In this final post in our series of chestnut recipes, Sarah Thompson of Sussex Kitchen shares three fabulously festive chestnut drinks recipes with a welcome punch, a chestnut espresso and a mocha latte.
Welcome Drink – Warm Chestnut and Orange Punch
A cosy, lightly spiced drink with chestnut syrup, orange juice, and a splash of brandy (optional) for a warming welcome beverage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup / 235 ml chestnut syrup (see recipe)
- 4 cups / 950 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 cups / 475 ml water
- 1/2 cup / 120 ml brandy or dark rum (optional for alcoholic version)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Orange slices and chestnut shavings, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the punch: In a large pot, combine orange juice, water, and chestnut syrup. Add cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and ground ginger. Bring mixture to gentle simmer over medium heat and warm for approx. 10 minutes, allow flavours to meld together.
- Add brandy or rum (optional): For an alcoholic version, stir in the brandy or dark rum just before serving. If you want a non-alcoholic drink, simply omit this step.
- Serve: Ladle warm punch into heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with orange slice and sprinkle a few chestnut shavings on top for an elegant touch.
Digestif | Chestnut Espresso Martini
A unique take on the classic espresso martini, adding a rich chestnut flavour.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None (serve immediately)
- Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 shot / 35 ml chestnut syrup
- 1 shot / 35 ml espresso, freshly brewed and cooled
- 1 shot / 35 ml vodka
- 1/2 shot / 20 ml coffee liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Chestnut flakes and cocoa powder, for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake it up: Combine chestnut syrup, espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur. Fill the shaker (or jam jar with lid) with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, until chilled.
- Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with chestnut flakes or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.
- Serve: Enjoy your creative chestnut espresso martini as a dessert cocktail or an after-dinner drink!
After Dinner | Chestnut Mocha Latte
A comforting and rich coffee drink, combining the sweetness of chestnuts with the boldness of coffee and chocolate.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 shot / 35ml espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 1/2 cup / 120ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp chestnut puree
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Whipped cream (dairy or plant-based) chestnut flakes, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, heat milk (or dairy free alternative) over medium heat until it begins to steam. Add the chestnut puree, cocoa powder, and sugar, whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Brew coffee: Brew a shot of espresso or strong coffee and pour it into a mug.
- Combine: Pour the chestnut-chocolate milk mixture over the coffee, stirring to combine.
- Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chestnut flakes for a finishing touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your chestnut mocha latte with a warm pastry or on its own!
Warm up after a cold winter walk – Chestnut Hot Chocolate
An indulgent chestnut-flavoured hot chocolate that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups / 240 ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup / 30 g chestnut puree
- 1/4 cup / 30 g dark chocolate, chopped (or 2 tbsp cocoa powder)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (dairy or plant-based) shaved chocolate, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, heat milk (or dairy free alternative) over medium heat until it starts to steam.
- Add chestnut and chocolate: Whisk in chestnut puree, chopped chocolate (or cocoa powder), sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
- Serve: Pour chestnut hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
- Enjoy: This luxurious hot chocolate is perfect for cosying up on a cold day!
If you’ve enjoyed this post about festive chestnut drink recipes, why not try:
Chestnut Recipes: Purées & Syrups
Chestnut Recipes: Canapés & Starters
Chestnut Recipes: Mains & Desserts
Sarah of Sussex Kitchen is a freelance creative based in Sussex and self-confessed obsessive foodie for over 20 years. Her culinary journey began as a distiller 15 years ago. Since then, she has leveraged her skills as a photographer, filmmaker, storyteller, food writer, brand strategy, and recipe developer to create stunning and impactful work.
