A Taste of the Holidays – Spokane Recipes From Local Businesses

Ringing in the holidays this year, Trending Northwest Magazine and the Downtown Spokane Partnership have joined forces to bring downtown's favorite restaurants and cafes' holiday menus to life. To help you get in the holiday spirit, we’ll be sharing these delicious recipes, each with a unique story behind it. These Spokane recipes, from savory treats to sweet indulgences, will eventually come together to form a community cookbook—a true tribute to our community and the incredible people who bring it to life downtown every day.

There’s something undeniably magical about downtown Spokane during the holiday season. As the crisp winter air sets in, the streets come alive with twinkling lights, festive sleigh rides, and the warm glow of holiday cheer. I can feel the joy in the children's faces pressed up against the glass to see the Crescent holiday displays. The entire area is decked out in sparkling décor that creates the perfect backdrop for holiday memories. Add a gentle layer of snow, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a holiday postcard, where Bing Crosby’s White Christmas is always playing softly in the background. There’s something extra special about shopping local during the holidays, knowing that you’re supporting small businesses that pour their hearts into their craft.

Top Spokane-Inspired Drink Recipes for Cozy Winter Nights

In the spirit of the season, we’re bringing a taste of downtown Spokane to you. We’ve reached out to some of our favorite local business owners who make the holiday season extra special. They’ve graciously shared their go-to holiday Spokane recipes with us. These recipes are just a small part of the love and care that they give daily.

The Spokane Club's Golden Rosemary Refresher

The Spokane Club – Featured Drink: Golden Rosemary Refresher

Inspired by the classic Spokane Club Orange Rolls!
Ask any member about their favorite Spokane Club tradition and you’re bound to hear about our famous orange rolls. They’ve been warming hearts (and stomachs) for generations! While that recipe stays under lock and key, we thought it would be fun to create a holiday cocktail inspired by our famous orange rolls.

Ingredients:

• 2oz Blackland Vodka
• 0.5oz Rosemary Simple Syrup
• 0.5oz Grand Marnier
• 2oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
  Garnish:
• Half Sugared Rim
• Dried Orange Slice
• Rosemary Sprig

Instructions:

• Sprinkle salt on a small plate
• Lightly wet half the rim of your glass
• Dip the rim in sugar to coat
• In a shaker with ice, combine 2oz of Vodka (we recommend Blackland Vodka), 0.5oz of Rosemary Simple Syrup, 0.5oz of Grand Marnier, and 2oz of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
• Shake until chilled
• Strain into your sugar-rimmed glass
• Garnish with a dried orange slice and rosemary sprig and enjoy!

Emma Rue's Baltimore Eggnog

Emma Rue's – Featured Drink: Baltimore Eggnog

Eggnog is a cherished holiday tradition that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I eagerly anticipate making this classic drink from scratch, reminiscent of its colonial-era origins. Among the many recipes, my favorite is the Baltimore Eggnog, featured in Jerry Thomas' 1862 Bartender’s Guide. Crafted with fresh ingredients and good spirits, homemade eggnog captures the essence of tradition and celebration, much like the anticipation of unwrapping presents on Christmas morning.

The history of eggnog begins with its roots in 13th-century Britain, where Posset, a medicinal drink of hot milk mixed with wine or ale, first gained popularity. Over time, it evolved into a dessert beverage, even appearing in Shakespeare's writings. By the 17th century, a frothy variation called Syllabub emerged, separating into a sweet foam and curd, enjoyed mostly by the wealthy due to the cost of ingredients like milk, sugar, and spices. When colonists brought these traditions to America, the abundance of milk and eggs gave rise to eggnog in the early 18th century, enriched with spirits like rum, brandy, whiskey, or madeira—a fortified wine widely imported through Baltimore and favored for its untaxed status and celebratory use.

Today, eggnog symbolizes more than just a holiday treat; it embodies the enduring spirit of tradition, resilience, and togetherness. Its rich history, from colonial gatherings to modern celebrations, reflects the communal joy it brings. As you sip a glass of homemade eggnog surrounded by loved ones, let it serve as a reminder of shared memories and festive cheer that continues to connect generations.
 
Written by Aaron Hein

Ingredients:

• 12 Large Eggs Separated
• 12oz Brandy
• 8oz Jamacian Rum
• 4oz Madeira Wine
• 4 cups Whole Milk
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 3/4 Cup Fine White Sugar
• 1 Whole Freshly Grated Nutmeg
  
  Instructions:

• Take the yellow of 12 eggs and sugar, and beat them to the consistency of cream
• Add nutmeg and beat well together
• Then mix in the brandy, rum, and Madeira
• Add milk and heavy cream to the mix and stir until integrated
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to a stiff froth, then fold into the eggnog
• Can be served immediately, though it’s best refrigerated for two to three hours beforehand
• Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and enjoy!

Revival Tea's Holiday Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Revival Tea Company – Featured Drink: Peppermint Hot Cocoa

This Spokane recipe for Peppermint Hot Cocoa is a classic and refreshing twist on a hot chocolate we all love. It's the first in our Spokane recipe series, because we think it'll be a favorite of the whole family. It's so easy to make! What makes this Peppermint Hot Cocoa truly special is that it’s made with Revival Tea Company's hand-blended, locally sourced Peppermint Leaf Tea, which is known for its refreshing and aromatic quality.

Ingredients: 

• A mug
• Revival peppermint tea 
• Simple syrup
• Milk of choice
• Ghirardelli cacao powder
• Crushed candy canes

Instructions:

• Add 3 teaspoons of peppermint tea to a glass or beaker.
• Pour 3 ounces of 200 degree water over tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes.
• While your tea is steeping, add 1 oz of simple syrup into your mug.
• Once tea is done, strain into your mug.
• In a steaming pitcher, add 10 oz of milk and 2 tablespoons of cacao powder and stir well.
• Steam until you reach your desired hot temperature and pour into your mug.
• Garnish with crushed candy canes and enjoy!

They were honored this year as one of the region's best tea shops, so you know they're bringing you the very best quality. The peppermint leaf adds a crisp freshness, elevating the traditional hot chocolate experience. The light and fragrant note of mint that perfectly balances the warmth of the cocoa. This extra touch brings a lively, fresh twist on a holiday staple that’s sure to become your new seasonal favorite.

For more information on Revival Tea, head to their website here. Stay tuned as we continue to share more Spokane recipes here, and be sure to visit Revival Tea Company in downtown Spokane to experience the magic for yourself!