AU student encourages Canadians to try Dry January

Classic Eggnog

Eggnog is the type of drink that people either love or really, really hate. With this alcohol-optional recipe, everyone will be able to enjoy a steaming glass of this holiday drink.

Ingredients

•  2 cups milk
•  1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
•  1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
•  1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
•  6 large egg yolks
•  1/2 cup granulated sugar
•  1 cup heavy cream
•  whipped cream, for serving

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla and slowly bring mixture to a low boil
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until yolks are pale in color. Slowly add hot milk mixture to egg yolks in batches to temper the eggs and whisk until combined
3. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until slightly thick (and coats the back of a spoon) but does not boil. (If using a candy thermometer, mixture should reach 160º Farenheit)
4. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Refrigerate until chilled (normally 1 hour)
5. When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon

Cranberry-Apple Cider Punch

Cranberry juice gives this drink its festive (and gorgeous) red hue. Garnish with a rosemary cranberry sprig for a festive touch to this vegan mocktail.

Ingredients

•  4 cups apple cider, chilled
•  2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
•  2 cups ginger ale, chilled
•  1 can (12oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
•  apple slices & orange slices for garnish
•  frozen cranberries, optional for garnish
•  rosemary cranberry sprig for individual garnish

Directions

1. In a 4-quart container, combine cider, juice, and orange juice concentrate
2. Refrigerate until serving time
3. Just before serving pour punch into punch bowl and add chilled ginger ale
4. Garnish with frozen cranberries, apple, and orange slices

Glow Water

Stay hydrated with these refreshing seltzers—a great vegan option all year round.

Ingredients

•  3 cans carbonated water

CUCUMBER MINT:

• About a dozen slices of cucumber cut into 1/2″ rounds
•  3 sprigs mint
•  1 lemon, thinly sliced

PEACH GINGER:

•  1 peach, sliced
•  1 to 2 inches of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced thinly into rounds
• 1 cinnamon stick

STRAWBERRY LIME:

•  3 strawberries, halved
•  1 lime, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Combine seltzer water with the ingredients of your choice
2. Stir (and muddle, if desired) your ingredients to release more flavor
3. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to drink

Candy Cane Sparkler

Homemade grenadine and fizzy water are the key ingredients of this vegan sparkling, and oh-so festive, mocktail beauty.

Ingredients

•  32 oz 100% pomegranate juice
•  2 cups sugar or 1 cup Domino Blend, or 3-4 tablespoons Stevia
•  2 8-oz cans sparkling water (lime, orange, and cran-raspberry LaCroix are great too)
•  8 candy canes sugar free is optional
•  ice

Directions

For the grenadine:

1. In a saucepan, bring pomegranate juice to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by half about 15-20 minutes
2. Add sugar/natural sweetener and stir until completely dissolved
3. Pour into sealable container and refrigerate until completely chilled (will last several weeks in the fridge)

For the mocktail:

1. Combine ½ cup flavored water with 1 ½-2 tablespoons grenadine, to taste
2. Fill with ice and stir gently
3. Add the candy cane and serve