As the holiday season nears, it's prime time to delve into the delight of exploring new holiday flavors, along with cherished classics like the beloved pumpkin spice latte. If tantalizing recipes are on your holiday wish list, you're in for a treat with the drinks and snacks we've lined up in this blog. Here are four easy and budget-friendly recipes for a holiday retreat.

Each recipe is simple to whip up, especially in a fully-equipped kitchen like those in our vacation rentals. Imagine making homemade meals and festive treats with loved ones at the beach during the holidays! Let's dive into these recipes, perfect for a beach holiday.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa 

Warm up with a cup of peppermint hot cocoa, capturing the spirit of the winter holidays. With just a few ingredients, this deliciousness will make it feel like holiday cheer in no time.

Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Peppermint creamer
• Peppermint extract
• Milk
• A pinch of salt
• Chocolate chips

Instructions

Mix the ingredients together, except the chocolate chips, in a saucepan. Stir often over medium heat. Ensure to scrape the bottom of the pan while stirring so the milk doesn't scorch. Bring it to a simmer, then using a whisk, add the chocolate chips and mix until the chocolate has melted. Be sure to read the full recipe for all the best information!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

No holiday season is complete without the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Try this easy recipe and enjoy it with a good book, or take a stroll with your family on the beach, coffee in hand! 

Ingredients

• Espresso
• Milk of choice
• Pumpkin puree
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin spice
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Combine milk, pumpkin, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and spice in a saucepan and warm over medium heat. Keep whisking steadily until the mixture reaches your desired temperature. For a detailed step-by-step guide and additional tips on perfecting this cozy beverage, visit the full recipe!

Cranberry Mimosa

Toast to joyful times with a cranberry mimosa in hand, blending the tartness of cranberries with the celebratory bubbles of champagne.

Ingredients

• Champagne or sparkling wine
• 100% cranberry juice
• Fresh Rosemary
• Sugared cranberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Pour a splash of cranberry juice into champagne flutes, filling about a quarter of each glass. Top the juice with champagne or sparkling wine, filling the glass to your preferred level. Add a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive garnish. This simple yet elegant Cranberry Mimosa is ready to be enjoyed!

No Bake Pumpkin Pie

Dive into a slice of this no-bake pumpkin pie, a creamy delight that brings a touch of fall to your beachside holiday. With a smooth texture and the warming pumpkin pie spice, it's a fuss-free sweet treat to relish by the shore. Check out the recipe!

Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree
• Cream cheese, softened
• Cool Whip, thawed
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Pre-made graham cracker crust

Instructions

Whip the softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until it achieves a smooth, creamy consistency. Follow by blending in the pumpkin puree, Cool Whip, pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice. Ensure a uniform mixture by mixing thoroughly. Transfer the concoction into the pre-prepared graham cracker crust, leveling it with a spatula. Cover the pie and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or until it firms up. For an extra touch of flair, consider topping it off with a dollop of Cool Whip and a dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon before you serve.

Simple and Fast Sugar Cookies

Bake sweet memories with these delicious sugar cookies, which make a great blank canvas for your holiday-inspired decorations. These super easy-to-make cookies only take three ingredients, and you don't need cookie cutters! 

Ingredients

• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour

Instructions

Mix butter, sugar, and flour in a bowl until a smooth dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Gently roll the balls in sugar before pressing them flat with the base of a glass or measuring cup. Place in the oven and bake until a faint golden hue appears around the edges and bottom. Once done, allow them to sit and cool for 10-15 minutes before indulging. Check out the recipe for more details on how to make them. 

Making these festive recipes is a fun way to spend time with loved ones and get into the holiday spirit. At SeaShore Realty, we offer the perfect beach vacation rentals where the warmth of your home meets the coolness of the sea, making it a cozy retreat for the holidays.