Popular Holiday Drinks

When it comes to entertaining, everyone is concerned with what to serve the guests. Once the food is decided, and then comes the decision of beverages. One usually has to consider who is going to be served - are they drinkers? Do they prefer non-alcoholic drinks? Or will there be children? Oh, you can keep soda pop and wine but, come on... it's the holidays!

Believe it or not, the number one beverage of choice of holiday guests is Cider! Cider can be purchased and stored. It can be served cold. Many people feel that there is nothing better than hot cider; simmer the cider with a few cinnamon sticks (or add a few whole cloves) and you're good to go. For an "adult beverage", add a little whiskey for a woodsy flavor; or add a ½ pint each of ginger and cinnamon schnapps to a gallon of
cider.

For Apple Cider Punch:
4qt Apple cider
1 cup brown sugar, packed
6oz frozen lemonade
6oz frozen orange juice
6 whole cloves
6 whole Allspice
1 tsp ground nutmeg
3 sticks cinnamon

Tie spice cloves in cheesecloth. Heat mixture, stirring vocationally. For an alcoholic drink, add rum.

Punch is a standard holiday drink served at large gatherings. A favorite family punch is easy to make with a bottle each of Sprite, Hawaiian Punch and a tub of rainbow sherbet. Pour the bottles into a punch bowl and put the sherbet in to melt.

A festive ice ring for punch is nice to have. Simply fill a jello mold with ginger ale, pineapple juice, cranberry juice or water. Add maraschino cherries (both red and green) and orange slices. Freeze. Add to the punch bowl to keep the punch cold. It's pretty and the fruit is fun to enjoy. On one note, if fruit is added to an alcoholic punch, it will absorb some alcohol.

Eggnog is a holiday classic. Add a bit of Raspberry Rum for a new flavor. To make an richly flavored eggnog punch; add some Haggen Daaz Rum Raisin ice cream.

For "Healthy" Homemade Egg Nog:
½ cup Egg substitute
3 Tbsp sugar
13 oz skimmed Condensed milk
¾ cup skimmed milk
1tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp Rum flavoring or 3 oz. rum
Nutmeg

Whip egg substitute and sugar together, combine with the two kinds of milk, vanilla, and rum. Mix well. Chill over night. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Makes 6 servings.
Warm drinks are always a comfort on cold days or evenings by the fire. For those dreamy winter delights try hot herbal tea, flavored coffees, and cocoa are the best. Try adding a little honey to your tea; it's great for upset tummies and sore throats too. Add a little amaretto or Irish cream to your coffee or hot chocolate. Yummy!

If you want another dreamy drink, try Bailey's Dream Shake:
2 oz Bailey's Irish cream
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Cream
Blend ingredients for 30 seconds.

For more drink recipes, visit www.webtender.com and www.professionalhomebar.com.
Have a happy and safe holiday.