Apple cider gently warmed with cinnamon, cloves, and orange makes a welcoming start to the holiday. Keep a pot ready as guests arrive and let the comforting aroma fill your home.

INGREDIENTS

8 cups pasteurized, nonalcoholic apple cider
3 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
4 wide strips orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith
1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, optional
Thin orange slices and additional cinnamon sticks, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel.

Warm over medium heat until the cider just begins to simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and gently steep for 20–25 minutes. Avoid a rolling boil.

Taste and add maple syrup only if you would like a sweeter drink.

Strain out the spices and orange peel. Serve in heatproof mugs, garnished with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

OPTIONAL COCKTAIL

Add 1 ounce bourbon or dark rum to an individual mug, then top with approximately 6 ounces warm cider. Stir gently.

HOSTING TIP

Prepare the spiced cider a day ahead, strain, and refrigerate in a covered container. Reheat gently before serving. Keep any spirits separate so guests can choose their own version.

Bright cranberry, fresh orange, and sparkling water make a refreshing companion to a rich holiday meal. Serve over ice with a simple fruit garnish for a festive drink everyone can enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled—not unsweetened pure cranberry juice
2 cups orange juice, chilled
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cups plain sparkling water, chilled
Ice, for serving
Thin orange slices and fresh cranberries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a large pitcher, stir together the cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice, and lime juice.

Just before serving, slowly pour in the sparkling water and stir gently to preserve the bubbles.

Fill glasses with ice and pour in the sparkler.

Garnish each glass with a thin orange slice and a few washed fresh cranberries. Serve immediately.

OPTIONAL COCKTAIL

For one serving, combine 1 ounce vodka with ¾ cup of the juice mixture over ice. Top with ¼ cup sparkling water and stir gently.

HOSTING TIP

Combine the juices up to one day ahead and refrigerate. Add sparkling water only when ready to serve, or let guests top their own glasses to keep every drink bubbly.