Five Festive Holiday Drinks (Family-Friendly)

Hey Friends!  As I publish this I should be en route to crisp and cool Seattle for the first leg of our holiday journey.  I don’t know how the airplane will even contain the excitement built up in my four boys, but we’ll see how we do…

So I recently came across this holiday beverage post which was somewhat hidden in my archives from two years ago, and thought I would repost it today.  I love finding new festive drinks so I thought a few of you might too.  And interestingly, as I pack up for this trip I am once again feeling like I’m fighting a little chest congestion….Which ironically, was exactly how I was feeling when I posted this the first time.
(And no, I’m still not giving in!  Never ever.)

Hope you enjoy, and I’ll check in from a colder place soon…

**************

Between the new juicer that has taken over around here, and the fact that all of us (no I’m not giving in) some family members are fighting colds this week, we are currently all about beverages.

Today I thought I would share some of our family’s favorite (SIMPLE!) drink combinations…in case you need some inspiration in the weeks ahead!  These are all great to serve before dinner, or as an afternoon pick-me-up during the holidays!

*And I know my photos might look a bit Christmassy, and it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet, but what can I say?  We pulled the boxes out and before I could say “wait!” our house is filled with Christmas cheer.  (How can I complain?)

Only one hot drink this time–the rest are all cold and refreshing….and mostly quite healthy.
Eventually when it gets really cold here–(Like High 50’s at night!) I’ll post more hot bevies.

1.  HOT SPICED CIDER.

I make a simple cider simmering apple juice with cinnamon sticks and a cup or two of pineapple juice or cranberry juice.  Sometimes I steep a tea bag or two in there as well.  It tastes great and the smell fills the house with cheer!

2.  Cranberry Lime Fizz

2/3 part Cranberry juice (mine was cran/raspberry) combined with 1/3 parts Sprite or other lemon/lime soda, and a squeeze of lime over crushed ice.  (a sparkling water would pair well with the cranberry juice too.)

3.  Cranberry Orange

This has to be the most refreshing drink in the world–especially when you’re fighting a cold.  (Not that I am.  I’m not.  I’m not.  I’m not.)

4.  Grapefruit Spritzer

MY current favorite!  Simply combine equal parts grapefruit juice and sparkling water.  (We used our fresh squeezed pomelo juice, of course. ;))  It isn’t super sweet, but Oh-So-refreshing!

5.  Apple Cider and Ginger Ale

This is a great holiday drink!  Combine equal parts Ginger Ale, and apple juice or cider.  (again, we juiced our own apples for this, but only because it is “SO MUCH FUN” or it used to be until it became not so much.   Maybe I’ve complained enough about this one?)
YUM!

What’s your family’s favorite drink this time of year?
Feel free to talk to me about hot cocoas, egg nog, and other dreamy winter warm-ups…And while you’re at it, you can tell me about snow flurries, cozy fireplaces, and warm winter jackets…Ahhhhh….

ALOHA!  And enjoy the season–wherever this finds you!
Monica