Will we have a white Christmas? Even if it doesn’t snow, it can be

Santa called and asked for something strong to wash down his cookies this Christmas Eve. But with millions of homes to visit in just hours, the protein and vitamins that his usual milk provides are imperative to maintaining focus and preventing fatigue.

So it’s a good thing there are several holiday cocktail options made with dairy. And while you won’t be flying around the world, the holidays can feel like a whirlwind with all the parties, extended family meals, and open houses. Make all your events memorable — and delicious — this holiday season with the following cocktails featuring dairy products.

Hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps is a holiday mainstay. A thermos of it is ideal for outdoor activities such as ice skating, Christmas tree harvesting, and bonfires. If you’re feeling as adventurous about your drink as your outing, add a splash of Irish Cream or use white chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet chocolate. To make this drink, heat milk or half-and-half, add chocolate to taste, and an ounce-and-a-half schnapps to each cup. Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Probably the best-known — and one of the simplest — holiday cocktails is eggnog. While delicious on its own, adding your favorite liquor complements the eggnog and adds a new taste dimension.

Traditionally, people have made their own eggnog. But in today’s busy world, and with options like Twin Brook Creamery’s eggnog, there’s no need.

“Our cream makes the big guys’ look like skim milk,” said Larry Stap, co-owner (with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law) of Twin Brook Creamery, a fifth-generation small dairy farm in Lynden.

Cream and milk are the main ingredients in Twin Brook’s eggnog, along with sugar, egg yolk powder base, and spices.

“When we make eggnog, we have one 200-gallon vat and a 300-gallon one… You mix it all together with a big beater and pasteurize it together at 155 degrees for half an hour,” said Stap. “Heating it that long blends the different tastes together. It really makes a higher quality product.”

Part of that quality comes from the source of the milk. Twin Brook’s herd consists of 240 Jersey cows. While Holsteins generally provide more milk, Jersey milk is more known for its creamier taste and texture from the fat. 

To fortify your ‘nog, add one shot of rum, whiskey, brandy, or cognac to 8 ounces Twin Brook Creamery eggnog, which can be purchased at Rosauers and Yoke’s stores in the Spokane area. You can also whip two parts eggnog with three parts Twin Brook Creamery heavy cream for homemade eggnog whipped cream that can be used on all your holiday beverages.

Adding Irish cream to your after-dinner cup of coffee can make a meal feel like a special occasion. To make it even more memorable, make your own. It’s not only superior tasting, but a great hostess gift or gift for hard-to-buy-for family members.

To create your own, mix one cup heavy or whipping cream (Columbia Community Creamery in Chewelah has delicious creams produced locally) with one teaspoon instant coffee or instant espresso and one teaspoon cocoa powder. Add a teaspoon vanilla extract, one cup Irish whiskey, and 14 ounces condensed milk. Mix, pour into a bottle with a cap, and refrigerate.

Hot buttered rum batter is another homemade treat often given as a holiday gift. To make it, melt 1 pound unsalted Lucerne brand butter and mix with one pound each sugar and brown sugar. Add a tablespoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon nutmeg, pour into a container and store in the freezer.

Some people prefer to use ice cream in their batter. If that’s the case, mix in a quart of softened Lucerne vanilla ice cream (there is also a lower fat version if desired) prior to freezing. For each serving of hot buttered rum, combine a tablespoon batter and one shot regular or spiced rum in a mug and fill to the top with hot water.

While The Big Lebowski is far from a holiday movie, the white Russian, the main character’s drink of choice, is associated with the holidays. This boozy treat is simple to make: just add 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce coffee liqueur to a glass with ice. Top with heavy cream and mix. 

While Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski drinks nine of these drinks throughout the movie, you may not want to consider following his example, since there’s not much worse than a holiday hangover from over-indulging. But you can still find plenty of opportunities to celebrate good times with a favorite beverage. 

 

To learn more about Washington Dairy brands, visit tastewadairy.com/