The holidays are here and it's time to celebrate the season! What more fun way to celebrate than with delicious food and a tasty holiday beverage to go along with it? We've partnered up with master mixologist Danielle Kruse, Owner of Ambiente Chicago to come up with three amazing beverages that your whole family can enjoy, even the kiddos!
Hot Chata Chocolate
This delicious hot chocolate is so quick and easy to make. You can substitute in hot chocolate powder like Swiss Miss, but real hot chocolate is so decadent and delicious it's sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Directions: 1 - Gallon milk, I prefer whole or a mix of half and half with the milk to add to the decadence. (Plant based milk can be subbed in as well.) 2 - 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 5 - Pinch sea salt and cayenne pepper 6 - 2 (12-ounce) bags semisweet chocolate chips
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. When it is melted keep the heat on low and whisk in the cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, sea salt and cayenne. Next, slowly whisk in the milk until you reach the level of decadence desired. Serve in your favorite mug with whipped cream and chocolate sauce and sprinkles on top!
*To spice it up and make an adult version, just add a shot of Rumchata or 2 (maybe 3!) if you have a really big mug!*
Tipsy Reindeer
1 gallon (or so) of your favorite cider
4-6 cinnamon sticks
1 pear, sliced
1 apple, sliced
2 oranges, in segments with the peel on
Directions:
Heat all above items on the stove at a low heat or let it just go all day in the crockpot. Once you are ready to serve, strain the fruit and cinnamon out. Pour in your favorite glass or mug, garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!
*Adults, to liven up your cup, you will add 2 oz. Journeyman O.C.G. (Apple Cider Liqueur) or your favorite spiced rum...Yes!
Rockin' Around the Rosemary
1 handful of rosemary sprigs
1 cup of water
1 cup of either sugar, agave or honey
3 oz. grapefruit juice
Simmer the rosemary, water and sweetener on low until you reach the level of 'rosemary' that you want. Next, build this beverage in a martini shaker. At this point, add the grapefruit juice with a scoop of ice. Shake it hard then shake it harder!
Next, you can rim your martini glass with crushed candy canes in your favorite flavor (or for
the kids, JOLLY RANCHER, yum!) or just stir it with a fresh rosemary sprig as a garnish.
*Adults, to kick your cup it into high gear, add 2 oz. of your favorite unflavored vodka, stir and indulge!*
These drinks are so fun to make and everyone can partake! We hope you enjoy these delicious holiday beverages as much as we do! Happy holidays from us at Madison Elyse Events and Ambiente Chicago!
Fabulously Yours,
M.E. Events Team