Whether you are celebrating at home with your family, or throwing a large get together, special punches and beverages add a festive touch to the holidays. Pull out your punch bowl even if it's just for you and your children. Enjoy the atmosphere! The recipes we feature are non-alcoholic so they can be enjoyed by children and adults.

Harvest Apple Drink

1 gallon fresh cider or bottled apple juice
2/3 cup brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
10 whole cloves

In a saucepan, bring all items to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and serve. You may also easily halve the recipe for a smaller amount of people. After straining you may transfer to a crockpot set on low to keep warm.

Hot Cranberry Punch

6 cups cranberry juice
4 cups orange juice
1 cup water
1 can (6 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 tsp. whole cloves
3 tsp. ground allspice
1 whole nutmeg, crushed
4 3-inch cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces

In a large saucepan, combine first five items. Place spices in a piece of cheesecloth and tie with string; add to punch, Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce to low heat, cover ans simmer 30 minutes. Serve hot. Makes about 3 quarts of punch. May be put in crock pot after last step.

Orange Cream

4 cups orange juice
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 pint vanilla ice cream

In a large saucepan, combine orange juice, cinnamon and vanilla over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, and reduce to low heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks. Stir in ice cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until heated through. Do not allow mixture to boil. Serve with mini marshmallows if desired. Makes 4-6 servings.

More Easy Beverage Ideas

• Mix orange juice and gingerale together and garnish with orange slices.
  
• Buy a canister of hot chocolate and make according to directions, then add to a crockpot. Surround crockpot with bowls of candy canes or peppermint sticks, marshmallows and whipped topping, plus the cups for a self serve hot chocolate table. Decorate the table with festive decorations and plates of cookies.
  
• Set up a table with hot water and teas from around the world, including herb teas. Many are available online and in your larger grocery stores. Decorate the table in a Christmas around the world theme and serve Chinese, English, Irish and an assortment of herb teas, as well as 2 or 3 types of petite cookies.
  
• Provide many different juices, plus bottles of seltzer water. Wearing a festive apron you can "mix" the juice of your visitors choice with the bubbling water and garnish with their choice of fresh fruit. Use "fancy" glasses.

About the Author
Brenda Hyde is a mom to three, a freelance writer and editor. For more recipes subscribe to her weekly newsletter by sending an email to mailto:teatimetidbits-subscribe@egroups.com or visit her at http://www.seedsofknowledge.com

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell Your Friends!