Alcohol-Free Drinks Spice Up the Holidays
By FeatureSource Staff

(FeatureSource) – Warm or cold, these delicious non-alcoholic holiday drinks from “The Mocktail Bar Guide” (Meadowbrook Press) are perfect for a party full of guests or a cozy twosome in front of the fire.

White Christmas Hot Chocolate

12 ounces of milk
1 1/4 ounces of finely chopped white chocolate
1 ounce of crushed peppermint or spearmint candy canes
pinch of salt/ whipped cream

Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the chocolate, half of the crushed candy canes, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then pour into a coffee mug. Top with whipped cream and remaining crushed candy canes.

Quick Party Eggnog

1 cup of cold eggnog
1/3 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
1/3 banana
2/3 tablespoon maple syrup
1/3 tablespoon of group nutmeg

Blend ingredients at medium speed. Pour into a glass and top with more nutmeg.

Cranberry-Apple Wassail

8 cups of cranberry juice
3 cups of apple juice
5 small cinnamon sticks
1/3 cup of sugar
3/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon of whole cloves
5 orange slices
3 lemon slices

In a saucepan bring the first six ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for ten minutes. Strain into a heat-resistant punch bowl. Add the fruit slices.

Cold Chocolate Peppermint

2 scoops of chocolate ice cream
1 cup of cold milk
dash of peppermint extract
chocolate shavings
peppermint candy cane

Blend the first three ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and top with chocolate shavings and the candy cane.

"The Mocktail Bar Guide" has recipes for 200 alcohol-free drinks for nondrinkers, designated drivers, expectant mothers, and anyone who enjoys great tasting drinks. Portions of the proceeds from this book go to MADD. "The Mocktail Bar Guide" can be found in bookstores everywhere.