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Savor the Season with Healthier Holiday Drinks

The holiday season is filled with gatherings, celebrations, and a touch of chaos. Why not bring a little calm—and a lot of flavor—to your festivities with these healthier holiday drink recipes? From cozy tea to indulgent chocolate, these beverages offer warmth and cheer without the guilt. Perfect for hosting or savoring solo, these drinks are easy to make and packed with seasonal goodness. Get the recipes below or download the Healthier Holiday Drinks recipes here.

Holiday Chaos Calmer

This soothing blend of chamomile, cider, and spices is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of holiday preparations.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cider
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 chamomile tea bag
  • Lemon peel
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Directions:

  1. Simmer the water and cider, then steep the chamomile tea bag for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Add a strip of lemon peel and a cinnamon stick, letting the tea steep for an additional 3 minutes.
  3. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel before serving. For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add it at the beginning.

Raspberry Mocha Smoothie

This creamy, antioxidant-rich smoothie is a delightful treat for coffee lovers looking for a fruity twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 coffee ice cubes (or 1 tsp instant coffee granules + 4 ice cubes)

Directions:

  1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
    Tip: Freeze brewed coffee in an ice cube tray to add bold coffee flavor to your drinks.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Skip the coffee shop lines and make your own seasonal favorite at home with this wholesome twist on the classic PSL.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup prepared coffee
  • 1 1/2 tbsp canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Honey to taste

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk with coffee, pumpkin, spices, vanilla, and honey. Stir until simmering and ingredients dissolve.
  2. Remove from heat and pour into a mug.
  3. Froth the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and add it to the mug.
  4. Sprinkle with cinnamon for an extra festive touch.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa

This peppermint-infused hot chocolate is a sweet and cozy treat with a refreshing twist.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups milk of choice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract or peppermint stick
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • Pinch of kosher salt (optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in honey, peppermint and vanilla extracts, a pinch of salt, and chocolate chips.
  3. Continue whisking until the chocolate is fully melted.
  4. Pour into mugs and garnish with whipped cream or a peppermint stick, if desired.

These holiday drink recipes are perfect for adding a touch of joy and comfort to your celebrations. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or sharing a festive moment with loved ones, these beverages are sure to become seasonal favorites. Cheers to health, happiness, and delicious drinks!

 

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University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.