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Thanksgiving is less than a week away. If you haven’t started thinking about all of the holiday drinks you want to serve, now is the time to do so! From hot holiday drinks to signature holiday cocktails, there is a lot you can add to your beverage menu.
Building an incredible seasonal menu, both in therms of food and beverages is going to set your restaurant a part from the rest. It can help you bring new customers in and increase profit. And this is what every restaurant owner wants, right?
Whether you want to add eggnog to your menu or you have a list of holiday mocktails you want ot make, it’s important to set your beverage inventory up for success. You need to oder all of the types of alcohol you are gong to need, as well as the drink mixers way in advance. However, you should not underestimate the importance of the fresh produce you are going to need to your holiday beverage recipes.
If possible, choose to use locally-sourced ingredients. They will most likely be fresher and the cost for logistics will be lower. If you use beverage inventory software, like BinWise, you will be able to compare prices and even use historical data to determine quantities. But now, let’s see what type of produce you can use in your holiday beverage recipes!
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Fresh Produce to Use in Your Holiday Beverage Recipes
Using fresh produce in your holiday beverage recipes will add vibrant flavors and colors. It also add seasonality to the delicious bar drinks. Of course, the quality of the produce matters for the end results and the customer satisfaction.
We have curated a list of produce to stock up on and ideas on how to use each type. You can find new ideas or get inspired to create your own unique cocktail garnishes or seasonal drinks.
Key Takeaway: Different types of fresh produce can be used to create delicious holiday beverage recipes. Try sourcing the produce locally so you can get higher quality and better prices. Don’t be afraid of experimenting with the fruits and herbs to create new and exciting flavors for your restaurant guests!
1. Citrus Fruits
If you want to bring brightness and acidity to your holiday beverage recipes, you can use citrus fruits. You can get the desired results with:
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruits
You can use the citrus fruits’ zest for garnishing the drink (see also: how to rim a glass). A lot of holiday beverage recipes include freshly squeezed citrus juice. For non-alcoholic drinks you can infuse water with the citrus juice.
2. Cranberries
Cranberries add a festive feel to any drink or dish. They can be used to garnish your holiday drinks or for desserts. The cranberries have a tart flavor which they add to meals and beverages.
You can make cranberry simple syrup or muddle some of them in your cocktails. Cranberries work great in mocktails and punches, too.
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is another fruit that can be used in your holiday beverage recipes. The pomegranate seeds or juice can bring a burst of sweetness. They also add a beautiful ruby color to any drink you are making.
4. Apples and Pears
Fresh pears and apples add a fresh and crisp flavor to holiday drinks. You can used them as garnish or in the drinks. You can make spiked cider with the apples. Using these fruits in punches or holiday versions of Sangria is also common.
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5. Cinnamon Sticks
Fresh cinnamon sticks infuse the right amount of coziness and festive feel into any drink. The cinnamon aromas are second to none and they can be used in all kinds of beverages. From mulled wine and cider to hot chocolate - make sure you stock up on a lot of cinnamon. They are even one of the most appealing garnishes.
6. Ginger
Fresh ginger can add warming and spicy element to any drink. You can use it in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday beverage recipes. One of the ways you can use ginger is by making simple syrup out of it. You can also muddle fresh ginger in your cocktails or add grated ginger to mulled wine.
7. Rosemary and Thyme
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can add herbal and aromatic notes to cocktails. They are also a great garnish that brings a festive feeling because of their beautiful colors. You can infused simple syrup with thyme and create herb-infused water. This will be a refreshing drink to have alongside your meals and nice holiday wines.
8. Mint
Mint is the herb to use if you want to add freshness to your drinks. It can also elevate the flavors of various beverages. Use it to make mint simple syrup for Mojito and other cocktail drinks. Mint is also a great garnish for hot chocolate and other holiday drinks.
9. Clementines or Mandarins
These small citruses can add a tangy and sweet flavor to your drinks. You can used both of them to make Mimosas or to squeeze their juice in other cocktails. If you are ore creative, you can even use them to garnish some drinks.
10. Berries
Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries can add both a vibrant color and a sweet flavor to your drinks. Muddle the berries in your cocktails drinks or add them to prosecco wine or champagne. You can even make berry-infused sangria.
Remember to wash and prepare your fresh produce properly before using it in your beverages. Feel free to mix and match these fresh ingredients to create unique holiday beverage recipes.
Try some of the classic recipes but come up with your own, too, if you like the idea of serving something unique. You can also get inspired by the already existing recipes and put your own twist to them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Beverage Recipes
If you have questions about holiday beverage recipes and the use of fresh produce in them, read the answers we have provided.
Are There Unique Ice Cube Ideas for Holiday Drinks?
For unique ice cubes, freeze different berries or citrus twists. You can use cranberries or pomegranate seeds to add both festive flavor and color. Freezing herbs like mint or rosemary is another way to make unique and pretty ice cubes for your holiday drinks. The great thing about this ice cubes is that you can use them to not only cool the drink but garnish it, too.
Can I Come Up with My Own Holiday Beverage Recipes?
The sky is the limit when it comes to holiday beverage recipes. Experiment with different alcohols and drinks mixtures, as well as fruits and garnishing. If you are not sure how to create a signature drink for your restaurant, enlist the help of a mixologist. An expert will assist you in creating drinks that will match the concept of your business and your food offerings.
Are There Many Non-Alcoholic Holiday Beverage Recipes?
There are plenty of amazing non-alcoholic beverages you can make this holiday season. There ere even non-alcoholic versions of the most popular alcoholic drinks. If you run a restaurant, serving alternative for people who don’t consume alcohol is a must. Look through your beverage inventory to see what ingredients you have already and plan your alcohol-free options.