Seasonal Sips

Published: November 8, 2023
Updated: January 23, 2025

We kick off every holiday season with a new set of hand soap refill scents. This year our Holiday Hand Soap collection includes Peppermint, Winterberry and (NEW!) Vanilla Frost. The Holiday Collection is enough to put you in the holiday spirit on its own, but we thought it would be fun to serve up these seasonal flavors in another way with some festive sips. Here are three holiday drink recipes inspired by our three Holiday Hand Soap Scents. Whip them up for a cozy night in or at your next holiday gathering. Just don’t forget to wash your hands first with our holiday collection. Cheers!

Peppermint Cocoa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the milk
   Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Warm the milk gently, stirring occasionally, until it's steaming hot but not boiling. This should take about 5 minutes.

2. Mix in the cocoa
   In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder and sugar together. Add a tablespoon or two of the warm milk to the mixture and stir until it forms a smooth paste.

3. Combine the ingredients
   Pour the cocoa and sugar mixture back into the saucepan with the warm milk. Stir well to combine, making sure there are no lumps.

4. Add Peppermint Extract
   Add the peppermint extract to the cocoa mixture. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste preference. Remember, peppermint extract is quite potent, so a little goes a long way.

5. Serve
   Pour the peppermint cocoa into mugs. Top with whipped cream if desired.

6. Garnish
   If you like, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

7. Enjoy!
   Serve the peppermint cocoa while it's still warm and enjoy the comforting, minty flavor!

Winter Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 quart (4 cups) apple cider
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-6 whole cloves
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Optional: 1/2 cup brandy or spiced rum (for an alcoholic version)
• Optional: Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base
   In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lemon juice.

2. Add sweetener and spices
   Stir in the honey, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference by adding more honey if needed.

3. Heat and infuse
   Place the pot over low to medium heat and warm the mixture gently. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it doesn't come to a boil. This will infuse the punch with the flavors of the spices.

4. Strain and discard spices
   After simmering, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves from the punch. This will leave you with a smooth, fragrant base.

5. Add citrus slices
   Return the pot to low heat and add the sliced orange and lemon. Let them infuse in the punch for another 5-10 minutes.

6. Optional alcoholic version
   If you'd like to make an alcoholic version, this is the time to add the brandy or spiced rum. Stir well to incorporate.

7. Serve
   Ladle the warm Winter Punch into cups or mugs, ensuring each serving contains a few slices of citrus.

8. Garnish (Optional)
   For an extra festive touch, add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint to each cup.

9. Enjoy!
   Serve and enjoy your cozy and flavorful Winter Punch with family and friends!

Note: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the brandy or spiced rum. The punch is delicious and festive either way!

Hot Vanilla

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk (or plant-based alternative)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Grated nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk
   Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Warm the milk gently, stirring occasionally, until it's steaming hot but not boiling. This should take about five minutes.

2. Mix in the sugar
   Add the granulated sugar to the warm milk. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Add vanilla and cinnamon
   Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Serve
   Pour the hot vanilla drink into mugs.

5. Optional toppings
   If desired, top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream.

6. Garnish (Optional)
   For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle a little grated nutmeg, a pinch of cinnamon on top, or a cinnamon stick.

7. Enjoy!
   Serve and savor this comforting Hot Vanilla Drink. It's perfect for a cozy evening by the fire or as a special treat during colder months.