Many of the cherished memories of Christmas are the traditions that carry on from family to family. Whether you do the annual family excursion to chop down your own tree or take it out of the basement storage, you may need a little pick-me-up to get the job done.
Here are nine festive drinks that will give you a little boost to continue your beloved holiday traditions.
1. Cutting Down the Tree
Samuel Adams Winter Lager - "Warm and Festive"
This is for you beer lovers out there. Whether you braved the elements and chopped down the tree, picked it out at your local community center or have an artificial one boxed up in the basement, those traditions go perfectly with a nice lager.
Samuel Adams Winter Lager gets the job done nicely. Brewed with orange peel, cinnamon and ginger, you can taste a bit of the warm, christmas spices all while taking your first steps into the holiday season.
2. Decorating the Tree
Eggnog & Brandy - "Christian Brothers Holiday Nog"
If you're an eggnog person, this is a great beverage to drink while sifting through the ornament box. (IMO) Decorating the family Christmas tree is one of the most anticipated and exciting events during the month of December. There's nothing like finding one of your very first handmade macaroni ornaments, or even adding to your growing collection. Make this event more special by sipping on some brandy infused eggnog that you can share with your whole adult family.
3. Hanging the Lights
Old Fashioned Apple Cider
For this one, I suggest you stay sober if you're planning on climbing ladders to hang up those Christmas lights. Warm or iced, you can't go wrong with a simple glass of apple cider to get you feeling joyous.
4. Christmas Caroling
Hot Chocolate with Dealers Choice Liquor
"Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa-la-la, la-la-la, la la-liquor."
Ah yes, the sweet sounds of a Christmas tune. If you're planning on venturing out in the cold to sing some carols this holiday season, make sure to make yourself a nice, warm mug of hot chocolate to take with you.
If you really want to stay warm, choose from Baileys, RumChata, or even whipped cream vodka to give your hot beverage a little kick. Top it off with some marshmallows, whip cream, cinnamon or nutmeg and mini chocolate chips.
5. Baking Christmas Cookies
Peppermint White Russians
I can taste it now: the first bite of a warm, freshly baked sugar cookie of the season. Make some room on the doughy, flour-y counter of yours and put down your Peppermint White Russian. This is a perfect duel to send your tastes buds on a Christmas extravaganza.
6. Watching Christmas Movies
"Peppermint Twist" Vodka Shots
This one will be the newest tradition in my family this year. Using Smirnoff peppermint vodka (which is really tasty IMO), or really any flavored liquor of your choice, play a Christmas style drinking game by watching some of your favorite holiday movies.
Don't be a Scrooge, just grab some of those christmas cookies, a bottle of peppermint vodka, some friends and family, and get drinking.
7. Christmas Morning
Coffee with Baileys
Have you ever heard of the phrases "but first, coffee" or "a coffee a day keeps the grumpy away?" Well, this still applies to most people on Christmas morning. Why not shake things up a bit and add some Baileys to that freshly brewed coffee of yours.
8. Opening Christmas Presents
Sangria Sparking Juice Mimosa
Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for: present opening time. Don't get me wrong, opening gifts is very exhilarating, however it can get a bit overwhelming when you have 10+ gifts in front of you. To take the edge off, try a sparking sangria juice mimosa. These festive mimosas are perfect for Christmas morning or afternoon.
9. Christmas Dinner
Red Wine at Dinner Time
As Christmas morning comes to a close, the feeling of sadness may overwhelm you. Do we really have to wait another 365 days to do this again? However, you shouldn't fear, Christmas dinner is here.
Whether you're planning a feast with your family or is just eating the leftovers from Christmas eve, a glass of red wine will hit the spot. Red wines go perfectly with steak, ham or other classic Christmas entrées.
Cheers & Happy Holidays!