The holiday season is a perfect time to indulge in festive coffee and tea drinks that will delight your friends and family. These recipes are easy to make and can be adjusted to accommodate a crowd, whether you have an espresso machine, French press, or traditional coffee maker. Syrups and flavourings in this article, such as the Terrazzo or Torani brands, can be found online or you can make them yourself. Share your love for great taste with these delightful holiday coffee and tea ideas:
1. London Fog (Earl Grey Tea Latte)
- Earl Grey tea
- Milk or milk substitute (whole or 2% milk works best)
- Real vanilla extract (optional)
- Sweetener (optional)
a. Warm the milk until it’s steaming hot, either on the stovetop, in the microwave, or using your espresso machine’s steamer wand. b. Let the Earl Grey tea steep in the hot milk for at least five minutes. c. Froth the milk using a milk frother, French press, or a whisk for a creamy and foamy texture. d. Add a few drops of vanilla extract and some sweetener to taste. This is the ultimate rainy day warm-up and kids will love it too.
2. Peppermint Mocha
For those who have an espresso machine, a peppermint mocha is a delightful treat. You’ll need:
- 2 parts espresso
- 1 part chocolate syrup
- 1 part peppermint syrup or peppermint extract
- Steamed milk
- Whipped cream (optional)
a. Combine the espresso, chocolate syrup, and peppermint syrup in a mug. b. Top it with steamed milk and give it a good stir. Garnish with crushed candy cane.
3. Gingerbread Latte
Another wonderful holiday coffee recipe for espresso machine owners is the gingerbread latte. You’ll need:
- 2 parts espresso
- 1 part gingerbread syrup
- Steamed milk
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
a. Combine the espresso and gingerbread syrup in a mug. b. Top it with steamed milk and give it a stir. c. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra festive touch if desired.
4. Eggnog Latte
For a delightful twist on the classic latte, try the eggnog latte. This recipe is perfect for those with an espresso machine and requires the following ingredients:
- 2 parts espresso
- 1 part eggnog
- Steamed milk
- Nutmeg (optional)
a. Heat or steam and froth the eggnog then combine with the espresso. b. Top it with whipped cream. c. For added flavor, sprinkle a dash of fresh ground nutmeg if desired.
5. Spiced French Press Coffee
If you have a French press coffee maker, you can create a delicious spiced French press coffee. You’ll need:
- Coarsely ground coffee
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
a. Add the coarsely ground coffee, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg to the French press. b. Pour hot water over the ingredients and let them steep for six minutes. c. Stir the grounds and allow them to steep for an additional two minutes. Plunge and pour.
These holiday coffee and tea recipes are a fantastic way to share the festive spirit with visitors and family. Whether you’re a seasoned barista with an espresso machine or you prefer the simplicity of a French press, these recipes are perfect for entertaining during the holiday season. Enjoy the flavors of the season with these delightful drinks!
