Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, dairy-based beverage that has become a custom throughout the holiday season. The first
The first occurrence of eggnog can be dated all the way back to 1775. While traditional eggnog is a relatively popular drink at this time of the year throughout North America, different varieties are found all over Europe and other countries as well.
Personally, I have never been a fan. Drinking sweetened milk or cream mixed with whipped eggs, spices, and brandy, rum or bourbon just doesn’t do it for me. I can’t go through another holiday season of turning down eggnog, so here is my attempt at convincing you to leave the tradition in the past and update the season with these fun and fashionable holiday cocktails.
Negroni
Although you can drink this cocktail year round (and I do), I always found it to be comforting on a cold winter night. Given that the drink is pure alcohol, it will definitely warm you up from the inside out. To top it off, the orange scent is a nice nod to the holiday season. To make, mix equal parts Gin, Campari and Red Vermouth; pour over ice (my preference is one large ice sphere) and garnish with an orange peel. Serve your negroni in a cut glass old fashioned tumbler for an added festive feel.
Winter Sangria
This twist on a summer favourite will have your guests feeling merry and bright in no time. It’s also a great option if you are hosting a larger party as you can make a big pitcher in advance. Sangria is also fun because you can pretty much mix everything you like together and call it Sangria (right?). My preferred winter sangria starts with a bottle of Prosecco mixed with one and a half cups of soda water. Add some rosemary simple syrup to sweeten and garnish with crushed and whole cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and some cubed apple pieces. Pour into stemless wine glasses and start making another batch.
Mulled Red Wine
This drink is pure comfort with a kick. It’s also a great way to end your evening, especially if your eyelids get heavy after drinking red wine (like mine do!). Start with a bottle of red wine, zests of an orange and lemon, a quarter cup of honey, a bunch of cloves and cinnamon sticks and two-star anise, and throw everything in a pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the honey is fully dissolved. Be sure you don’t bring the ingredients to a boil or you might turn your mulled red wine into a non-alcoholic beverage. Strain and transfer into some old school Italian wine glasses and top it off with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.
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