Drinks We Drink: Holiday Edition

Well, it's that time of year again; we're all working hard and often find ourselves overextended as we try and meet deadlines, make time for family and friends, and buy gifts for everyone on our list. Not to mention running a successful business!

It's important to take a break, which is why we came up with Mindful Merriment. Take a quick moment out of your day to relax and have some fun.

One project that I indulge in is creating the Drinks We Drink series. It's a chance to combine some of my favorite things and teach people a bit more about a subject that I love.

Not everything goes according to plan, of course, and there were plenty of mishaps along the way. Let's be clear, I'm not a professional mixologist.

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We're all human, and showing you the behind-the-scenes shots is just as fun as showing you how to make some of my favorite winter drinks.

Mulled Wine

In this video, I wanted to share a beloved drink by many. Mulled wine goes by plenty of other names inculding glühwein or glögg. Essentially it's the idea of making a hot, sweet, spiced drink with wine and fruit. It's great for cold nights, and you can easily make it for large groups. I wanted to show how to make this drink and how easy it can be once you have the ingredients.

The key thing in this drink is getting the mulling spices, they are often sold together, or you can buy them separately and combine yourself. You may even have several around the house already. I like to buy them in bulk and keep them in an air-tight container.  That way if there is a mulled wine emergency, I'm ready.  

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Recipe for one mug of mulled wine

• 1/2 cup red wine (I like a mild red blend)
• 1/2 cup apple cider (apple juice works too)
• 1/3 cup mulling spices (cinnamon stick, nutmeg, dried orange and lemon peel allspice berries, whole cloves)
• 1-3 Star anise (optional, not everyone loves this flavor, but I do, and it's pretty)
• Cinnamon stick (I know I listed it above, but it's my favorite thing, so normally I have it crushed in the spices, and as a whole stick in the cup)
• Sugared ginger (optional, I don't add this, but I know other people like it)

The other great thing about this drink is that you can make it non-alcoholic. Just take out the wine and add more apple cider, it's a fun drink for kids and adults.

Santa's Coffee

It's a simple yet very satisfying coffee desert. The pro-tip is us buying quality cinnamon sticks, and I love how that plays off the spice of the bourbon. Plus, if you've never made homemade whip cream, it's a real treat.

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Recipe for one mug of Santa's Coffee

• 1 cup of coffee 
• 1 shot of bourbon or cognac
• 1 shot of chocolate liquor/Baileys/Amarula
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks (my favorite part)
  

Optional homemade whipped cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, I don't do this)
• 1 tsp vanilla (optional, again, I don't do this)

Sparkling wine 4 ways

Finally, I wanted to show you a few ways to enjoy sparkling wine this holiday season. Sparkling wine (or cider!) is a great drink to serve at family and friends gatherings. It's easy, fun, and people like it. I've found that you can really impress your guests by adding simple garnishes.

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Alright, well folks, that it. I hope you take plenty of moments for yourself during this busy holiday season. Recharge and make time for joy. You deserve it.

Happy holidays!