4 Wholesale Beverages That Add Flavor to Holiday Recipes

We all know purchasing wholesale bulk food can save big bucks on grocery costs. This is also true for beverages! Did you know that some of the best holiday recipes have drinks as their secret ingredient? Looking for creative recipes with beverages to entertain with this year? Our wholesale restaurant supply store shares tips and dishes you’re going to love. 

What Wholesale Beverages Should You Buy in Bulk?

Available in shelf-stable and frozen varieties, wholesale beverages are easy to stock up on and help stretch your budget further! Everything from juices to sodas can ramp up the flavor of your holiday meals. Keep these four beverage staples on hand, and knock your Christmas and New Year’s Eve meals out of the park!

1. Club Soda 

We all know that club soda is a standard cocktail mixer, but did you know that this effervescent beverage makes for light and fluffy batter? Those tiny bubbles create air pockets that expand when heated, which results in airy, puffy, and delicate baked goods. Plus, sparkling waters are calorie-free! If you’ve never had the pleasure of cooking with club soda, check out these great holiday recipes to get started:

• Christmas Morning Pancakes: Impress your loved ones with these shortcakes made with buttermilk and seltzer water. Finish them off with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can use bubbly water in waffle and crepe batters too!

In addition to batters, you can add club soda to scrambled eggs to make them extra-fluffy and even blanch your wholesale produce. 

2. Tomato Juice 

Vibrant, acidic, and packed with vitamins, there’s a wealth of ways to incorporate this beverage into any holiday meal. The acid level in tomatoes helps break down proteins, making for a terrific marinade for wholesale meats, like this Bloody Mary marinade. Tomato juice is also a perfect substitute for canned tomato sauce. Add a pinch of sugar and some additional seasoning, then use in soups, chili, and stews.

3. Tea 

Adding tea to your recipe repertoire opens your dishes up to a world of flavors and fragrances. Home cooks use it for everything, from dressings to baked goods. An effortless way to cook with tea is to use it in place of your cooking liquids, like water or broths. 

Add an earthy component to your baked turkey with an Earl Grey brine and tea-gravy. Tea can also infuse a dash of holiday spice to desserts, like this chai-tea-spiced loaf. You can also utilize the leaves themselves as you would any other herb. Use them to enhance smoked meats or as a dry rub. 

4. Orange Juice 

Orange juice is just as versatile as lemon juice and can be used in myriad recipes. It is found in everything from vinaigrettes to chutneys, desserts, and marinades. Want to juice up your holidays? Try these OJ recipes:

• Cranberry Sauce: Holidays aren’t complete without a bowl of cranberry sauce. Make your own with only four ingredients, all found at your wholesale food store: fresh cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon. 
• Honey Orange Roasted Carrots: The addition of orange juice to roasted carrots brings a touch of sweetness and acidity to this favorite holiday vegetable side. Glaze the carrots with the juice and honey, roast in the oven, and voila! Try it on bacon, too!
• Citrus Vinaigrette: Tart lemon and fragrant orange come together in this everyday vinaigrette. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken and fish.

Pro tip: Don’t forget that other juices can make for great meals. Try a cranberry glaze for bacon-wraps, apple juice with pork, and even grape juice squares! 

Looking for More Holiday Menu Inspiration from Your Beverage Wholesale Supplier? 

Create innovative dishes this holiday season with bulk beverages from CHEF'STORE! Don’t forget to browse our selection of high-quality wholesale produce, meat, and seafood and further stretch your grocery dollar! Stop by one of our many convenient locations, or get our fantastic products delivered right to your home.

Download Our 3 Christmas Mocktail Recipe Checklist