The scene is set; you have great company, you’re relaxed, you’re enjoying one of our UK getaways, but there’s one thing missing- the all-important libation that completes the equation in making the perfect holiday just right.

If you’re wondering what would make a good beverage for the autumn/winter seasons, then let us give you five yummy examples. We have added a combination of drinks to suit children as well as something a little stronger for when the kids have gone to bed and the grown-ups can fully relax.

There are a few items that you may need before you get started so check the description before you begin.

We hope you enjoy! Let us know how you get on.

 

Pear brandy sidecar

Most varieties of pear are in season in autumn and winter and this provides the ideal opportunity for you to try this flavoursome drink without having to put any of the actual fruit in this recipe.

Serves: 1 person

Ingredients

•        50ml pear brandy

•        15ml lemon juice

•        15ml simple syrup

•        30ml pear nectar

•        Ice

Directions

Pour the brandy, lemon juice, pear nectar and the syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover then shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Finally, strain into a martini glass, preferably chilled. Enjoy.

 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

This tasty pumpkin latte provides you with a cosy drink for those colder autumn days with an interesting twist on the classic latte coffee. If you want it as a sweeter drink and you don’t want your blood sugar to spike, then we suggest trying a few drops of stevia as opposed to normal sugar.

Serves: 2 people 

Ingredients

  • 2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 4 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cup strong coffee or shot of espresso
  • Stevia (sweeten to taste)
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Warm up the milk in a small saucepan until frothy. Then whisk in the pumpkin puree, the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and the cinnamon until smooth. Add your desired amount of stevia to the coffee and then pour the contents into the steamed milk mixture. On occasion the pumpkin settles at the bottom of the coffee mug, so if you don’t want it to taste gritty, pour the coffee through a strainer for a smoother consistency. Finally, top with whipped cream and serve.

 

Peanut butter hot chocolate

Try this yummy twist on a regular hot chocolate, adding in extra flavours like peanut butter make for a great option, and it tastes delicious. This recipe does takes a few hours to cook, however once it's ready, you'll have a rich, warm drink on your hands that you can share out with all the family. If you like it that much, you can get some cooking while you enjoy the first batch!

Serves: 9 people

Ingredients

•        1 cup powder chocolate milk mix or powder cocoa mix

•        8 cups hot water

•        3/4 cup chocolate syrup

•        1/4 cup peanut butter

•        1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

Pour the hot chocolate mix in a 3-4-quart slow cooker. Carefully stir in hot water. Add and stir in chocolate syrup. Cover and allow to cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or alternatively on high for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Whisk in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Ladle hot chocolate into mugs.

 

Hot buttered lemonade

This one is for the lemon lovers out there. This drink is positively soothing and a real tasty treat. This liquid delight gives you a light and rich consistency at the same time. Not only is it good for people of all ages to enjoy but it’s really easy to make too! 

Ingredients

•        3 cups water

•        3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

•        2/3 cup sugar

•        1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

•        1 tablespoon butter or margarine

•        4 cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions

Add contents to a saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer the water, lemon juice, sugar and lemon peel until sugar is fully dissolved. Pour into mugs and dot each mug with butter. Drop in a cinnamon stick for added spice and depth of flavour.

 

Holiday milk punch

This party beverage is a great alternative to eggnog because it has no heavy cream or egg. The best part? It can be frozen and saved for up to a month

Serves: 8 people 

Ingredients

•        1 cup sugar

•        1 cup dark rum

•        1/2 cup brandy

•        2 tablespoons vanilla extract

•        1/2-gallon whole milk

•        Grated nutmeg (optional)

Directions

Add the rum, brandy and vanilla extract in to a large, heavy pitcher while dissolving the sugar in the mixture by stirring. Add in the milk then freeze until very cold or even slushy, which should take between 4 and 8 hours. Finally, pour into glasses and grate nutmeg on top.

 

Image: D Sharon Pruitt under Creative Commons.