Spiced Christmas Beverage Recipes

One of the best ways to warm both heart and body is with spiced Christmas beverages.

Spiced Christmas Beverages

Spiced Christmas beverages are a wonderful way to offer holiday cheer when friends and family stop by. Be sure to have both spiced wine and cider on hand so everybody, young and old alike, can join in the festivities.

Hot Spiced Cider

Kids love this drink, but watch out or the grown ups might drink it all before the kids get a taste. This combination of sugar and spice will delight all your friends.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts of apple cider
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon whole allspice berries
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 lemon sliced thin

Garnish

• 10 lemon slices
• 10 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan or pot, mix the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, sliced lemons, and grated nutmeg.
2. Warm over a medium low flame, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, continue to warm for 15-20 more minutes.
4. Remove the whole spices and lemon slices.
5. Ladle into a cup and garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Gluhwein

This spiced wine will welcome your guests and warm their spirits. You can add some star anise if you happen to have it on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 bottles red wine
• ½ pint brandy
• ½ cup sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon whole allspice berries
• 2-4 cardamom pods
• 4-5 star anise pods (Optional)
• 1 orange sliced thinly
• 1 lemon sliced thinly

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, mix the wine, sugar, brandy cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, cardamom pods, and the sliced fruit.
2. Heat over a low flame, it's best if you do not let the wine boil.
3. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Cover and let warm for 20-30 minutes.
5. Serve warm with slices with a lemon or orange slice.