The festive season brings a rush of holiday orders and rising customer expectations as cafes, bars and restaurants prepare to serve warm seasonal drinks. Nothing captures the spirit of December quite like steaming cups of glühwein, festive punches and creative non-alcoholic drinks. Offering a strong selection of high-quality winter beverages can set hospitality businesses apart and leave a memorable impression on customers.
This guide shares Maxima’s favourite festive drink recipes and helps you deliver warm, comforting and beautifully presented beverages throughout December.
1. Classic festive punch
Festive punch is a versatile and popular choice for December. Its aromatic spices, vibrant colour and warming flavours appeal to customers of all ages. Large-batch punches are ideal for bars, Christmas markets, hotels and catered events because they can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm throughout service.
Ingredients:
- 1.5L cranberry juice
- 1L apple juice
- 500ml orange juice
- 2 oranges sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 3 star anise
- Optional: 300ml rum or spiced liqueur
Directions:
- Combine the juices in a large pot with the sliced fruit and spices.
- Heat gently without boiling to allow the flavours to infuse.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in the alcohol if using.
- Serve warm with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick.
Tip: Use a to keep punch warm for hours at a consistent serving temperature. This helps maintain flavour and reduces reheating time during busy service periods.
2. Traditional glühwein (mulled wine)
Glühwein is one of December’s most iconic drinks. It is popular at Christmas markets, bars and winter terraces. A well-balanced mulled wine has a mix of spices, citrus and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle 750ml red wine
- 1 orange sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 2 star anise
- 50 to 80g sugar adjusted to taste
- Optional: a splash of brandy
Directions:
- Pour the wine into a pot and add the orange slices and spices.
- Heat gently and avoid boiling to prevent alcohol evaporation.
- Add sugar gradually to reach the desired sweetness.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add a splash of brandy for a richer flavour.
3. Hot apple toddy
Sweet, spiced and comforting, the hot apple toddy is popular in cafes, hotels and apres-ski venues. It is easy to prepare and suitable for batch service.
Ingredients:
- 1L cloudy apple juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 to 3 cloves
- 1 lemon slice
- Optional: 200ml whisky or spiced rum
Directions:
- Heat the apple juice with honey and spices.
- Add the lemon and let it steep.
- Stir in alcohol if making the adult version.
- Serve warm.
Tip: Prepare larger quantities efficiently on a It provides fast, even heating and precise temperature control.
4. Non-alcoholic winter punch
With more customers choosing alcohol-free options, a non-alcoholic winter punch is an essential menu item. It is bright, fruity and warming, making it perfect for family-friendly venues and daytime cafes.
Ingredients:
- 1L non-alcoholic apple cider
- 1L pomegranate juice
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 apple sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
Directions:
- Warm the juices gently.
- Add the spices and fruit.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve with fresh slices.
5. Hot chocolate with festive toppings
A rich and smooth hot chocolate is a favourite winter drink, especially for families. Add whipped cream, cinnamon, marshmallows or peppermint to create a festive version.
Ingredients:
- 1L whole milk
- 150g dark chocolate chopped
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Warm the milk gently.
- Add the chocolate, cocoa powder and sugar
- Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- Add your festive toppings.
Tip: Use a to blend the mixture into a smooth result. It is ideal for large batches or thicker cafe-style drinks. Top your hot chocolate with cream from our .
6. Spiced chai latte
Spiced chai is a cosy winter favourite in coffee bars and cafes. Its blend of tea, steamed milk and seasonal spices creates a festive drink without too much sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 4 chai tea bags
- 500ml water
- 500ml milk
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of nutmeg
Directions:
- Brew the tea in hot water.
- Heat the milk with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Combine the mixtures and sweeten.
- Froth the milk lightly before serving.
Tip: Use a to heat milk evenly and avoid scorching. It also keeps milk warm during peak periods.
7. Creamy white hot chocolate
White hot chocolate is a smooth and sweet alternative to traditional hot chocolate. It fits well with festive themes because of its snowy appearance and is popular in cafes, bakeries and hotels.
Ingredients:
- 1L whole milk
- 200g high-quality white chocolate chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar optional depending on sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- Whipped cream for topping
- White chocolate curls or mini marshmallows for garnish
Directions:
- Heat the milk gently until warm without boiling.
- Add the chopped white chocolate and stir until melted.
- Allow the mixture to become smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar or vanilla if desired.
- Serve with whipped cream and garnish.
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Offering a wide range of warm festive drinks can improve your December menu and create memorable experiences for your customers. With these recipes and the right Maxima equipment, you can streamline your workflow, maintain quality and handle busy service periods with ease.
This winter, let Maxima help you bring warmth, flavour and festive cheer to every drink you serve.
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Looking for more recipes or tips for the winter season? Explore Maxima blogs for guidance and inspiration.