We are quickly approaching holiday party season, and if you are like us, it can often feel like the same eggnog and cider, year after year. So, for those looking to change things up this season, go ahead and impress your guests with some of that YP culture and class. Serve up these European-inspired holiday drinks and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with fabulous foreign flavours.
Scandinavian Glogg
This mulled wine is the traditional Christmas drink of the Scandinavian region of Europe. Found commonly in their world-famous Christmas markets, this version is just one of many served across much of the continent. You can make your own Glogg on the stovetop at home and/or take it in the slow cooker to your family or office party.
1 bottle red wine
1/3-1/4 cup sugar, depending on preference for sweetness
1 tbsp. orange zest
1 cinnamon stick
5 whole cardamoms
5 whole cloves
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup blanched almonds
In a large pot bring wine, sugar, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and zest to a near-boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. When ready to serve, fish out spices and re-heat, not boiling. Serve in mugs with almonds and raisins.
Optional: can be served with additional ounce of brandy, rum, or vodka.
French Champagne Cocktail
Everyone loves toasting to the holiday season with a little bubbly, especially us YPs. To add some worldly flair to your Christmas or New Year’s fete, pass out these French-inspired champagne cocktails, and everyone will soon be feeling the holiday sprit.
2-4 drops bitters, depending on preference for bitterness
1 shot of good French Cognac
1 sugar cube
Champagne
Maraschino cherries
Place one sugar cube in champagne flute. Drop bitters on top, allowing to soak into sugar. Add Cognac, then fill flute with Champagne. Garnish with a cherry.
Spanish Spiced Winter Sangria
In the southern regions of Europe, sangria is served all year long. This spiced winter sangria mixes all the flavours that taste like Christmas, but in that cool, fruity way only sangria is known for. As we Canadian YPs love our warm getaways, we think this holiday recipe may become a new northern favorite.
1 bottle red wine
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup triple sec
1/3 –1/4 cup sugar, depending on preference for sweetness
2 Christmas oranges, in sections
2 apples, sliced
Seeds of 1 pomegranate
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl or carafe. Stir until sugar dissolves. Best served after chilling over night.
German Eierpunsch
Looking for a different version of everyone’s favorite holiday drink? The German Eierpunsch, or egg punch, may have that one same key ingredient, but this warm Christmas cocktail is certainly unique.
1 bottle white wine (white is most common, though red can also be used)
8 egg yolks
1/3- 1/4 cup sugar, depending on preference for sweetness.
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 whole cloves
1 tsp. lemon juice
Optional: milk can be added if you prefer less thick.
Whisk together eggs and sugar. Add wine, spices, milk, and lemon juice. Put mixture into saucepan and heat very slowly, constantly stirring. Do not allow to boil or burn. Remove large spices and serve in mugs. Can be topped with whipped cream.
Photo courtesy Taste Food Blog