The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and delicious treats. To keep the festivities wholesome, why not serve healthy Christmas drinks that everyone can enjoy? From warm spiced apple cider to refreshing smoothies, these festive beverages will delight your guests and add a healthy twist to your holiday celebrations. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of healthy Christmas drink recipes, serving suggestions, and tips to make your gatherings memorable.
1. Festive Drink Recipes
a. Classic Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4-6 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise (optional)
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Strain into mugs and garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice.
b. Cranberry Sparkler
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, no added sugar)
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cranberries and lime slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice, sparkling water, and lime juice.
- Stir gently to mix and pour into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices.
c. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped coconut cream, for topping (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and maple syrup until dissolved.
- Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Heat until warm, but do not boil.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped coconut cream, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies if desired.
d. Festive Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- 1 cup almond milk (or other milk)
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine banana, spinach or kale, almond milk, almond butter, and cinnamon.
- Blend until smooth. If desired, add ice cubes and blend again for a chilled drink.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy!
2. Serving Tips
a. Presentation
- Use festive glasses or mugs that reflect the holiday spirit, such as those with holiday designs or colors.
- Consider adding decorative straws or drink stirrers for a fun touch.
b. Drink Stations
- Set up a drink station with a variety of beverages for guests to choose from. Include labels for each drink and ingredients for smoothies so guests can mix their own if desired.
c. Garnishes
- Fresh herbs like mint or rosemary can add a lovely aroma and visual appeal to drinks.
- Consider providing a selection of garnishes, such as fruit slices, whipped coconut cream, or crushed peppermint, for guests to personalize their drinks.
3. Conclusion
Christmas drinks are a delightful way to celebrate the season and bring loved ones together. With these healthy, non-alcoholic recipes, you can ensure everyone enjoys the festivities while nourishing their bodies. From warm spiced cider to refreshing smoothies, these drinks will add joy and health to your holiday gatherings.
Cheers to a festive season filled with love, laughter, and delicious, healthy drinks!
