Seven Mocktails To Serve At Your Christmas Get-Together
Hosting your own Christmas get-togethers can be pretty challenging, especially when it comes to creating a menu of delightful bites and toast-worthy drinks. Need a little help? Why not consider sprucing up your drink selection with this list of seven palate-pleasing mocktails that aren't just easy to make, but are sure to make great impressions, too!
Spiced Hot Cider
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We're willing to bet that if Santa and Mrs. Claus had a favorite Christmas drink, it would be this one! It warms you from the inside out and tastes like a fresh-out-of-the-oven, crumbly apple pie in a mug, complete with a generous dash of cinnamon to finish. Enjoy!
How to make it: You'll need a gallon of apple cider, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp allspice, grated nutmeg, 2 tsp whole cloves, 1 orange, and cinnamon sticks for garnishing. In a large pot over medium heat, add the apple cider. Stir in the brown sugar, allspice and nutmeg until the sugar is dissolved and bring to a low boil. Make sure to stick the pointy ends of the cloves into the orange so that just the buds of the cloves are visible. The entire orange should be covered with the cloves. Add the orange to the cider and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and continue cooking for 20 minutes, after which, you'll be good to go!
Eggnog hot chocolate
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Yum! This is a combination of two quintessential Christmas drinks and is something that guests of every age will enjoy.
How to make it: Be ready with 21/2 cups of milk, 12 oz bittersweet chocolate, 4 cups of eggnog, 1 tsp vanilla extract, whipped cream, and cinnamon sticks. In medium saucepan, bring milk and chocolate to a simmer then turn down heat and let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes. Whisk chocolate until melted and smooth, stir in eggnog and gently heat over low heat until very warm. Stir in vanilla and top with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.
Sparkling spritzer
As a drink that's a little on the sweet side, it definitely appeals to Filipino tastebuds that love a sweet and savory push and pull to their dining experiences. With a Christmas spread that's sure to be full of hearty dishes, this will make a great accompaniment.
How to make it: All you need is a glass half-filled with sparkling white wine, another half with ginger ale, and lime juice to taste. For those who aren't fans of sour undertones, go ahead and skip the lime completely. On the other hand, for a little more personality, sink a frozen raspberry or candied ginger!
Grinch punch
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We recommend that you serve this alongside your glasses of Cranberry fizz, just because their eye-catching green and red make things look extra festive! Unlike the cranky creature it's named after, this drink is sweet and is sure to elicit smiles. Get ready for hearts to grow, rather than shrink, after a sip or two.
How to make it: Get two cups of sugar ready along with a 13 oz packet of unsweetened lemonade, 12 oz lemonade concentrate, a 12 oz can of pineapple juice, a half litre of Sprite and some ice. Pour two quarts of water in a one gallon pitcher. Add the unsweetened lemonade and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the pineapple juice and lemonade and stir well. Just before serving, add the Sprite and ice, then you're good to go!
Cranberry fizz
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its candy cane-red hue and tart flavor, feel free to serve this refreshing cocktail as a virgin alternative to your aperitif selection.
How to make it: Grab a glass and fill it with one half cranberry juice, one half ginger ale, a splash of lemon juice and mix with 1/2 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tbsp cinnamon powder. Rim the glass with cinnamon powder and you're done!
Peppermint chocolate
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Guests are used to being offered coffee or tea at the end of a meal, so why not surprise them with a hot mug of peppermint chocolate? It makes a great palate cleanser, and it's delicious. Expect guests to request for a second serving.
How to make it: How to make it: Gather 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 quart of milk, salt and seven peppermint sticks (crush three, and leave four whole). Start by placing cocoa in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until cocoa has dissolved. Add chocolate chips and crushed peppermint and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until chocolate and peppermint have melted. Add a pinch of salt to taste then it's ready to serve!
Candy crush
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Here's where you get extra playful and enter a kids-only zone. Gummy bears, rock candy sticks, and colorful drinks? The kids are going to love it (and you).
How to make it: Just because we're talking about kids, it's best to use plastic. Opt for a plastic champagne flute, fill it with sparkling juice (apple and grape are our favorites!), and sink a few gummy bears or rock candy sticks in there. Dilute the juice with water if the juice is a little too sugary.
