Just in time for the holidays! This holiday drink trio is perfect for a small or large crowd gathering. Or, make individual servings for yourself to indulge in. The Fizzy Pomegranate is incredibly quick to make, the red color of the juice makes it festive, and the sugared rim not only looks pretty but the sugar helps to cut through the tartness of the pomegranate and lime seltzer. And, you can turn this beverage into an adult only drink by adding a splash of champagne. The homemade 5-Spiced Chai takes a bit longer to prepare but is well worth your efforts! Chai is one of my favorite types of tea mostly because of the flavor combination of spices but also because of the frothy milk on top. It’s a bit spicy yet sweet (depending on the amount of sweetener you add in). Lastly, there is nothing better than homemade hot chocolate- especially spiked hot chocolate. Incredibly rich and chocolatey, it’s perfect for a cold and snowy day. If you don’t live in an area that gets too cold, you can always chill the “hot” chocolate and drink it cold.

The Fizzy Pomegranate 

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. pomegranate juice
• 4 oz. lime seltzer
• 1 fresh lime
• 3 ice cubes
• 2 tsp. sugar

Method of Preparation

Slice the lime in half and rim the glass with lime juice and sugar. Add the ice cubes followed by the pomegranate juice and lime seltzer. Garnish with a lime slice and serve cold. To make this drink an adult only drink, add a splash of champagne.

5-Spiced Chai 

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. cardamom pods
• 1 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 6 cups water
• 6 tea bags, black tea

Method of Preparation

In a spice bag, add in all the spices EXCEPT the cinnamon sticks and draw the string closed to hold in the spices. Pour 6 cups water into a pot and add in the spice bag along with the cinnamon sticks and 6 tea bags that have been unwrapped. Turn on the heat to high and set the timer for the 15 minutes. In that time, the water will come to a boil. After 15 minutes, remove the tea bags but continue to steep the spice bag and cinnamon sticks for 10 additional minutes. When ready to serve, ladle out 3/4 cup of tea and top with 1/3 cup of milk. May choose to add your choice of sweetener. I recommend about 2-3 teaspoons of sugar or honey.

Spiked Hot Chocolate 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (60% cocoa)
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 half and half

Method of Preparation

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a high simmer, about 3-5 minutes. Stir the mixture constantly until heated through and the chocolate chips are melted and fully incorporated into the drink. Ladle about 1 cup into a mug and top with whipped cream. To make this an adult only drink add in a splash of whipped cream flavored vodka.