In the post-December rush, it often becomes a challenge to keep holiday ideas fresh and exciting to last into the New Year. Here are five irresistible holiday drinks to keep the celebrations going – for those of us who don’t like the hard stuff.
Holiday Arnold Palmer
(Serves 4)
The Arnold Palmer is a signature summer refresher, but you can make it holiday-themed with one simple twist on the traditional blend.
Recipe:
2 c. lemonade
2 c. iced chai tea
Ice
Agave syrup
Over a tall glass of ice, pour in the lemonade, and top with the iced chai tea. Sweeten with agave syrup to desired taste.
Butterbeer
(Serves 6)
You don’t need to travel all the way to Hogsmeade (or Universal Studios), to get a frothy glass of the Harry Potter favourite, butterbeer. This treat is especially popular among kids, but can be enjoyed by anyone with a sweet tooth.
Recipe:
6 12-oz. bottles of cream soda
1 tbsp. butterscotch syrup
2 c. heavy cream
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
For the butterbeer, pour the cream soda over the butterscotch syrup in a glass.
For the foam garnish, whip the cream in a bowl until thick. Stir in the sugar and vanilla until peaks form. Spoon the whipped mix on top of the butterbeer.
Mulled Pomegranate Juice
(Serves 4)
A twist on a traditional mulled wine, it’s a delicious holiday drink alternative full of familiar flavours.
Recipe:
4 c. pomegranate juice
1 c. cranberry juice
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 orange
5 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 piece of ginger
Pour the juices into a pot at low heat. Add the sugar, cloves and ginger. Peel and slice orange in half. Squeeze in the orange juices and add the peel. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. Strain into mugs, garnish with cinnamon or orange, and enjoy!
Vegan Aztec Hot Chocolate
(Serves 4)
Spice up cold winter nights with this cayenne hot chocolate.
Recipe:
4 c. almond milk or coconut milk or soy milk
6 tbsp. cocoa powder
4 tbsp. sugar or coconut sugar
1/2 – 1 tsp. cayenne depending on taste
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
In a pot, bring milk to a simmer. Add the dry ingredients and the vanilla extract. Serve hot with coconut whip cream, or chocolate drizzle.
Elderflower and Pear Spritzer
(Serves 6)
Any kind of spritzer will do for an alternative to wine, but serve up this special and memorable holiday drink and your guests will go home raving about it.
Recipe:
1L soda water
1 lime
1/2 c. elderflower syrup (available at specialty grocery stores)
1/2 c. pear juice
1/2 c. muddled blackberry
Mint garnish
Combine soda water, lime juice, elderflower syrup and pear juice in a pitcher. Muddle blackberries, add ice, and garnish to taste with mint. Serve chilled.
by Courtney Christensen and Mandy Cruse
This series on living fantastic for the holiday season is a collaboration between Greenster and the students of the Langara Publishing Program, who as a team produce Pacific Rim Magazine. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Zemistor, Thor, Lauren, Marissa
