Cooking with Beverages

Flat cola has many applications in the kitchen. Use it in recipes for savory roasts to decadent desserts without imparting any cola flavor.

If you like the commercial version, try this copycat recipe for strawberry iced tea. Feel free to experiment with other fruit-flavored extracts or combinations. You may also substitute equivalent amounts of heat-stable artificial sweeteners for the sugar.

I picked up this recipe many years ago from a bartender friend who was renowned for his Bloody Marys. I think the beef bouillon gives it an added dimension in flavor. It's still the best I've ever had, and it is also a great addition to soups and even as a non-alcoholic refreshing drink -- better than V-8 or those commercial mixes.

Harry Potter's butterbeer contains alcohol, but this dessert version is suitable for children and adults.

The Irish grandmother of a dear friend of mine used to melt butter in a pot, then pour in beer to warm it. I'm told this simple version of butter beer dates back centuries. Author J. K. Rowling does not provide a recipe for butterbeer in her wildly popular Harry Potter book series, so this version is pure speculation.

Surprisingly, buttermilk is low-fat. It's what's left after butterfat is churned. Buttermilk lends a pleasing tang to many dishes. Try such buttermilk recipes as Black Forest Buttermilk Bars, Buttermilk Crumb Muffins, Buttermilk Doughnuts, Buttermilk Honey Wheat Bread, Red Potatoes with Caviar and Cheese, and more.

Whip up a batch of this delicious cappuccino mix for yourself and for gifts. For gift-giving, tuck it into a basket along with an orange or hazelnut liqueur, cups, and a good bar of chocolate to shave over the hot cappuccino.

You'll be surprised at how coffee can intensify the flavors of meats as well as give distinctive flavor to desserts. These recipes use brewed coffee and espresso, coffee granules or powders, and coffee-flavored liqueurs. Try such coffee recipes as Cappuccino Muffins, Coffee Barbecue Sauce, Coffee Risotto, Coffee Syrup, Old-Fashioned Pot Roast in Coffee Gravy, and more.

Coffee syrup can be used to flavor drinks, cakes, or used as an ice cream topping.

One of our readers submitted this interesting concoction which combines vodka, sweetened condensed milk, and cranberry sauce. Great for a Thanksgiving gathering or any party since it makes a lot.

No need to fear raw eggs in eggnog. The eggs are gently cooked to kill any potential bacteria in this eggnog. Since it contains alcohol, the kids will not be able to enjoy it, but you will find a recipe for non-alcoholic eggnog at the bottom. You will want to keep this rich and creamy eggnog on hand all through the holidays.

Evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are quite different, so be sure to read the corresponding article to get the scoop. Canned milks are not only shelf-stable, but make a great addition to recipes. Try such canned milk recipes as Corn Chowder, Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese, Kahlua Pumpkin Pie, Lemon Loaf Freeze, Perfect Peppermint Patties, and more.

It sounds scary, but this punch is made from simple pineapple, lemon, and grapefruit juices. Add some food coloring to make it blood-red for a great Halloween party beverage. Recipe is easily multiplied for parties.

This potent brew using flavored vodka, orange, liqueur, cherry kirsch, and sparkling wine or champagne is sure to be a hit. If you are avoiding alcohol, try the non-alcoholic version. To retain carbonation, stir this up just before guests arrive.

Fruit-flavored sparkling waters combine with grape juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic punch that kids and adults will love. If you want something more potent, try the alcoholic version. To retain carbonation, put this together just before guests arrive.

If you love ginger ale, try making your own at home. Homemade ginger syrup is mixed with club soda to make fresh ginger ale.

Whip up this mix to have on hand for quick hot buttered rum at home. Sweetened with honey and spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, this is a heartwarming drink. The batter may be made ahead and refrigerated for several days.

There is a method to making hot cocoa, believe it or not. Learn how to make 1 serving of hot chocolate or enough for a crowd. The salt may seem like an odd ingredient, but it really helps bring out the flavor of the cocoa. Do not omit it unless you absolutely must.

Irish cream liqueur and creme de menthe subtly blend into a killer cocktail garnished with whipped cream and chocolate.

This popular Jamaican drink may be served with or without rum. Plan ahead for steeping time.

Whip up a batch of homemade mint or creme de menthe liqueur for yourself and for gifts. Plan ahead because the mixture will need to steep and age almost a month before it is ready.

Mulled cider is a heartwarming beverage for the winter season, especially good during the holidays. The spiced butter is a magical finish, so do use it. This version adds alcohol, but it is easily omitted so kids can also enjoy it.

The mysterious ingredient in the punch may be the ginger in the fruit juice or it may be the frozen hand. Kids love this so keep this beverage recipe on hand for any party, including Halloween, of course. Plan ahead to freeze the hand.

No need to fear raw eggs in eggnog. The eggs are gently cooked to kill any potential bacteria in this non-alcoholic eggnog. Since it contains no alcohol, the kids will enjoy it as much as the adults. You'll want to keep this rich and creamy eggnog on hand all through the holidays.

Apple cider is flavored with oranges and spices for the perfect hot beverage during the fall and winter, and especially good at Christmas and Thanksgiving. If you want to punch it up for the adults, add a bit of apple brandy.

Quick and easy smoothie recipe combines papayas with orange juice and frozen yogurt for a delicious drink suitable for breakfast, snack, or a light lunch. Feel free to substitute low-fat or non-fat yogurt. Use ice cream if you are feeling decadent.

Plan six weeks in advance to make this peach liqueur before it is ready. Great for gifts.

Kids will love this creamy punch flavored with peanut butter, vanilla, and nutmeg. Great for parties. If you are adventurous, add some banana or chocolate or both!

Rose hips give a fruity hint of floral flavor to lightly spiced hot tea. If you are so inclined, spike it with a bit of Grand Marnier for a delicious hot toddy.

Rosemary and mint flavor this interesting, slightly sweet liqueur with a vodka base. Plan ahead. It takes a minimum of 3-1/2 weeks to steep.

Brandy and vodka are combined with fruit, juice, nuts, port wine, and spices to make a potent flaming beverage. Read up on flambe cooking tips before you begin. This drink is sure to warm you through any cold weather but is especially popular during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Wassail is an traditional, hearty drink flavored with fruit and spices. This rum version is sure to warm you through any cold weather but is especially popular during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Grand Marnier, peaches, and tropical fruit juices blend with dry white wine to make this sangria a unique and potent alcoholic beverage for parties.