Festive Christmas Drinks

Indulge at home this winter with a festive boozy tipple. There is something very comforting about Christmas drinks and festive cocktails whether it’s for Christmas day or New Years Eve. From a cosy hot toddy to a hot chocolate, these drinks are sure to impress and help you relax, unwind and enjoy the holiday season in style. Take a look at our round-up of some our favourite, classic recipes with a twist.

Slow Cook Mulled Wine

Ingredients: ½ bottle red wine, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, 2 cloves, 1 orange sliced, 1 lemon sliced, 50g brown sugar.

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on a low heat setting until warm (1-2 hours on average). Alternatively place all the ingredients into a saucepan and simmer gently for about 8 minutes. Serve warm.

Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 2 cups milk, 1 cup cream, ½ cup dulce de leche, 2 cinnamon sticks, 280g dark chocolate, 2 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup bourbon.

Method:

1. Whisk together the milk, cream and dulce de leche in a large saucepan and add the whole cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, cover and let it stand for 10 minutes to infuse.
3. Return mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the chocolate a little at a time. Whisk until melted and smooth.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla, salt and bourbon. Discard cinnamon sticks and serve warm.

Gingerbread Eggnog

Ingredients: 1 cup double cream, 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 8 whole cloves crushed, 6 allspice berries crushed, 2 cinnamon sticks ¼ tsp nutmeg, 4 cups milk, 8 large eggs separated, ¾ cup sugar, pinch of salt, ¾ cup dark rum.

Method:

1. Combine cream, ginger, vanilla, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg and milk in a saucepan. Cook over a medium heat until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan (do not boil). Remove from the heat and let infuse for 30 minutes.
2. Beat the egg yolks until combined and gradually beat in the sugar and salt. Mix until pale and very thick (around 2-3 minutes).
3. Strain the spiced cream mixture from the saucepan, and add 1 cup to the egg yolk mixture, then add the remaining cream mixture and return to the heat. Cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes until it reaches 75 degrees (this will ensure the egg yolks are cooked). Stir occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and set saucepan over a bowl full of cold water and ice, stirring occasionally until cooled.
5. Once cool stir in the rum. Then before serving, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into the eggnog mixture and serve. Sprinkle over some nutmeg or finely grated chocolate if you wish.

More delicious recipes to enjoy:

Quick & Easy Canapes Ideas & Recipes 

Halloween Inspired Bakes 

How To: Make Homemade Ice Cream