Beyond Eggnog:

Special Tipples

to Keep Guests Warm and Merry

Hot Toddy

The hot toddy’s origin story has two competing theories – one tracing it to Edinburgh and the other to British-occupied India in the 1600s. An Irish doctor named Robert Bentley Todd also gets credit for prescribing patients a mixture of hot brandy, water, cinnamon, and sugar. Whatever its true origin, the hot toddy has become the go-to remedy for colds and chilly nights, making it the perfect party drink. The classic formula is simple: whiskey, honey, hot water, and lemon juice, sometimes with a cinnamon stick.

Yule Mule

The Yule Mule is the Christmas cousin of the famous Moscow Mule, which itself was invented in 1940s Hollywood. This festive cocktail keeps the traditional vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer base, but to suit the season, it uses cranberry juice. Some versions might use pine syrup and garnishes like rosemary and cranberries to mimic a holly. The drink is typically served in those iconic copper mugs. You can use different spirits like gin, rum, or bourbon instead of vodka. Make it extra special with cranberry ice cubes that won't water down your drink as they melt.

The Sober Station

With alcohol out of the way, some might be leaning towards a dry December, driving back home or just abstaining from alcohol. So, for those folks, set up a sober station with these drinks to grab. 

Spiced Cider

Spiced cider, also called mulled cider, has roots stretching back to mediaeval Europe and possibly even Roman times. When winter arrived, people began adding spices to their ciders and serving them hot to keep warm. American colonists also continued this tradition. The drink is essentially unfiltered apple cider heated with cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and nutmeg, sometimes with brown sugar and orange slices. The beauty of spiced cider is how your house fills with the most incredible aroma as it simmers. You can make it on the stovetop in twenty minutes or let it bubble away in a slow cooker for hours. The longer it simmers, the more intense the spice flavours become. For grown-ups who want a little kick, add rum, bourbon, or brandy to turn it into a spiked cider.

Cranberry Mocktail

This festive non-alcoholic drink will make everyone feel included at holiday parties. Cranberry mocktail is made with cranberry juice and orange juice or pomegranate juice, topped with something fizzy like ginger ale, ginger beer, or club soda. Fresh cranberries float on top along with orange slices and sometimes a sprig of rosemary or mint for that gorgeous pop of green against the red liquid. What makes these drinks special is how they capture the essence of Christmas without any alcohol. Cranberries are naturally high in antioxidants and vitamin C, so you're actually doing something good for your immune system during cold and flu season.

Hot Chocolate 

Hot chocolate has been a Christmas tradition ever since chocolate made its way to Europe in the early 18th century. Unlike the powdered stuff from packets, proper homemade hot chocolate is made by melting whole chocolate into warm milk and cream, creating a rich, velvety thick drink. The Christmas version often includes spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, plus a bit of vanilla extract. Some recipes use sweetened condensed milk to make it extra thick and creamy. Top it with freshly whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and crushed candy canes.

Christmas Punch

Don’t go by the name to think this one’s spiked. It can still serve as a centrepiece drink, which brings people together at holiday gatherings. While recipes vary wildly, most use fruit juices like cranberry, orange, pineapple, and pomegranate with something fizzy like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Some versions include frozen lemonade to add punch to this sweet drink. The punch is usually served in a large bowl with an ice ring made from frozen fruit and water to keep it cool without diluting the flavour. Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sometimes pomegranate seeds float on top.

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Whether you’re serving up a classic hot toddy, experimenting with a yule mule, or keeping things warm with spiced cider and cranberry mocktails, these drinks go beyond ordinary holiday beverages. They invite laughter, warmth, and shared moments that linger long after the last sip. So gather your mugs, mix up some magic, and toast to a holiday season full of festive cheer!