Holiday drinks to try from local tastemakers

Screen Shot 2018-12-17 at 10.53.38 AM

Photo by Revival Lakeland

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

More from LALtoday
See top performers on stage when they stop in Tampa + Orlando on Broadway national tours.
Polk County plans to reconstruct the boardwalk over the lake and add a stoplight at a busy intersection near Southeastern University.
This annual festival celebrates all things aviation. Save this guide to admission, activities, and aviation fun.
Students can now order food online, and an AI-powered food delivery robot will bring it directly to their location. Would you like to see this tech in another part of Lakeland?
Let us plan your nightly entertainment with movies, live music, and stage shows, plus the perfect places to grab a bite.
In response to a statewide water shortage, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is enacting water restrictions for Polk County and surrounding areas.
Polk County Public Schools just broke ground on Junior Achievement’s innovative new Discovery Center where students will get hands-on business experience.
When it comes to hyperspecific food festival themes, Central Florida has the recipe down pat.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Wellness
Get your steps in and find a sense of sisterhood with this group that meets weekly for walks along Lakeland’s most picturesque trails.