cinnamon 

Warm milk in the microwave until hot and foaming.  Stir in honey and vanilla. Then sprinkle with cinnamon.  **Makes 1 cup.  

Hot Chocolate Affogato 

Affogato is an Italian dessert drink.  It is often made with gelato and coffee.  However, to put your own holiday twist on it, you can simply pour your favorite hot chocolate over a scoop of peppermint ice cream.  For extra fun, stir it with a candy cane or peppermint stick!

 This drink sounds so fancy by that name.  However, I enjoyed this drink at progressive dinners sponsored by my church youth group when I was in middle school.  I still love this drink with Blue Bell’s peppermint ice cream!  

Crock Pot Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a delicious and easy drink to serve during the holidays.  We like to make them over the holidays for large gatherings. Most recipes are simple mix, heat, and serve.  Poppy’s in Ocean Springs has a great packet to make your own mulled wine. If you want to make it using your own spices, here is what Ina Garten uses.

Ingredients: 

4 cups apple cider

1 (750 ml) bottle of red wine 

¼ cup honey

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange zested and juiced

3 star anise

4 orange peels (optional for garnish)

Combine all ingredients and bring to boil.  Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Serve immediately and add garnish.  **Makes 8 servings.

Mock Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White 

There are many ways to create a frothy flat white on its own.  A flat white is a popular Australian coffee that is served at Starbucks year round.  However, during the holiday season they serve a spiced version. The flat white itself is characterized by the espresso with micro-foam.  (A latte, on the other hand, uses steamed milk with little foam.) Milk can be frothed on the stove with a whisk or a fancy machine. Here is a great recipe from Don’t Sweat the Recipe! 

Ingredients: 

1 – 2 teaspoons tangerine sugar (Tangerine zest mixed with sugar.)

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/eighth teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Put these ingredients mixed at the bottom of your mug.  Pour hot espresso on top and then the foam. **Makes 1 serving. 

Top It With a Delicious Bow

Be sure to top your festive drinks with something delicious.  Whipped topping, marshmallows, and candy are classics. I also like to sprinkle cinnamon for an extra kick.  This can be done with your daily coffee or even hot chocolate made with a pouch. Treat yourself whether you are by yourself or entertaining!  

What is your favorite hot holiday drink? 

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