By: Ayesha Gulzar (She/Her)

December 1, 2020

Holiday drinks are like a hug in a mug. Their tastes are comforting, unique, and really fun to spice up. In this article, there are four-holiday drinks with a twist that will change up the usual and even excite the pickiest of people. Down below, recipes for whipped hot chocolate, a mint + white chocolate hot cocoa, a pumpkin pie smoothie, and a maple cinnamon latte are given. Make sure you have parent/guardian permission and ask for assistance while handling hot liquids.

Whipped Hot Chocolate

Are you wanting a change in the usual hot chocolate without straying too far from the original? Well, this is the recipe for you! With a creamy texture and rich flavor, it is perfect for a cozy evening on the couch. Keep reading to get more information!

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 serving)

¼ cup of milk

1 tablespoon of sugar (white or brown, whichever is preferred)

1 ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pinch of salt

1 tablespoon of melted chocolate

¼ cup heavy cream

Directions:

Heat milk until it is steaming

Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until dissolved

Stir in chocolate until well mixed and the color is consistent

Whip heavy cream by hand or with mixer until stiff peaks* form

Take hot chocolate off the heat

Gently fold the cream into the hot chocolate. Serve right away.

* Stiff peaks means until the cream is fluffy and able to hold its own shape.

Credits to: Allrecipes.com

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Mint + White Hot Chocolate

A minty twist that allows the sweetness of the white chocolate to come through, this recipe is great for the holidays. Reminiscent of an Andes mint, this recipe strays quite a bit from the original but is delicious regardless. Keep reading to find out more!

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 serving)

½ a cup of milk

½ a cup of half and half (you can make this by combining ¼ cup of milk and ¼ cup of heavy cream)

2 tablespoons of melted white chocolate chips

¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract

1 pinch of salt

1 drop of green food coloring (optional)

Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

Over medium heat, add milk and half and half to pan and wait until steaming

Add in white chocolate and stir until completely combined

Add peppermint extract and salt and stir until dissolved

Add in food coloring and stir until color is consistent (optional)

Top with whipped cream. Serve immediately

Credits to: Lilluna.com

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Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Next up, on the healthier side is this incredibly creamy smoothie recipe that tastes like you took an enormous slice of homemade pumpkin pie and threw it into a blender. With those classic holiday spices and some added fruit to keep you going throughout the day, this recipe is great to have for breakfast (or really, any time of day). Keep reading for more information!

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 serving)

1 frozen banana

½ a cup of yogurt

½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of nutmeg

½ cup of milk

2 tablespoons maple syrup

⅔ cup of pumpkin puree

1 cup of ice

Directions:

Add all of your ingredients into the blender

Blend for about 3 minutes or until smooth

If you desire a thinner texture, add more milk. If you desire a thicker texture add more ice

Enjoy!

Credits to: Sallysbakingaddiction.com

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Maple Cinnamon Latte

Now, for all the coffee lovers reading this, this is a great coffee drink to encase you in some really recognizable holiday flavors, and also wake you up in the morning. A definite stray from the classic pumpkin spice latte, but absolutely delicious in its own way. Keep reading for more information!

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 serving)

¼ cup of coffee (use whatever you would like! Any kind of coffee works just fine, but make sure that there is no creamer or dairy at this stage).

2 tablespoons maple syrup

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of ground cinnamon

¾ cup of milk

Directions:

Pour in your vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon to the bottom of your cup.

Pour in your coffee and stir until everything is well combined.

On the stove, heat milk until it is steaming

Carefully pour milk into your mug so that there is a thin film of foam on the top to create a latte.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Credits to: Tarasmulticulturaltable.com

Have fun creating these recipes and really indulge in your holiday spirit. Share these recipes with your friends and family, and cozy up for the holiday season. Now, go forth and enjoy!