Amid the frenzy of shopping for gifts and coordinating your family’s travel plans, it’s all too easy to forget how to slow down and savor the holiday season. No matter where you’re final destination is this winter, these easy-to-mix drink recipes are a surefire way to warm your adventures.
So pour yourself a drink, wrap your fingers around a warm mug—or wine glass—and take a sip to soak in the moment.
Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
1 bottle (standard size) of Pinot Grigio
2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
1 cup club soda
1/2 cup ginger brandy
3 honey crisp apples, chopped
3 pears, chopped
Pomegranate seeds
How to make
- Combine all ingredients together and stir. Refrigerate for an hour or more before serving.
- Note: For a non-boozy version, try substituting Pinot Grigio with white grape juice, and the ginger brandy with a non-alcoholic ginger beer.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon agave syrup
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup milk of choice (more for larger cups)
4 tablespoons freshly ground coffee
Water for boiling
How to make
- Make coffee according to your preference (french press, drip coffee, pour over, etc.)
- Add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to a small saucepan and cook on low-medium heat, stirring constantly until hot.
- Add the agave syrup and stir until slightly bubbly.
- Warm the vanilla extract and milk in the microwave for 10 to 12 seconds until warm. Froth the warm milk with a wisk or frother. Pour into the pumpkin mixture and whisk until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Fill each cup about halfway with coffee. Pour in the milk mixture.
- Top with a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
4 ounces apple cider
1 bottle ginger beer
Cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish
*For a boozy version, add apple-flavored whiskey, or a splash of vodka
How to make
- Fill two copper mugs with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine the apple cider and vodka. Shake to combine. Pour half of the apple cider mixture into each mug. Top each mug with ginger beer until full. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
3 cups coconut milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon plus 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Pinch of cayenne powder
1.5 ounces mezcal
Optional: whipped cream, cocoa nibs and cinnamon for garnish
How to make
- On a stovetop over low-medium heat, add coconut milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, chipotle powder, and cayenne and whisk together until smooth and temperature is hot.
- Pour into two mugs.
- Garnish with whipped cream, cocoa nibs or cinnamon.
- Note: Make this recipe vegan by substituting with a vegan milk product, and topping with coconut whipped cream.
