Non-Alcoholic Holiday Inspired Drinks
Contributed by on Nov 23, 2015
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The holidays are among the most booziest months of the year. However, that doesn't mean that you need to overindulge. Here are some alternative non-alcoholic holiday drinks, that are perfect for everyone. These recipes will surely help you avoid the dreaded holiday hangover.
So put on your best ugly sweater and scarf, dust off your elf hat, put on some mittens, and enjoy these delicious holiday inspired drinks from TasteBook.com:
Punch always goes over well at the table during the holidays. This is perfect for large groups, and a beautiful centerpiece at festive events. The aroma of the citrus punch will compliment every course, and will make your holiday event a hit.
Big-Batch Citrus Punch
Citrus Ice Ring
If you have extra citrus and time on your hands, opt for juice instead of water for the ice.
INGREDIENTS
2 tangerines or blood oranges, peeled and divided into segments
1 6-cup bundt pan
Ice cubes
PREPARATION
Arrange the segments of fruit on the bottom of the pan, overlapping them.
Place ice cubes on top of the fruit and cover with about 6 cups of water.
Place in the freezer until frozen.
Winter Citrus Punch
This colorful punch celebrates winters bounty and can be made with a mixture of seasonal citrus such as tangerines, clementines, Cara Cara oranges, blood oranges or grapefruit. For the bright color, this recipe was made with a combination of tangerines and Cara Cara oranges.
Punch connoisseurs will tell you that punches are typically made with a sweetener of sorts, be it homemade simple syrup or a bottled nectar.
Garnished with rosemary sprigs for a boost of color and earthy fragrance, this citrus punch is perfect for entertaining during dreary months. Plus, all that citrus is a great way to enjoy your vitamin C.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup elderflower cordial*
6 cups fresh-squeezed citrus juice, such as Cara Cara, blood orange or tangerine*
Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Citrus ice ring
PREPARATION
Pour the citrus juice into a punch bowl.
Garnish with the rosemary sprigs, reserving some for each glass, and serve with the citrus ice ring.
Note: When juicing citrus, make sure to use room temperature fruit as it yields more juice.
*Original recipe calls for ¼ cup St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and 2 cups gin. Replace with 2 cups of juice, and elderflower cordial to make non-alcoholic version.
This milkshake will change the way you view milkshakes forever. This drink is so much more than a milkshake, it is a decadent treat. And, don't we all deserve a treat during special occasions.
Pecan Pie Milkshake
Ingredients
4 tablespoons pecans in syrup ice-cream topping
1/2 cup crushed Pecan Sandies cookies
1 1/2 cups premium vanilla ice cream
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon honey
Whipped cream
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Pinch of fleur de sel (or other flaky sea salt)
Directions
1. Divide the pecans in syrup between 2 milkshake glasses, spooning them into the bottom of each glass.
2. Combine the crushed cookies with the ice cream, milk, maple syrup, and honey in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream and toasted pecans, and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
There is always time for a little bubbly. This Sangria, or Sparkling Wine alternative will bring any festive occasion to life. Bring out your champagne flutes and ring n the new years with this refreshing grilled fruit drink.
Sparkling ‘Nongria’ with Grilled Fruit
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup white grape juice
8 apricots halved and pitted
8 cups sparkling water
1 cup fresh berries, such as cherries, blackberries and/or blueberries
1 cup grapes, halved
2 pears, sliced lengthwise
2 cups sliced apples, you can use use pre-sliced apples for convenience.
PREPARATION
1. Grill the halved apricots, pears and apple slices over medium-low heat until just charred, about 1-3 minutes on each side, set aside to cool.
2. While the fruit is cooling, muddle the ginger in the bottom of a large glass with the lemon juice. Pour into a large glass pitcher and add the sparkling water, white grape juice, grapes, berries and grilled fruit. Enjoy!
By Mosaka Williamson
