One of our favorite parts of Christmas is that period after all the presents are opened and it’s time for breakfast. We love all the food, but obviously, we like to have a celebratory drink as well. However, it’s kind of awkward if you take the time to make some crazy elaborate cocktail on Christmas morning while the kids watch. What you need to do is make a batch of a non-alcoholic drink that the rest of the family will love, but that you can easily spike for yourself. Here are a few different recipes to try out this morning.

 

Cinnamon Bun White Hot ChocolateCinnamonBun

This is crazy sweet, but so delicious. The kids will be bouncing off the wall afterward, but isn’t that what Christmas is all about? The cinnamon bun white hot chocolate recipe only makes 2 drinks, so double/tripe/quadruple the ingredients depending on how many people you’re making it for.

 

  • Combine 2 cups whole milk and 2 coarsely broken cinnamon sticks in a saucepan and bring the milk to a simmer.

 

  • Once simmering, remove the pan from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to infuse the milk with cinnamon flavor.

 

  • After 30 minutes, remove the cinnamon sticks and return the saucepan of milk to medium heat. Add 4 oz. chopped white chocolate, 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste, a pinch of salt, and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. Whisk it frequently until the milk is hot and the white chocolate is totally melted.

 

  • Pour into two mugs and serve. Garnish with your choice of whipped cream, more cinnamon, toasted or candied pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

 

*To make it alcoholic, add some Bailey’s

 

Cranberry Pomegranate SpritzersCranberrySpritzer

These cranberry pomegranate spritzers are super refreshing and whether you’re 5 or 35, you’re going to love the bubbles. You’ll need to make an easy cranberry pomegranate syrup first, and you can find the recipe and instructions in the link above.

 

  • Fill champagne glasses about 1/4-1/3 full with the cranberry pomegranate syrup (just depends on how sweet you want the drink to be).

 

  • Top the glass off with Champagne for the grownups and sparkling grape juice for the kiddies.

 

  • Garnish with a few cranberries (use frozen ones if you want to keep your cocktail cold)

 

Christmas PunchChristmas-Punch

Soda and ice cream for Christmas breakfast? You don’t have to ask us twice. Try this Christmas punch.

 

  • In a large saucepan, melt 1 jar of strawberry jelly with 2 cups of Cherry 7Up, stirring until smooth. Chill the jelly mixture in the fridge.

 

  • Just before serving, place 1 1/2 cups of peppermint stick ice cream in a punch bowl or beverage dispenser. Gently stir in the jelly mixture until it’s completely combined into the ice cream. Pour in the remaining liter of Cherry 7Up.

 

  • Add 1/2 cup more of the ice cream as dollops on top. Garnish with candy canes, if desired.

 

* To make it alcoholic, add some vodka.

 

Start Christmas off the right way, with a drink. Cheers to the spending the holiday with friends, family and loved ones.