While food is at the center of every holiday celebration, festive drinks are just as important. There’s nothing better than a refreshing, comforting drink to accompany a plate of hearty entrees or to chase a sweet dessert. Joyful and fun, holiday drinks are important in cultures worldwide. International Fresh Market, a top grocery store in Naperville, provides all the ingredients you need to create these unique, fabulous holiday drinks in the comfort of your home.
German Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
A tasty mulled wine that first gained popularity as a traditional German Christmas market drink, Glühwein is easy to make, with just a handful of simple ingredients. To make it at home, warm red wine in a saucepan until steam rises. Do not allow the wine to come to a simmer or boil. Once warm, add cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, sugar, and star anise.
Warm the mixture for five minutes before removing from the heat and allowing it to sit for one hour. Pour the Glühwein through a strainer to remove the orange slices and any whole spices, and reheat gently before serving! Make sure to grab all the high-quality spices you need to make this comforting drink from your local international market for the best taste and experience.
Puerto Rican Coquito (Coconut Eggnog)
A creamy, coconut-based holiday drink, coquito comes from Puerto Rico and is the perfect beverage to sip around a toasty fire. With the addition of rum, this adults-only drink is ideal for enjoying on Christmas Eve while reminiscing about holidays past. To make coquito, combine condensed milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a blender.
Blend until thoroughly combined and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When serving coquito, shake well before pouring into chilled glasses and garnish with a small sprinkle of cinnamon. You can find specialty coconut milk and spices at International Fresh Market.
Indian Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
This spiced tea is perfect for cold winter nights at home. Make it by simmering black tea with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, a sprinkle of black pepper, and ginger. Steep the tea and reduce the heat to low before adding milk. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about two minutes. Strain the tea with a fine strainer and serve warm with biscuits or cookies. International Fresh Market has top-quality chai spices that are perfect for this recipe as well as for all your holiday baking needs.
Mexican Champurrado (Chocolate Atole)
Creamy and sweet, champurrado is a thick drink from Mexico that’s made with chocolate and masa harina. Pick up high-quality chocolate and other Mexican ingredients from your international grocery and whip up this tasty beverage in a flash. Simply pour masa harina in a saucepan and cover with warm water. Whisk until well-combined and then add piloncillo and cinnamon and heat while whisking until the piloncillo has dissolved.
Add chocolate and mix until the chocolate melts. Stir the mixture constantly until it has thickened, removing from heat once it’s reached the right consistency. Serve warm with cookies and discover the warmth and charm of this traditional beverage.
Scandinavian Glogg (Spiced Wine or Juice)
A fragrant spiced wine that’s similar to mulled wine, Scandinavian glogg can be made with alcohol or alcohol-free. To make it, heat wine or juice (such as apple cider) over medium heat. Add cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the liquid and bring to a bare simmer. Reduce the heat to low, add raisins and almonds, and heat for about ten minutes.
Serve glogg at any festive occasion where family and friends are gathering. You can find all the spices and juice you need at International Fresh Market.
Pick Up Holiday Drink Essentials From Your Naperville Grocery Store
International holiday drinks can bring even more warmth and flavor to the season of joy. Try any of these delicious drinks to make new holiday traditions with your family!
International Fresh Market is a grocery store in Naperville that has everything you need to make stunning holiday meals and drinks. From fresh bread and the finest-sourced meats to produce and international pantry staples, we’ve got you covered. Contact us to learn more about our selection or visit our store to get personalized assistance with crafting your holiday menu.
