Recipe: Continue the Holiday Spirit with 3 Non-Alcoholic Drinks

As 2020 ends and 2021 starts, we thought that people may appreciate a few recipes for non-alcoholic holiday beverages. Even though the holiday season is over, 2021 could sure use some extra holiday spirit. Henceforth, we have come up with three beverages to continue the holidays into the new year: a peppermint hot cocoa, ginger beer and a white chocolate peppermint milkshake. We hope you enjoy these recipes.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa from Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editor in Chief

Photo by Elinor Shelp-Peck

A nice, warm peppermint hot cocoa is one of my favorite drinks to sip on during the winter. This quick and easy recipe results in a delightful holiday and year-round beverage. Each ingredient is cheap and easily accessible; for your convenience, I have linked each ingredient to its online Walmart page to give you a price range.

Ingredients:

1 K-Cup or packet of Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix

⅛ tsp of peppermint extract (I like the McCormick’s brand)

1 mini candy cane

Whipped Cream (I prefer Reddi-wip)

Recipe:

1. If you are using a K-Cup, follow the instructions for your specific machine. If you are using a packet, microwave a mug of water or milk for about two minutes or until it is your desired temperature.

2. While it is in the microwave, crush up half of the candy cane into small pieces.

3. I used a plastic bag with the candy cane in it and smashed it with a meat tenderizer.

4. Once the hot cocoa packet has been mixed with the hot water, add ⅛ tsp of peppermint extract to your mug and stir it in. Add more if it is not pepperminty enough for you, but be careful not to add too much because of the candy cane sprinkle topping. Extracts are a very concentrated flavor and can be overpowering if too much is added.

5. Finally, swirl the whipped cream on top and sprinkle with the crushed candy cane pieces. If desired, add the rest of the candy cane to your mug as decoration — it will dissolve slowly in the hot cocoa and leave behind a peppermint flavor.

6. Enjoy!

Ginger Beer from Jeanine Carryl, Staff Writer

Photo by Jeanine Carryl

Despite the name, this is a delicious non-alcoholic beverage. This drink is a West Indian classic during this time of the year, and with the help of my aunties, I made it for the first time and I think it tasted pretty good.

Ingredients:

½ lbs grated ginger (fresh or frozen)

½ lime

1 lemon

2 medium sized potatoes (peeled)

8 cups of water

2 ½ cups of brown sugar

Dried orange peel

4 cloves

2 anise seeds

Recipe:

1. Slice your lime, lemon and potatoes into medium-sized chunks.

2. In a large pitcher, add the water and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the lime, lemon, potatoes, dried orange peel, clove, anise and ginger.

3. Find a cool place to store the pitcher for two days.

4. Strain out the ingredients and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

5. Serve with ice and be merry!

White Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake from Katelyn Wiszowaty, A&E Editor

Photo by Katelyn Wiszowaty

If all of your favorite holiday drinks have been warm so far this season, you might be looking to “shake” things up with something chilly. Cold drinks can be festive too, so don’t count them out! Here’s a creamy and sweet holiday milkshake you can easily make at home.

Ingredients (yields 2 servings):

1 cup milk

8 scoops vanilla ice cream

6 Andes peppermint crunch thins

Recipe:

1. Melt the Andes peppermint crunch thins in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Pour the milk into a blender or milkshake maker.

3. Add the ice cream and melted Andes peppermint crunch thins and blend ingredients together until desired consistency is achieved.