7 sensational Christmas soft drinks
BY Anna Walker
1st Jan 2015 Drinks
These seven delicious recipes will take your Christmas beverages from soft drinks to sensational drinks—no alcohol required.
British alcohol consumption increases by 40% over December. In fact, between us, Britons will consume 600 million units of alcohol in the festive month.
If you’re a non-drinker at Christmas, this can make the winter season seem not-so-jolly, but never fear. These non-alcoholic drinks are full of purely metaphorical festive spirit.
Cran-raspberry martini
Image via Erica's Recipes
Cranberries are a definitive Christmas flavour—so why not mix them into your drinks?
This martini-with-a-twist blends crushed raspberries with the Yule-tide berry, giving it this delightful Christmassy red colour.
Non-alcoholic eggnog
Image via A Sweet Pea Chef
Eggnog is the ultimate Christmas beverage; don’t miss out just because of the alcohol, eggnog doesn’t have to be boozy.
This recipe is simple and uses ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. You can also use it to create your own eggnog latte—delicious.
Mulled apple juice
Image via Hungry Healthy Happy
The cinnamon, orange and nutmeg flavours in this mulled brew really add to the comforting taste.
Not only does this recipe cut the alcohol but there are considerably less calories than its alcoholic cousins, which means you can drink double the amount… right?
This mulled beverage can easily be made in large quantities for parties, with the option for drinkers to add rum if they want an extra kick.
Melted hot chocolate with sea salt whipped cream
Image via Adventures in Cooking
Definitely not the healthy option, but certainly one of the tastiest. This hot chocolate is essentially just melted chocolate, topped with cream.
The sea-salted topping gives this indulgent treat an even more luxurious edge.
Vegan-friendly frozen pretzel hot chocolate
Image via Minimalist Baker
Mocha coconut ice cubes form the base of this drink of vegan dreams.
Almond milk and chocolate syrup sweeten the taste while a small handful of crushed pretzels give it that covetable hint of saltiness.
Spiced cranberry hot toddy
Image via She Wears Many Hats
While away those long winter nights with this warming hot toddy recipe.
The cinnamon and ginger spices not only taste fantastic but will infuse your home with that quintessential Christmassy smell.
Milk chocolate peanut butter hot chocolate
Image via: One Sweet Mess
This treat is definitely one for those with a sweet tooth. It’s the equivalent of drinking a peanut butter cup—drinks don’t come much more indulgent.
The recipe makes enough for a large jug, so top it with marshmallows and serve it up to your guests.
