Skip the Swiss Miss hot cocoa packets this year and try a festive holiday beverage recommended from local tastemakers. From eggnog to sangrias, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Cheers to new discoveries! 🥂

A suggestion from Swan Brewing

🍷 “I’m a big fan of Glühwein (hot sangrias, basically) - it pairs perfectly with chilly nights and good company.”

A protip from Born and Bread

☕ White Chocolate Mocha Cold Brew from Black & Brew

🥛 A guilty pleasure is mixing two parts Publix Eggnog with one part Bourbon, garnished with an orange peel + ground nutmeg

A recommendation from Honeycomb Bread

☕ Hot chocolate. “I make mine with dark dutched cocoa, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, a drop of vanilla, and the best-quality organic milk you can find. (Our dairy-free friends should try this using oat milk.) Obviously it needs a giant marshmallow on top, and then holiday merriment may commence!”

🍸 If you’re feeling sassy, mix ½ oz Grand Marnier and ½ oz Brandy into 5 oz hot chocolate.

A tradition from Nook Bakery

☕ A Russian Tea recipe from my grandma. Mix 4 c. orange juice, 4 c. strong brewed tea, 1 ¼ c. sugar, juice of 2 lemons + 9 cloves. Heat to desired amount. “We always have it Christmas night after we open our gifts and watch a classic Christmas movie as a family.”

An idea from Krazy Kombucha

🍸 Krazy Kombucha Cocktails anyone? Mix Ginger, Mango + Berry Kombucha with Malibu Rum.

🍺 Mix half Ginger + Berry Kombucha with half Stella Artois.

A recipe from Revival

☕ Hot Buttered Rum. Combine ½ c. butter, ¾ c. brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ⅓ tsp nutmeg, ⅛ tsp allspice, ⅛ tsp salt + a pinch of cayenne pepper. Refrigerate until use. Add 2 tbsp of batter into mug, and mix with 2 oz hot water, 2 oz rum + top with additional 2 oz hot water. Garnish with cloves + cinnamon sticks.

A favorite from A Cow Named Moo

☕ Peppermint Mocha or White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha from Black & Brew

As for my recommendation, I believe you’re now prepared to throw a Kate Spade-inspired party, spiced up with any one of these holiday beverages. And if you have a dying-to-share recipe, send it our way.

- Jessica