Wassail. Eggnog. Toddies. Mulled Wine. The names of these drinks alone can make us nostalgic for simpler times and classic holiday cheer.

Treat your family and friends this season to one of these holiday drinks. You just might start a new tradition!

Wassail

From the Norse toast of "good health" comes this festive drink, served warm and laced with sweet spices like cinnamon and cloves. Though it is often made with ale or wine, these nonalcoholic versions make wassail appropriate for any time:

Wassail Bowl PunchRecipe: Wassail Bowl Punch

All ages will enjoy this warming punch. The blend of spice, fruit and citrus flavors is scrumptious. You can assemble it before heading out for a winter activity and sip away the chill when you return. It's ready whenever you are.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen



Citrus WassailRecipe: Citrus Wassail

I found this healthy wassail recipe in a cookbook. My daughter first prepared it to go with our day-after-Thanksgiving leftovers meal, and everyone loved it!
—Julie Williquette, Hartselle, Alabama



Holiday WassailRecipe: Holiday Wassail

Apricots lend golden color and goodness to this fruity beverage.
—Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa





Eggnog

This creamy, classic drink has many variations but always contains milk or cream thickened with eggs. A sprinkling of nutmeg is a classic garnish. Rum, brandy or whiskey can be added to eggnog for a special touch.

Surprise your company with one of these unexpected eggnog flavors! For convenience, the warm Mocha Eggnog starts with a purchased eggnog: look for it in the dairy case. The Banana Nog is so special and decadent, it can double as dessert! Or serve it with a plate of chocolates and cookies.

Mocha EggnogRecipe: Mocha Eggnog

This chocolaty twist on traditional eggnog will spread good cheer at your Christmas or New Year's celebration. My family makes a batch each year to sip while opening presents.
—Beth Ann Hill, Dayton, Ohio



Banana NogRecipe: Banana Nog

During my family's annual cookie exchange, we ran out of our beloved eggnog...much to everyone's horror! So into the kitchen I went to create this cool, creamy concoction—it was a hit!
—Jennae LeFebvre, Aurora, Illinois





Toddies

Used to describe a variety of hot alcoholic drinks, toddies may be as simple as hot water with a bit of sugar, melted butter, and lemon or spices, fortified with a dark liquor such as brandy, rum or whiskey. Our classic Hot Buttered Rum Mix is perfect to keep on hand in the freezer; stir in dark or light rum to taste if desired.

Tea ToddyRecipe: Tea Toddy

Soothing and comforting, this drink is a great way to wrap up an evening of entertaining. Although it contains alcohol, the taste is smooth.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen



Hot Buttered Rum MixRecipe: Hot Buttered Rum Mix

I offered this comforting, hot drink to guests at one of my Bunco gatherings. Everyone wanted the recipe. I like to keep a batch in the freezer for easy entertaining.
—Carol Beyerl, East Wenatchee, Washington





Mulled Wine

Nothing fragrances the home like a batch of mulled wine warmed with orange, cinnamon and cloves. Omit the brandy from the recipe if you prefer. For a more fruity flavor, substitute one bottle of ruby port for one bottle merlot.

Mulled MerlotRecipe: Mulled Merlot

Our Test Kitchen home economists created this recipe that's sure to warm up your holiday guests!
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen






Martinis

Perk up a dinner party with an upscale martini by replacing the gin and dry vermouth in a traditional martini with a cream liqueur. These martinis put a holiday twist on an old favorite.

Coffee & Cream MartiniRecipe: Coffee & Cream Martini

With Kahlua, Irish cream liquor and chocolate sandwich cookies, this martini is almost like a dessert. It's an after-dinner drink that's easy to mix.
—Clara Coulston Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio



Caramel Vanilla MartinisRecipe: Caramel Vanilla Martinis

We came up with this rich and delicious after-dinner drink, which has a chocolate swirl inside the glass, adding a festive touch.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen





Ice Cream Drinks

Just because its cold outside, it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy an ice cream drink inside where its toasty warm.

Irish Creme DrinkRecipe: Irish Creme Drink

We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!
—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Grasshopper ShakesRecipe: Grasshopper Shakes

Minty, chocolaty and cool, this spiked dessert drink makes a wonderful way to toast family and friends at holiday gatherings. A little shaved chocolate on top adds an extra-festive touch.
—Wabeno_WI, Tasteofhome.com Community




Holiday Entertaining Tips

  • Not enough glassware to accommodate the size of crowd you'll be entertaining? The stores have plenty of disposable choices at this time of year: some of them may surprise you how chic!
  • If you have the storage space and a bit more money, you can find inexpensive, crowd-sized glassware on sale at this time of year. Save the boxes to easily store your glasses for the next time you need them.
  • If you're serving alcoholic drinks, always be sure to provide a non-alcoholic alternate, such as a warm wassail.
  • Sparkling water is a refreshing, calorie-free choice that's easy to keep on hand. Make it special by serving it in a champagne glass with a half-wheel of lemon or lime.