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As the cold winds blow and twinkling lights adorn our homes, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug or glass brimming with seasonal flavours.
From the traditional mulled wine to creamy eggnog, these drinks are perfect for adding a bit of warmth and cheer to your holiday season.
Here are some classic recipes and a few twists on festive favourites to try this Christmas.
1. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a quintessential Christmas drink that’s popular across Europe, and for good reason. This warm, spiced red wine, infused with seasonal aromas, is the perfect antidote to winter’s cold.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine (a fruity one like Merlot or Shiraz works well)
1 orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
3 star anise
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
60ml brandy (optional but adds a nice kick)
A pinch of nutmeg
Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
Method:
Pour the wine into a large saucepan and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Heat gently, making sure the wine doesn’t boil. You want it to simmer slowly to allow the spices to infuse.
Add the honey or sugar, stirring until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
Stir in the brandy, if using, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove from the heat. Strain out the spices before serving.
Garnish with fresh cranberries or a cinnamon stick in each glass.
Pro tip: If you’re making mulled wine for a gathering, use a slow cooker to keep it warm throughout the evening.
2. Eggnog
Eggnog is a rich, creamy drink traditionally enjoyed during Christmas. Its comforting, velvety texture and the gentle warmth of nutmeg make it a festive favourite. While it’s more commonly associated with the US, it’s gaining popularity in the UK as well.
Ingredients:
500ml whole milk
250ml double cream
3 large eggs
100g caster sugar
100ml rum, brandy, or bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated nutmeg (for garnish)
Method:
Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
In a saucepan, gently heat the milk and cream over a low heat until warm (don’t let it boil).
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Return the mixture to the pan and heat gently until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and alcohol, if using.
Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavours meld.
Serve cold, with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top.
Pro tip: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum or brandy. You can also add a dash of vanilla syrup for extra sweetness.
3. Hot Chocolate with a Festive Twist
Nothing says cosy quite like a steaming mug of hot chocolate. But this isn’t your standard cocoa. We’re elevating it with Christmas spices and a dash of liqueur to bring some festive flair.
Ingredients:
500ml whole milk
100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
50ml Baileys, Amaretto, or spiced rum (optional)
Whipped cream and marshmallows (for topping)
Grated chocolate or a pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Method:
Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat, then add the cinnamon stick and star anise to infuse the milk with festive flavours.
Once the milk is warm, remove the spices and stir in the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder until melted and smooth.
Add sugar to taste, if desired, and continue to stir until the hot chocolate is thick and creamy.
Remove from the heat and stir in your choice of liqueur, if using.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of grated chocolate or cinnamon.
Pro tip: For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk, and dark chocolate that doesn’t contain milk solids.
4. Spiced Apple Cider
If you prefer something lighter and non-alcoholic, spiced apple cider is a great choice. This drink is packed with the flavours of cinnamon, cloves, and apples, making it a wonderful alternative to mulled wine.
Ingredients:
1 litre apple juice or cider
1 orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
5 cloves
2 star anise
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
A pinch of ground ginger or allspice
Method:
In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Gently simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
Stir in honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink, and add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
Strain the spices and orange slices before serving.
Serve warm in mugs, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise.
Pro tip: You can easily spike this drink with a shot of rum or brandy for an adult version.
5. Gingerbread Latte
A gingerbread latte is a warming treat that combines the rich flavours of coffee with the spices of gingerbread – perfect for a festive morning or as a cosy afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
1 shot of espresso (or strong coffee)
250ml milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup (you can buy this or make your own)
A pinch of ground cinnamon and ginger
Whipped cream (optional)
A gingerbread biscuit (for garnish)
Method:
Heat the milk in a saucepan or use a milk frother until steaming.
Add the gingerbread syrup and a pinch of cinnamon and ginger to the milk, stirring to combine.
Pour the espresso into a mug, then add the spiced milk mixture.
Top with whipped cream and garnish with a gingerbread biscuit on the side.
Pro tip: To make your own gingerbread syrup, simmer 100g brown sugar, 100ml water, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas gathering or simply enjoying a cosy night in by the fire, these festive drinks are sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits. Cheers to a warm and merry Christmas!