When the air turns crisp and summer foliage begins to change to shades of red and gold, everyone starts to look forward to the upcoming round of fall parties. And what better way for you and your guests to enjoy the fall than by gathering together for warm drinks and good times? When the temperature drops from crisp to downright cold, these ideas for steaming hot beverages are some of the best ways to welcome in the holiday season.
Fall Classics
Traditional hot drinks never fail to please. Since fall is harvest time, it's not surprising that drinks featuring apples and spices have become seasonal favorites. Mix up an apple toddy by blending apple brandy, cider, and spices, or offer a cup of hot apple cider with rum. Hot buttered rum and mulled wines are also traditional offerings. And when served hot, a creamy serving of eggnog is both decadent and delicious as well.
Sweetness or Spice
When it comes to non-alcoholic winter favorites, there's nothing like cupping a warm mug of cocoa. While young guests may like their chocolate straight with marshmallows, adults might enjoy a vamped-up version made with white chocolate and peppermint. For those who prefer their drinks with some snap, consider spiced chai tea as an alternative to traditional coca.
Sumptuous Syrups
For the best flavor choices add delicious syrups to any of your hot beverages. Purchasing a variety of syrups gives you enough options to take any holiday drink recipe up a notch. Gingerbread syrup, espresso, and steamed milk combine for a very seasonal gingerbread latte. Or for an unexpected depth of flavor, add their peach tree concentrate and ginger ale syrup to rum for an Autumn Peach Ginger Toddy. Even the expected whipped cream topping becomes an unexpected delight when it's flavored with mint or vanilla.
Hot Cocktails
For truly spirited holiday drinks, why not offer a hot mixed drink? The classic cognac and rum combination of wassail is seriously warming. And for a drink that can be made in advance, fill your punch bowl with a hot gin punch. This combination of gin, wine, fruit, and spices will keep your guests toasty all night.
As you prepare for your next fall holiday event, don't forget to choose a selection of hot drinks. The options for hot beverage recipes have never been greater. It might be cold outside but, where the party is, your guests will be warm and satisfied.
