6 Homemade Holiday Coffees
When Christmas is right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with festive flavors that give you that holiday cheer. Think peppermint and chocolate, eggnog and nutmeg, and gingerbread; sweet and warming in a hot drink.
For those of you who are all about a good, strong cup of coffee without all the extras, try this Christmas coffee recipe where you add a little bit of spice to the grounds of the coffee and brew as normal. So simple and easy when you’re entertaining and making a pot of coffee for guests. And you probably won’t have to go out to the store for any of these ingredients, either!
- Water
- Grounds for 12 cups of coffee
- 15 whole cloves or a pinch of ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup or brown sugar
Prepare your coffee maker with water and coffee grounds in the filter. Sprinkle cloves and cinnamon on the top of the grounds. Add the maple syrup to the empty carafe and start the brew! Instant Christmas in a cup!
Did you know that your slow cooker is not just for food? Make mulled wine or hot cider, or, even a peppermint mocha to share! Here is a recipe idea that’s easy to do at home for friends and family who love the peppermint and chocolate combination that is so popular, especially right around the holidays.
Makes about 6 servings
- 2 c. of strongly brewed coffee
- 4 c. of milk
- 1 c. of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp pure peppermint extract
- 3 Tbsp raw sugar
- Extras: whipping cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate sprinkles, or marshmallows
Combine all ingredients except for the extras into your slow cooker. Leave on high for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Once hot, serve, and add the extras that you prefer.
For many, gingerbread houses and cookies are part of the holiday tradition. You could easily go to a coffee shop for a gingerbread latte this time of year, or try a version of the same at home for yourself or for entertaining.
2 servings or 1 large serving
- 1 c. strong coffee
- 2 tsp molasses
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or sugar
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 c milk
- Optional – whipped cream or crumbled gingerbread cookies
You can find gingerbread flavoring online, but if you’d rather make it from scratch, here’s how to do it!
Less is more with the ginger, so use just a small pinch so that the drink isn’t overpowered by it. Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan, except for the milk. Stir over medium heat.
When the molasses are dissolved, the mixture is ready. Put the milk into a jar and shake vigorously, then remove the lid and microwave the contents or use a frother.
Pour the milk into a mug. Add coffee mixture. For the best results, use a strainer.
Spoon any foam on the top and garnish.
Do you enjoy eggnog during the holiday season? If you do, this combination is for you. There is an abundance of eggnog ideas to try, but this one is simple with a little chocolate added. It’s a sort of cross between a mocha and an eggnog latte.
2 servings or 1 large serving
- 1/2 c. prepared espresso or strong coffee
- 3 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1/3 c. milk
- 1/4 c. eggnog
- Optional garnish: grated nutmeg or crushed candy cane
Mix the chocolate with the espresso or coffee in a mug. Put milk and eggnog into a jar and shake vigorously until the mixture has doubled in size. Microwave with the lid off for about 30 seconds.
Add frothy milk mixture to your mug and add optional garnish.
A little bit of alcohol, coffee, and cream is a lovely and warm combination for a cold winter day. Here are a few combinations that work well together.
Holiday Hazelnut & Bailey’s Coffee
- 1 serving
- 4 oz strong coffee
- 2 oz Bailey’s Irish cream
- 2 oz hazelnut-flavored liquid coffee creamer
- 1 tbsp whipped cream
Add coffee, then creamer, and then Bailey’s to your cup while stirring. Use whipped cream on top to finish.
And finally, this Holiday Coffee is as simple as it is delicious. Take your pick from the optional garnishes. Definitely a hot drink to try this winter.
1 serving
- 3/4 oz Irish Cream
- 3/4 oz Frangelico
- 1 c. strong Coffee or espresso
Optional garnishes:
- Maple Sweetened Whipped Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream
- Chocolate Shavings
- Ground Nutmeg and/or Cinnamon
Simply stir the coffee, Irish Cream, and Frangelico together. Garnish with whipped cream and/or optional garnishes.
Hopefully these ideas will help your holiday preparations. Wishing you all a happy and joyful holiday season with great coffee and tasty, seasonal flavors!