Top 5 Festive Drinks to Make at Home

 The festive season is fast approaching and what better way to get in the spirit then to whip up some irresistible Christmas beverages. Whether you’re usually host for the family, or you fancy creating a Christmas masterpiece for yourself, our Top 5 Christmas drinks to make at home will get you fully prepared for any occasion. 

5) Eggnog

Oh Eggnog, we meet again. This devilish drink always seems to hit our sweet spot during the Christmas season. Did you know the word Eggnog derived from the word 'Noggin'? A Noggin is a small wooden cup that the drink was traditionally served in, who knew? But if tradition isn't your thing, you can also substitute using soy products or any other alternatives. So versatile, so creamy, so festive! 

What you’ll need:

50g caster sugar

4 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla essence

397g can of condensed milk

100ml brandy

Step 1 - Place the sugar in a saucepan with 75ml water. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved, then cool and chill.

Step 2 - Beat the yolks with the vanilla until smooth. Add the condensed milk, brandy and cooled sugar syrup, mixing well.

Step 3 - Pour into a jug and chill for at least 2 hrs. Serve within 24 hrs, over ice & voilà! 

A creamy glass of heaven. You’re welcome. 

4) Hot Cocoa and Whipped Cream

 

 

It’s a classic winter warmer guaranteed to get your festive feelings going. We always like to go over and above here at Single Handed so we like to make our hot choc with some extra love. 

What you’ll need:

600ml milk

142ml double cream

100g chopped chocolate

Optional: Add some extra decorations to make your hot chocolate pop! 

Step 1 - Pour the milk, double cream and chopped chocolate into a pan. Bring gently to the boil, whisking until smooth.

Step 2 - Serve in individual cups or mugs topped with mini marshmallows and whipped cream & crushed candy canes.

Get in your PJ’s, put your feet up and enjoy! 

3) Mulled Wine

 

 

Mulled Wine is a traditional holiday treat in countries where winters get fairly cold, and being in the UK, we’re all too familiar with the winter weather! The ingredients for this drink have stayed true to traditional recipes, making it the ultimate timeless Christmas warmer. The simple smell will transport you into a winter wonderland, so what are you waiting for?

What you’ll need: 

½ bottle red wine

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise 

2 cloves

1 orange, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

50g brown sugar 

Step 1 - Place all of the ingredients into a saucepan and simmer gently for 6-8 minutes, without boiling. Alternatively, place the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low until warm (1-2 hours, depending on your slow cooker).

Step 2 - To serve, pour the mulled wine into heatproof glasses. 

Want to impress? Garnish with an orange peel & cinnamon stick.

2) Gingerbread Latte

 

 

Stop your Starbucks trip right now, we got you covered! A festive spin on a classic, the Gingerbread latte will leave you wanting more. The best thing about making this warmer at home is that you can adjust the spices to your own liking. Not a fan of fragrance? Go slow with the ginger & nutmeg to create a subtle lasting taste. 

What you’ll need: 

1½ tsp ground ginger, plus extra to serve

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg plus extra to serve

2 tbsp soft brown sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract 

600ml whole milk

2 shots hot espresso (optional)

Whipped cream 

Step 1 - In a bowl, mix together the spices, sugar and vanilla extract. Heat 100ml milk in a pan with the spice and sugar mix, whisking until the sugar has dissolved. Whisk in the remaining milk in additions until incorporated, then heat through  until steaming.  

Step 2 - Put a shot of espresso in each glass (if using) and top up with the spiced milk. Top with whipped cream, extra spices and grab your favourite biscuits.  

 

1) Espresso Martini with Salted Caramel Baileys

 

 

A sophisticated classic with a touch of festivity, one thing’s for sure, this Espresso Martini with Salted Caramel Baileys will leave you with a warm fuzzy sensation this Christmas. This is the perfect pick me up for the hectic Christmas period, you can trust you’ll feel alive after sipping on one of these!

What you need: 

40 ml vodka 

60 ml Baileys with salted caramel or caramel flavour

100 ml freshly made espresso

7-8 Ice cubes

Coffee beans for some extra aroma, taste and decoration

Step 1 - Grab a martini glass and throw in a few ice cubes in order to make the glass extra cool.

Step 2 - Make your fresh espresso.

Step 3 - Put the baileys, vodka and finally coffee into a shaker. Add a lot of ice into the shaker to make sure your cocktail is shaken to perfection. 

Step 4 -Pour into your cool Martini glasses. Top with three coffee beans to feel extra boujee. 

This drink is the perfect companion for after hours, trust us! 

We’re confident we have left you fully equipped to take on these Christmas treats & to enjoy the holidays in style! Make sure to let us know if you give these a go, we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Managed to make your drink but find yourself spilling it before you’ve even managed to take a sip?! Luckily we can help you with that too! Be sure to check out our products here to find your perfect drinks companion. 

Merry Christmas everyone!