5 Holiday Flavors for Your Unconventional Holiday Menu

Get ready for the holidays with these unique holiday recipes and party ideas.

The holidays are a time for getting together with family and friends, surrounded by not only the ones your customers love, but the food and drinks they love, too! While there are always holiday staples for most folks – turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and lots of desserts – sometimes you just need to switch up your menu.

That’s where Island Oasis and DaVinci gourmet can help! We have some unique holiday recipes, including unconventional holiday drink ideas, to lift holiday spirits – wherever and however your customers are celebrating.

1. Cranberry

Cranberry is known for its tart and slightly bitter flavor profile, but when paired with sweeter flavors it can bring out bright, delicious notes. If you’re already serving up margaritas, you can add a touch of holiday flavor with a splash of cranberry.

blood-orange-margarita

Cranberry Blood Orange Margarita

2. Chai

The warming spices of chai can be enjoyed year-round, but especially around the holidays. Oregon Chai imparts the authentic flavors of clove, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger in every drop. Then take the subtle heat of ginger and tart lime found in a Moscow Mule and add a holiday twist of chai spices for a delicious Chai Mule.

chai-mule

Chai Mule

3. Pumpkin Pie

It’s truly not the holidays without pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie flavored drinks. Of course there’s always the coveted pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin cold brew and other pumpkin-inspired coffee drinks. But your cocktail menu can join in on the pumpkin fun. One recipe if a Pumpkin Spice Sangria, which includes seasonal fruit like apples and pears, garnished with a cinnamon stick.

pumpkin-spice-sangria

Pumpkin Spice Sangria

  • 1 cup Diced Apples
  • 1 cup Diced Pears
  • 1 bottle Pinot Grigio
  • 1 bottle Sparkling Cider
  • 1 cup DaVinci Gourmet Pumpkin Pie Syrup
  • Directions: Combine all ingredients, pour into a glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

4. Egg Nog

The sweet, smooth custardy taste of egg nog marks the start of the holiday season. Whether spiked or straight up, egg nog typically belongs on a coffee or dessert menu. If you’re looking for a more unique way to include egg nog on your menu, our Mexican Spiced Cocoa Shake combines rich peppermint mocha with espresso and seasonal egg nog.

mexican-spiced-cocoa-shake

Mexican Spiced Cocoa Shake

  • 1 oz. Big Train Peppermint Mocha
  • 1 oz. DaVinci Gourmet Egg Nog Syrup
  • 4 oz. Espresso
  • 4 oz. Egg Nog
  • Whipped cream, optional
  • Directions: Add Big Train Peppermint Mocha, DaVinci Gourmet Eggnog Syrup and espresso to a cup. Add ice and eggnog, then stir. Garnish with whipped cream.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon adds a touch of warmth to any drink or dish. While it’s typically found in coffee-based beverages and sweet treats, you can add a hint of cinnamon to mocktails and aguas frescas for a refreshing, subtly spiced drink. Our Fall Fresca combines the warming spice of cinnamon with lime seltzer, topped with seasonal apple slices.

Fall Fresca

  • 0.5 oz DaVinci Gourmet Naturals Cinnamon Bark Syrup
  • 1 oz Lime juice
  • Apple Slices
  • 1 cup Ice
  • 1 cup Water / Seltzer
  • Directions: Muddle together. Fill pint glass with ice and add lime juice and syrup. Top with apple slices and water or seltzer.

Looking for more seasonal menu inspiration? Visit the DaVinci Gourmet Tasty Trends and Island Oasis Margarita of the Month pages for drink recipe inspiration, trending flavors and tips and tricks for your menu.