Just because the holiday season has passed, doesn’t mean you can’t gather friends and family to enjoy tasty food and delicious drinks! From Peppermint Hot Chocolate to a pomegranate infused soda, these three delicious drink recipes will delight tastebuds and make those long winter days, just a bit more enjoyable!

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

There is little that compares to curling up by the fire with a cup of peppermint-infused hot chocolate. Prepare your hot chocolate using your preferred method; I like to simmer hot milk on the stovetop whisking in cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until hot and smooth. I then add a handful or two of chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies to taste- stir this until melted and liquid is hot. Serve with a dollop of whipped crème if desired. For a little kick, substitute a shot of peppermint schnapps for the candies, adding the liqueur when the hot chocolate is removed from the heat. Pour into coffee mugs and enjoy. Delicious

2. Cherry Bombs

Ever have holiday company show up when you don’t expect it? Don’t be caught without a festive beverage offering for such guests- make a batch of “cherry bombs”! Delicious, simple, and easy to throw together with ingredients you have on hand, these scarlet drinks will quench all thirsts. Generously add grenadine to a pitcher of cold seltzer or club soda; serve over glasses of ice with lots of maraschino cherries in each. For a special holiday touch, consider the green maraschino cherries that are often found in the bar and beverage section of your grocery store. This drink is super quick, and very refreshing! No grenadine on hand? Don’t despair- drain a bit of maraschino juice from the jar into your seltzer or club soda for the same effect and delightful flavor

3. Pomegranate Soda

Using the same basic ingredients as the Cherry bomb, serve your guests this pomegranate soda. The drink is pretty and pink, and incorporates seltzer with pomegranate juice and sugar. Serve icy cold with maraschino cherries to garnish. Taste for appropriate sweetening as pomegranate juice can be quite tart. The pretty pink color of the drink will a festive flair to any gathering!

These simple drinks can be served as given or augmented with a bit of your favorite spirit or liqueur. They are each quick and easy to make, but guests will feel as though you put much effort into the preparations.