As the seasons transition from fall to winter, temperatures drop, causing us all to retreat indoors. This month is already filled with holiday activities and parties. With the holiday season in full swing, now is a fantastic time to investigate new beverages to present at your next holiday party. Rather than simply offering the expected holiday beverages, read on for a few fresh ideas to try out with your guests! Forsyth Family has compiled a list of five delightful cocktails to try, with or without alcohol. 

Winter Beverage #1: The Winter Daiquiri: While rum is often enjoyed within warm weather cocktails, this liquor can also be delicious in winter months! The Winter Daiquiri, courtesy of Delish.com, is the perfect beverage to enjoy on a frigid winter evening!

Ingredients: 1 ounce Banks 5 Island Rum, 1 ounce Cruzan Black Strap Rum, ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, ¾ ounce simple syrup and a lime wheel for garnish!

Directions: 

1. Add the Banks 5 Island Rum, Cruzan Black Strap Rum, lime juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
2. Strain into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.
4. Instead of using rum, use pineapple juice for a virgin version of this cocktail. 

Winter Beverage #2: Yule Mule: Also, courtesy of Delish.com, this drink looks as good as it tastes. While the traditional Moscow Mule uses lime juice, this version substitutes the lime with cranberry and orange juice.

Ingredients: 2″ sprig fresh rosemary, plus more for serving, 2″ orange peel, 1 ½ ounces vodka, ice, 1 ½ ounces of fresh orange juice, 1 ounce of unsweetened cranberry juice, ginger beer for topping off and an orange wedge and fresh cranberries for garnish. 

Directions: 

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle rosemary sprig and orange peel to release oils. Add vodka and muddle until combined and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Strain it into an ice-filled copper mug. Add orange and cranberry juices and stir until the cocktail is cold and condensation forms on the outside of the cup, about 30 seconds.
3. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with orange wedge, cranberries and rosemary sprig.
4. Consider substituting vodka with club soda or more ginger beer for an alcohol-free version. 

Winter Beverage #3: Mulled Cider: This cocktail, from GoodFood.com, will not only taste delicious, but will also make the room smell amazing while you heat it up! 

Ingredients: 1 ½ liters dry cider, 7 T Calvados, 400mL apple juice, 75g dark brown sugar, zest 1 orange pared into strips, 4 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks broken in half, 1 T allspice. 

Directions: 

1. 1. Pour the cider, Calvados, apple juice and sugar into a large saucepan. 
   2. Gently heat to mull.
   3. Add the orange zest and spices, bring to a simmer, then turn down and keep on a low heat for 20-30 minutes. 
   4. Ladle into glass mugs to serve.

• Substitute the Calvados for club soda, or simply omit it, for an alcohol-free version. 

Winter Beverage #4: Jingle Juice: This crowdpleasing punch, also from Delish.com, is festive and perfect to offer during a holiday party. Not only will your guests enjoy the flavor, they will also admire the look of this delicious drink. 

Ingredients: Lime wedges for glasses, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 (750mL) bottle red Moscato, 1 (750mL) bottle Prosecco, 4 cups cran-apple juice, 2 cups frozen cranberries, ½ cup vodka, ⅓ cup mint leaves and 2 limes sliced into rounds. 

Directions: 

1. Rub rims of glasses with lime wedges. Dip in sugar until coated.
2. In a punch bowl, combine Moscato, Prosecco, cran-apple juice, cranberries, vodka, mint, and lime rounds. 
3. Divide between prepared glasses.
4. Substitute the Moscato, Prosecco and Vodka for club soda for an alcohol-free version! 

Winter Beverage #5: Apple Spritz: Move over Aperol Spritz, Apple Spritz, courtesy of GoodFood.com, is here to heat up those frosty winter nights. Alcohol can again be substituted with club soda for an alcohol-free version. 

Ingredients: Ice, 2 red apple slices to garnish, 80mL Aperol, 140mL apple cider, 80mL Prosecco, soda water for topping off. 

Directions: 

1. Put a couple of ice cubes and two apple slices in two glasses, then divide the Aperol between them.
2. Divide the cider and Prosecco between the glasses, then top with soda water, if you like. 
3. Stir briefly to combine, then serve.