Something I love about the holidays is that it’s full of so many wonderful traditions. Each family has their own special ones that they love to incorporate, but I love that there are also traditions that are enjoyed across many families and cultures. When it comes to festive food and drinks, there are definitely some popular favorites that become a staple this time of year. Pumpkin pie, egg nog, are gingerbread are few items that make yearly occurrences on our holiday table. I partnered with one of my favorite retailers, Pottery Barn, to create a twist on two classic holiday drinks, the Manhattan cocktail and hot cocoa. Keep reading to see photos of my festive drinks, and also get the recipes!
Bar tools and a decanter make a lovely gift for the holidays. They’re a staple for any bar cart!
Choosing a garnish like a trio of cranberries, or a sprig of rosemary, make this Manhattan cocktail a little more festive!
HOLIDAY MANHATTAN COCKTAIL serves 1
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce Italian vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
rosemary sprig or cranberries for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Stir whiskey, vermouth and bitters in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice. Stir together and then pour into a martini glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig or cranberries on a toothpick.
Hot cocoa is a drink I love to drink year round! I love making it the old-fashioned way, on the stovetop! Even though it takes a little more time, it’s so worth it! The smell of cocoa and cinnamon that fills the house is heavenly and it’s a great drink to keep warm!
I have quite the collection of mugs but these festive holiday mugs make me smile unlike any others. I love that the village illustrations are seasonal, yet not overly so; I can enjoy them all winter long, even after Christmas!
SPICY HOT CHOCOLATE serves 2
INGREDIENTS
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon chili powder {or a little less if you’re not all about the spice}
a pinch of cayenne powder {or a little less if you’re not all about the spice}
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
marshmallows or whipped cream, to top
DIRECTIONS
In a medium pot, whisk together chocolate, cocoa, sugar, and spices. Place pan over medium-low heat and whisk until chocolate melts and is creamy. Slowly add in milk, then cream, while continuing to whisk. Drop in cinnamon stick and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, remove pot from heat. Cover tightly with lip and allow to steep for 1 hour. Whisk in vanilla and warm over low heat before straining and serving warm. Add marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.
These Pottery Barn pieces came in handy when making and serving these two drinks:
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Happy Holidays and Happy Entertaining!
xox
DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored by Pottery Barn but, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much for supporting my wonderful sponsors!
Welcome to M Loves M! My name is Mara and I created this lifestyle site in 2009 as a place to share my love of fashion, beauty, food and entertaining. I moved from Southern California to Idaho and love adventuring with my husband Matthew, our two children, and our dog Ginger. We're also pregnant with baby #3, due this autumn! I strive to create a site that’s relatable to women, while also being inspirational. I’m so glad you stopped by!
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