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The Best Holiday Drinks

Posted on December 2, 2022   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Blake Hunter

Blake Hunter

'Tis the season for letting apple cider simmer and making your space smell like the holidays. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)

'Tis the season for letting apple cider simmer and making your space smell like the holidays. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)

Need a drink to warm you up? Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny, but get ready for the possibility of a snowy Sunday.



To weather the storm, I asked you for holiday drink recommendations, and while I think I’m in the minority as an anti-eggnog person, you delivered on the recommendations.

  • One reader said their family favorite was a Tom & Jerry — basically hot eggnog with cognac and rum — with fresh nutmeg.
  • Another reader, Jennifer, seconds a hot eggnog with alcohol, but she prefers Jameson or Redbreast.
  • Brhonn piqued my interest with two recommendations: coffee with anisette (anise liquor 😍), and a Manhattan made with bourbon.
  • City Cast Boise host Emma Arnold is on board the eggnog latte train, especially from Flying M.
  • So is lead producer Frankie Barnhill, but she also likes a hot toddy from Neurolux.
  • I have to chime in with a basic apple cider — I like to let it simmer and reduce for a while with whole cloves, a cinnamon stick or two, and some orange peel. Depending on what time it is, I might put it on ice with a little bourbon.

It may be cold, but City Cast Boise's Frankie Barnhill is a fan of Barbarian's darker sours for this time of year. (Frankie Barnhill / City Cast Boise)

It may be cold, but City Cast Boise's Frankie Barnhill is a fan of Barbarian's darker sours for this time of year. (Frankie Barnhill / City Cast Boise)

Thank you for participating, and I hope that tonight, you all get to have a warm drink of whatever makes you happy! Even if it’s eggnog. ❤️

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Hey Boise

Thank you Boise, we’ve loved the conversation we’ve been having with you for the past three years. City Cast Boise and Hey Boise have suspended operations. Our last newsletter and podcast episode was Oct. 24, 2025.

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