Holiday Coffee Recipes You Can Make at Home with Just a Coffee Pot

Just like that, the holiday are here! A time for gathering with family, exchanging gifts, and cozying up by the fire with a delicious cup of coffee. But let’s be honest: not everyone has a fancy espresso machine or the latest pour-over contraption. Sometimes, all you have is that trusty old Mr. Coffee pot sitting in your parents’ kitchen — probably the same one they’ve had since you were still asking Santa for a new Game Boy.

But don’t worry! You don’t need high-tech gear to brew a festive, cafe-worthy cup at home. With a few holiday recipes, some quality beans, and a little attention to the basics, you’ll have everyone singing your praises (and maybe even Jingle Bells).

First Things First: Brewing Fundamentals

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the four fundamentals of brewing that will make or break any pour — even with a humble coffee pot:

1. Beans: Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans. Trust us, it makes a world of difference. Our Holiday Blend, Cardinal, French Roast, and Breakfast Blend are perfect options for your holiday creations. Because bad coffee is about as welcome as fruitcake at the dessert table.

2. Proportion: For a balanced cup, use the right coffee-to-water ratio. The golden rule is about 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Eyeballing it may work for cookie dough, but with coffee, precision matters.

3. Water: Your water should be at room temperature for optimal brewing. Thankfully, your coffee pot should handle this, but also make sure you use clean, filtered water.

4. Grind: Grind your coffee just before brewing, and use a medium grind for drip coffee pots. If it looks like table salt, you’re in good shape. If you can… freshly ground coffee > pre-ground coffee.

Ok - ready to bring some holiday magic? Here are a few festive recipes you can make with just your coffee pot.

Holiday Spiced Coffee

Featuring: Holiday Blend
Our Holiday Blend, with its warm, spiced notes, is the ultimate holiday coffee pot coffee. This recipe amps up the seasonal cheer to an 11.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of freshly brewed Holiday Blend

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4-5 whole cloves

• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (or more if you like it sweet!)

• A splash of half-and-half or milk

Directions:

1. Brew a full coffee pot of Holiday Blend.

2. While the coffee is brewing, add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the coffee pot. Let the flavors mingle for a few minutes.

3. Add a touch of maple syrup and a splash of half-and-half. Stir and serve in your favorite holiday mug.

4. Optional: Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Why? Because it’s the holidays, and calories don’t count.

Classic Café au Lait

Featuring: French Roast
Perfect for when you want a bold, no-nonsense cup that still feels indulgent. French Roast’s deep, rich flavor pairs beautifully with steamed milk.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of freshly brewed French Roast

• 1 cup of steamed milk (or warmed milk if you’re keeping it simple!)

Directions:

1. Brew your French Roast coffee nice and strong in a coffee pot.

2. Heat your milk in a small saucepan until it’s steaming, but not boiling. If you’re feeling fancy, froth it with a whisk.

3. Fill your mug halfway with coffee and top with steamed milk. Give it a swirl and enjoy.

Maple Vanilla Breakfast Blend

Featuring: Breakfast Blend
Light, bright, and perfect for holiday mornings — especially when sipping while opening presents in your pajamas.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of freshly brewed Breakfast Blend

• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• A splash of cream or milk

Directions:

1. Brew a full coffee pot of Breakfast Blend. (Bonus points if you do it in your plaid PJs.)

2. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract while the coffee is still hot.

3. Add a splash of cream and you’re good to go!

Peppermint Mocha

Featuring: Cardinal Blend
If you love holiday lattes but don’t have a milk frother, this one’s for you. Cardinal’s smooth, balanced flavor plays beautifully with chocolate and peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of freshly brewed Cardinal Blend

• 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix

• 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract

• Whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies (for topping)

Directions:

1. Brew a full coffee pot of Cardinal Blend.

2. Stir in the hot cocoa mix and peppermint extract until well combined.

3. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. Voilà! A holiday coffee treat right from your family’s coffee pot.

What to do if your parents don’t have a coffee pot…

Wait, what?! No coffee pot in the house? If your parents are still clinging to the dark days of instant coffee, it’s time for an upgrade. The good news? A coffee pot is the perfect holiday gift, and you’ll already have the recipes ready to put it to good use. Here are our top 5 easy coffee pot gift recommendations:

1. Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker: A classic that gets the job done. Simple, reliable, and perfect for brewing up big batches for holiday brunch.

2. Cuisinart Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker: For parents who love a bit of convenience. Set the timer and wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee—no barista required.

3. Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker: Great for households that can never agree on how much coffee to make. This machine lets you brew a full pot or just a single cup when Dad’s sneaking in a late-night sip.

4. Bonavita 8-Cup Connoisseur Coffee Brewer: For parents who appreciate a quality cup but still want something easy to use. This one’s SCA-certified, meaning it brews to the same standards as the pros.

5. Nespresso Essenza Mini: Compact, stylish, easy to use. This little powerhouse brews rich, espresso-style coffee with the push of a button. Pair it with Compass Coffee Emblem capsules, and they’ll be savoring cafe-quality coffee at home on the daily.

That wasn’t so hard, was it? Delicious holiday coffee recipes you can make with that classic coffee pot that’s seen more Christmases than you have, AND recommendations on where to get a new one! Because at the end of the day, it’s just about great beans, good company, and the simple joy of a warm cup of coffee. And hey, you’ll get to reap the rewards when you’re visiting, so really, it’s a win-win.

Cheers to staying cozy and caffeinated all through winter!