Christmas Drink Tips
Hot or cold? Cocktails or mocktails? Deciding what beverages to serve at your holiday party is important, since the drinks should complement the food. Whatever beverages you choose, make sure all your stemware, tumblers and mugs are clean and ready for service.
Besides the basics (water, coffee, tea and soft drinks), consider offering a signature beverage that will highlight the theme of the evening. Double-Berry Martini, Pomegranate Cosmopolitan, Passion Punch and Christmas Punch all have a deep jewel-toned appearance that is perfect for the holiday season.
A fun trick to dress up your ice cubes is to freeze citrus twists inside them. Use a lemon zester to remove strips of lemon peel that are about 3 or 4 inches in length. Tie individual strips into knots, and place one knot in each section of an ice cube tray. Add water and freeze until firm. These ice cubes make a beautiful addition to water glasses or even citrus-flavored cocktails.
If you are having a large party, check out these tips on making Coffee for a Crowd. You’ll find out how much coffee to prepare, as well as how to prepare it.
Be prepared. To limit kitchen time and maximize time with your guests, have all the dessert dishes stacked, with dessert forks on hand. In addition, measure ground coffee and have it ready to brew right after dinner is finished.
Few aromas are more inviting than a cup of hot coffee on a blustery winter day. While your guests are sure to enjoy a simple cup of MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee after a big holiday meal, it might also be fun to try a specialty coffee drink. Here are some ideas to get you started: Peppermint Mocha Delight, Eggnog Coffee, Maple-Cinnamon Coffee and Almond Macaroon Coffee.
Looking for a low-fat alternative to the classic eggnog? Try our Holiday Eggnog – your guests will never guess that the secret ingredient is JELL-O Pudding!
After dinner, MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee will seem that much more enticing if served with a BAKER’S Chocolate-Dipped Spoon. Here’s how you do it: Melt 1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate or 1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate as directed on package. Dip clean, dry plastic teaspoons into melted chocolate to coat the bowls of the spoons; let excess chocolate drip off. Place in single layer in waxed paper-lined tray; refrigerate 10 min. or until chocolate is firm. Cover tray with plastic wrap. (Or wrap spoons individually with plastic wrap and tie ribbon around each to secure.) Store in refrigerator until ready to use.
Remember to include those who do not like coffee. Rich ‘N Thick Hot Chocolate and Hot Spiced Tea make wonderfully warming alternatives.
Simple garnishes can take your coffee, hot chocolate or holiday eggnog from everyday to elegant. Top each mug with a dollop of thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, then sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg or grated BAKER’S Chocolate before serving.
