Christmas is just around the corner and that means it's time to start planning your holiday festivities! One beloved tradition that many people look forward to during this time of year is enjoying a delicious Christmas beer. While there are plenty of great options available at your local liquor store, why not try your hand at making your own Christmas beer this year? Not only is it a fun and unique activity, but it also makes for a great gift to share with friends and family. Here are some Christmas beer recipe ideas that are sure to impress everyone at your holiday gatherings.
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Brandy, Candied Fruits, Butter, Bread Crumbs
If you're looking for a Christmas dinner showstopper, look no further than beer can chicken. This classic dish gets a festive twist with a delicious blend of holiday flavors. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a rich brandy sauce. It's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Guiness Gingerbread [Week 4 of 12 Weeks of Christmas]
Main Ingredients: Butter, Golden Syrup, Dark Brown Sugar, Guinness
For a unique twist on traditional gingerbread, try using Guinness beer in the recipe. The dark, malty flavors of the beer add a depth and richness to the gingerbread, making it perfect for the holiday season. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy and delicious treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Forget fruitcake, this Christmas cake is a must-try for any beer lover. The combination of dark beer, dried fruit, and warm spices creates a moist and flavorful cake that will be the star of your dessert table. Top it off with a generous drizzle of whiskey glaze for an extra kick of holiday cheer.
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Sparkling Christmas Party Punch.
Main Ingredients: Dry White Wine, Pomegranate Juice, Vodka, Liquor
No holiday party is complete without a festive punch, and this sparkling version is sure to impress. The addition of beer adds a unique twist to this classic drink, and the combination of cranberry and orange juices gives it a bright and refreshing flavor. Add some frozen cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
For a more traditional take on Christmas cake, try this old-fashioned recipe that uses beer as the main ingredient. The rich, malty flavors of the beer are complemented by the sweetness of raisins, currants, and dates, creating a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Holly Jolly Christmas Citrus Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Liquor, Clementine Juice, Ginger Beer
This citrusy cocktail is the perfect way to start off your Christmas festivities. The combination of beer, orange liqueur, and grapefruit juice creates a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on while opening presents or enjoying with your holiday meal. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a festive touch.
For a hearty and flavorful Christmas dinner, try this beer-infused chili recipe. The addition of dark beer adds a depth of flavor to the traditional chili ingredients, and the hint of cocoa powder gives it a rich and complex taste. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions, for a crowd-pleasing meal.
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Christmas Holiday Bread
Main Ingredients: Porter, Vegan Butter, Active Dry Yeast, Salt, Rye
If you're looking for a festive bread to serve alongside your holiday meal, this beer bread is the perfect choice. The combination of beer, dried cranberries, and orange zest creates a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve it warm with a slather of butter for a delicious and comforting treat.
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CHRISTMAS ALE STEW
Main Ingredients: Sirloin, Beef Broth, Ale, Tomato Paste, Onion, Heirloom
This hearty and flavorful stew is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter's day. The addition of Christmas ale gives it a unique and festive twist, and the combination of beef, carrots, and potatoes makes it a satisfying and filling meal. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the rich and flavorful broth.
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Loaded Christmas Ale
Main Ingredients: Vanilla Vodka, Liqueur, Ale, Canela
If you're looking for a holiday cocktail that packs a punch, look no further than this loaded Christmas ale. The combination of beer, bourbon, and cranberry juice creates a strong and flavorful drink that is perfect for sipping by the fire. Top it off with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
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Christmas Ale Caramels
Main Ingredients: Heavy Cream, Butter, Salt, Granulated Sugar, Brown
For a unique and delicious holiday treat, try making these homemade caramels infused with Christmas ale. The sweet and malty flavors of the beer add a depth and richness to the caramels, making them irresistible. Wrap them up in festive packaging for a thoughtful and tasty gift.
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Christmas Ale Cinnamon Rolls
Main Ingredients: Ale, Milk, Butter, Cake, Sugar, Eggs, Active Dry Yeast
These cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to start off your Christmas morning. The addition of Christmas ale in the dough gives it a unique and festive twist, and the warm, gooey filling of brown sugar and cinnamon is irresistible. Top them off with a generous drizzle of cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
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Christmas Ale Sangria.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Vodka, Orange Bitters, Pears, Oranges
For a refreshing and festive holiday drink, try this Christmas ale sangria. The combination of beer, red wine, and brandy creates a strong and flavorful drink, and the addition of fresh fruit gives it a bright and festive touch. Serve it chilled and garnish with some sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
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The Classic Swedish Christmas Drink
Main Ingredients: Dark Ale, Sugar, Raisins, Ginger Root, Cloves, Cardamom
For a taste of Sweden in your holiday celebrations, try this classic drink made with beer and aquavit. The combination of the two creates a strong and flavorful drink that is perfect for toasting with friends and family. Add some traditional Swedish ginger snaps on the side for a festive and delicious pairing.
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The Santa Clause Smash
Main Ingredients: Honey, Fresh Ginger, Lemon Zest, Fresh Mint Leaves
This festive cocktail is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The combination of beer, peppermint schnapps, and cranberry juice creates a refreshing and flavorful drink that is perfect for sipping on while decorating the Christmas tree. Top it off with a candy cane for a fun and festive touch.
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Chocolate Stout Mini-Bundt Cakes
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Flour, Cake Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa
For a decadent and indulgent holiday dessert, try these mini-bundt cakes made with chocolate stout beer. The rich and malty flavors of the beer create a moist and flavorful cake, and the addition of chocolate chips and a drizzle of chocolate ganache takes it to the next level. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
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Irish American Mom’s Christmas Pudding
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Golden Raisins, Blueberries, Cherries, Orange
This traditional Irish Christmas pudding is a must-try for any beer lover. The combination of dark beer, dried fruit, and warm spices creates a moist and flavorful pudding that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter for a truly decadent treat.
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Holiday Pretzel Bites With Cranberry and Brie
Main Ingredients: Beer, Water, White Sugar, Salt, Active Dry Yeast
These bite-sized appetizers are a perfect addition to any holiday party. The combination of soft pretzels, gooey brie, and tangy cranberry sauce creates a delicious and festive flavor explosion. Serve them warm and watch them disappear in no time.
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Cranberry Thyme Spritz
Main Ingredients: Honey, Fresh Cranberries, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Ginger
This cranberry thyme spritz is a refreshing and festive drink that is perfect for any holiday gathering. The combination of beer, cranberry juice, and thyme creates a unique and delicious flavor, and the addition of sparkling water gives it a refreshing fizz. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and some frozen cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
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Holiday Pear Sangria
Main Ingredients: Dry White Wine, Pear Brandy, Cranberry Juice, Apple
For a refreshing and fruity holiday drink, try this pear sangria made with beer. The combination of sparkling wine, pear nectar, and beer creates a light and flavorful drink that is perfect for sipping on while enjoying holiday festivities. Add some sliced pears and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful and tasty garnish.
Spiced Holiday Ale
Ingredients:
8 lbs pale malt extract
1 lb crystal malt
1 lb honey
1 lb brown sugar
1 oz Cascade hops
1 oz Cascade hops (for dry hopping)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cloves
Ale yeast
This spiced holiday ale is the perfect Christmas beer to warm you up on a chilly evening. Start by steeping the crystal malt in 2 gallons of water for 30 minutes. Then, bring the water to a boil and add in the pale malt extract, honey, and brown sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, add in the first ounce of Cascade hops and let boil for 45 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of the boil, add in the ground spices. After the boil, cool the wort and transfer it to a fermenter. Once the primary fermentation is complete, add in the second ounce of Cascade hops for dry hopping. Bottle or keg and enjoy your Christmas beer after a week of carbonation.
Peppermint Porter
Ingredients:
6.6 lbs dark malt extract
1 lb dark chocolate malt
1 lb roasted barley
1 lb lactose
1 oz Willamette hops
1 tsp peppermint extract
Ale yeast
This Christmas beer is perfect for those who enjoy a rich and decadent porter. Steep the dark chocolate malt and roasted barley in 2 gallons of water for 30 minutes. Bring the water to a boil and add in the malt extract and lactose. After the sugar has dissolved, add in the Willamette hops and let boil for 60 minutes. Once the boil is complete, cool the wort and transfer it to a fermenter. Before bottling or kegging, add in the peppermint extract for a festive twist on a classic porter.
Cranberry Wheat Ale
Ingredients:
6 lbs wheat malt extract
1 lb crystal malt
1 lb honey malt
1 oz Hallertau hops
1 lb frozen cranberries
Wheat beer yeast
This Christmas beer is a refreshing and fruity option for those who prefer a lighter beer. Steep the crystal and honey malts in 2 gallons of water for 30 minutes. Bring the water to a boil and add in the wheat malt extract. After the sugar has dissolved, add in the Hallertau hops and let boil for 60 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of the boil, add in the frozen cranberries. Once the boil is complete, cool the wort and transfer it to a fermenter. Bottle or keg and enjoy this unique and delicious Christmas beer.
These Christmas beer recipe ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the endless possibilities for creating your own Christmas beer. Get creative with different flavors and spices to make a unique brew that will impress your guests and add some extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. Happy brewing and happy holidays!