While you are stuck at home with your kids during this holiday season, a holiday cocktail might be exactly what you need to survive Christmas.
Check out some of these different Christmas cocktails that will satisfy any thirsty adult. These recipes are courtesy of The Modern Proper.
Mulled wine is one of the easiest Christmas drink recipes to prepare for any party or cozy evening at home. To make it, you’ll need a bottle of red wine, two oranges, three cinnamon sticks, five pieces of star anise, 10 whole cloves, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Place all ingredients except the oranges into a medium sized pot. Using a sharp knife or peeler, peel half of one orange. Avoid peeling as much pith as possible, as it has a bitter taste. Juice the oranges and add to the pot along with the orange peel.
Over medium heat, warm the mixture until just steaming. Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Heat for 30 minutes to let the spices infuse. Strain the wine and serve into heat-proof cups.
Eggnog is a drink most Christmas parties can’t do without. If you’re worried about it getting spoiled, know that unopened, shelf-stable bottled eggnog that contains alcohol can last up to 18 months without refrigeration. Once opened, the alcoholic beverage may last several weeks in the fridge.
Homemade eggnog usually lasts for around three days if refrigerated; if at least five percent alcohol is added, it may last a few weeks. To make eggnog yourself, you’ll need four large eggs, separated; 1/3 cup plus one tablespoon sugar, one pint whole milk, one cup heavy cream, one and 1/4 fluid ounces bourbon, one and 1/4 fluid ounces dark rum, and a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar until the yolks lighten in color and the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon, rum, and nutmeg and stir to combine. Move mixture to a medium mixing bowl and set aside.
Place the egg whites in the bowl of the stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running, gradually add the remaining tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.
Chai Tea Concentrate is something you’ll love to drink warm. In fact, every busy, bustling December day should end on this perfectly sweet and spicy note. To make it, you’ll need 12 black tea bags, a cinnamon stick, a thumb-sized piece of thinly sliced fresh ginger, one tablespoon orange zest, 10 whole cardamom pods or 60 cardamom seeds, three whole star anise pods, 20 whole cloves, 20 whole black peppercorns, one tablespoon freshly ground nutmeg, a cup of brown sugar, a vanilla bean, or two tablespoons of vanilla extract, and about six cups of water.
Bring water to a boil. Add tea bags, spices and vanilla bean (if using extract, hold off until the end to add it.) Remove from heat and let steep 15 to 20 minutes, or longer, depending on how strong you want it. Strain and add the brown sugar and vanilla extract if using. Stir to combine. Mix a half cup concentrate with a half cup any type of milk. Heat on stove top or microwave. Keep refrigerated and enjoy for up to two weeks.
If you’re hunting for a new holiday tradition, there’s this bright, refreshing Grapefruit Cardamom Gin Fizz. Tart, bubbly and botanical, it’s fast becoming a favorite festive holiday drink. You’ll need two ounces of Rosemary syrup, which you can make by combining sugar, water and two rosemary sprigs and simmering them in a small saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Remove the rosemary and use right away, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You’ll also need three ounces of Cardamom infused gin, which you can make by combining a cup of gin and six Cardamon pods in an air-sealed container and letting it sit for 24 hours. To make the cocktail, pour rosemary syrup, infused gin and about a half cup grapefruit juice over ice in a cocktail mixer and shake to combine. Using a strainer, divide the mixture in two glasses filled with fresh ice. Top with prosecco and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a grapefruit peel. Enjoy!
For some Christmas Punch, prepare eight ounces pomegranate seeds, two oranges, a cup of orange juice freshly squeezed, 16 ounces pomegranate juice, 16 ounces cranberry juice, two teaspoon vanilla extract and 20 ounces of 7Up or similar soda. Slice oranges into thin slices and cut the slices in half. Combine orange slices, pomegranate seeds, pomegranate juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, and vanilla together in a punch bowl or pitcher. Mix and refrigerate for two to three hours.
For the kids, before serving, add soda and gently stir just enough to mix. And for the grownups, you can add rum or vodka at the same time as the fruit and juices, and add 20 ounces of Prosecco sparkling wine before serving.
For more drink mixes for the holidays, visit www.themodernproper.com/10-festive-holiday-drinks.
