Holiday Beverage Innovations

The holiday season is all about celebration, warmth, and indulgence. It's a time when we decorate our homes with twinkling lights, and the rich aromas of festive foods fill our homes. But don’t forget the drinks! Having a well-thought-out holiday beverage menu during this joyous season is a great way to spread the spirit of celebration and offer a delightful experience to your guests. Join us as we dive into a world of delicious and festive drinks that will make your holiday celebrations even more memorable.

WHY DO I NEED HOLIDAY BEVERAGES ON MY MENU?

From mulled wine to eggnog, holiday drinks are a part of long-standing traditions across the world. However, the modern consumer seeks more than just tradition; they want creativity. Whether you own a restaurant, bar, or café or simply love hosting gatherings at home, mastering the art of crafting holiday beverages can set your establishment apart and create lasting memories for your guests.

Crafting innovative holiday beverages for your establishment: 

• Provides varied options for different palates
• Attracts more customers by offering something unique, in turn boosting revenue
• Leaves a lasting memory for guests, encouraging them to come back next year

HOLIDAY BEVERAGE IDEAS

Here are some ideas of how you can provide innovative holiday beverages to your guests:

1. MINTY FRESH COCKTAILS

We all know (and love) mint as a comforting flavor for the cold winter months. It’s a staple flavor of the festive season. But how about giving the traditional mint a festive twist? We suggest trying the following cocktails to mix it up:

• Mint-Berry Fizz: Blend mint leaves, fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries), a touch of lime, and your choice of white spirits, such as gin. Top it off with soda or tonic for that refreshing fizz.
• Chocolate Mint Martini: Think of a liquid After-Eight. Blend chocolate liqueur with crème de menthe and vodka. Garnish with a mint sprig and a chocolate rim.

2. SPIKED LATTES

Who said lattes are only for mornings? A touch of alcohol can transform this comforting beverage into a delightful evening treat. Here are some creative ideas to consider:

• Rum-Chai Latte: Infuse a creamy chai latte with spiced rum. Garnish with cinnamon and star anise for a spicy kick.
• Irish Coffee Latte: A combination of coffee, Irish whiskey, and a touch of sugar topped with whipped cream. Winter is the perfect time to indulge in this drink.

3. INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY DRINKS

Want to get extra creative? Offer holiday cocktails from around the world! This will pique the interest of your guests and encourage them to try something new. Here are a couple of our favorites:

• Swedish Glögg: A Nordic version of mulled wine made with red wine, spices like cloves and cardamom, and raisins and almonds for a finishing touch.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: Spice up your hot chocolate with a pinch of chili. Add a dash of Kahlua or tequila for an adult version.
• Hot Toddy: Great both for nightcaps and diversifying your menu. Keep it simple: whiskey, a lemon round, a cinnamon stick, and honey and lemon juice to taste.
• Wassail: This traditional English drink is especially common in the Midwest. Spiked ciders like this will be a sweeter option than mulled wine or a toddy.

4. CRAFTED NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Don’t let anyone feel left out of the holiday festivities! Not all festive beverages need to be alcoholic, even more so now when there's a growing trend of non-alcoholic or "mocktail" versions of classic drinks. Adding this to your menu allows everyone to enjoy their time at your establishment. Consider the following alcohol-free beverages for a taste everyone will love (even the alcohol enthusiasts):

• Cranberry Sparkler: Mix cranberry juice, a touch of lime, and soda. Garnish with rosemary sprigs for a fragrant touch.
• Gingerbread Latte: Infuse your milk with gingerbread spices and mix it with a shot of espresso. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

5. CLASSIC TRADITIONAL DRINKS

Trying out new holiday drinks will definitely bring back the fondness of the classics. As well as those looking for the nostalgic choices they’re familiar with, there are also others who might be hesitant to branch out in their tastes, and it would be wise to be ready with something to match:

• Eggnog: ‘Classic’ is a common descriptor for what is likely the king of holiday drinks. Traditionally alcoholic but can be served non-alcoholic as well.
• Peppermint Martini: You can’t have the holidays without a touch of peppermint. This traditional cocktail is simple to make and quintessentially cheery.
• Hot Buttered Rum: This sweet and warm drink chases the cold quickly out the door. The batter is easy to prepare and can be made to serve or chilled for later.

6. PRESENTATION IS KEY

The taste of your festive beverage is undoubtedly crucial, but the presentation can transform it into a fond memory. Doing it right can elevate the experience immensely. You want to present drinks that people will want to show off. To go the extra mile and make your drinks aesthetically appealing, consider:

• Glassware: Choose unique glassware that complements your drink. Don’t be afraid to play with different styles. This will go a long way in attracting guests.
• Garnishes: From fresh herbs to spiced rims, the right garnish can make all the difference and complete the look. It’s not just for taste but also for its eye-catching appeal.
• Layers: Consider crafting layered beverages to add to the drink’s visual. Don’t forget to experiment and have fun with the colors and textures.

Crafting festive beverages is an art. It combines tradition with innovation, offering a sensory delight that resonates with the holiday spirit. As you gear up for the festive season, take a moment to rethink your beverage menu. Consider it as an opportunity to experiment and have fun while doing so!

HOW CAN I USE DRINKS TO IMPROVE MY EVENT?

With the holidays come parties and gatherings of all types. They can be centered around your family, your workplace, or various social groups. Your beverage menu can enhance your gathering in multiple ways, but the important first step is having a clear vision of what you want to present to your guests.

Your drink menu can be a vibrant highlight of various things, such as a theme, a look, or a mood. For a cozier event, drinks that are sweet, warm, or spiced will have guests dreaming of bundling up by a warm fire: eggnog, spiked lattes, or hot ciders would be a great match. For a party that’s a bit fancier or dressier, martinis and inventive cocktails are a great choice: you can include a variety of unique flavors, and it’s easy to dress up the glasses.

Regardless of the type of party you want, there is a great beverage menu for you. Put yourself in the shoes of your guests and ask yourself how you want them to feel; then, with some time and a little research, you'll be able to tell what drinks are a strong match for your party.

SERVE RESPONSIBLY WITH LEARN2SERVE

While alcoholic infusions can be fun, always promote responsible drinking by serving responsibly. Regardless of what the occasion is, here at Learn2Serve by 360training, we encourage you to sell and serve alcoholic drinks safely. This will help protect yourself and your employer while protecting the public.

Our Alcohol Server Training course teaches you the laws for safely selling and serving alcohol so that you can protect yourself and your employer from liability. Keep yourself and others safe this holiday season by signing up for alcohol server training today!