2 Delicious Holiday Drinks

Non-alcoholic holiday drinks with retro style

In this special holiday edition of Retro Foodie, we present two delicious drink recipes that you can enjoy over the coming weeks. They have a retro look, they are super easy to make, and they are kid-friendly. You know, since we big kids need a little tasty fun from time to time. If you’re looking for a drink with a kick, stay tuned–we’ll debut the real cocktails for our New Year’s Eve post. Until then, enjoy these sweet treats…

Holiday drink ideas

The Mint Chocolate Steamer

Mint chocolate steamer with a candy cane stirrer

First up is a little concoction I like to call The Mint Chocolate Steamer. Inspired by a mint tea steamer at one of my favorite local restaurants, this tasty hot drink is perfect for enjoying with a late-night snack on a chilly evening…

What you’ll need:

16 oz (2 cups) milk

2 tea bags – mint or peppermint tea works best

3 teaspoons cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla

sweetened whipped cream (such as Reddi Whip)

chocolate shavings

sugar sprinkles

1 candy cane

Directions:

Heat the milk in the microwave or over the stove. Once removed from heat, steep the tea bags in the milk for several minutes. Remove the tea bags. Stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla. Use your fingers to wet the rim of two glasses. Pour the sugar sprinkles onto a plate, then dip the rim of each glass into the sprinkles. Pour the drink into the glasses. Top with whipped cream, or stir it in for an extra creamy effect. Chocolate shavings make a lovely garnish (I used a carrot peeler and a candy bar to create the shavings). Add a candy cane for a festive stirrer. This recipe serves 2.

The Whipped Cinnamon

A whipped cinnamon treat

Next up is a delicious treat that takes its name from the whipped cream involved in this recipe! And the cinnamon, of course….

What you’ll need:

16 oz (2 cups) milk

1 tsp sugar (or more for a sweeter take on this drink)

1 tsp cinnamon, plus additional cinnamon for garnishing

1 tsp vanilla

sweetened whipped cream (such as Reddi Whip)

Directions:

Heat the milk over the stove or in the microwave. Remove from heat. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Pour the drink into glasses or mugs. Top with whipped cream, then stir it in for an extra creamy effect. Top with additional whipped cream, then sprinkle with cinnamon. It’s just that easy! This recipe serves 2.

Two holiday drink treats

These drinks are a piece of cake to prepare! And if there’s no cake on hand to enjoy with these delicious hot sips, try some pretzels. You know, to add a little salty to the sweet. I’m also crazy about Mother Rucker’s Cinnamon Cookie Brittle, which I served during our Thanksgiving shoot.