Hopefully the Hudson Valley is Delighted its Officially Peppermint Season

I believe it was at some point at the end of July that the "Pumpkin Spice" flavor started showing up everywhere. It was in everything from coffee to cocktails.

Now that we have put Halloween behind us and officially kick off Christmas get ready for everything to go peppermint. Your favorite coffee shop if they haven't already will be serving up a minty Frapa-somethings before you know it. And you can bet that your favorite bar won't be far behind with some Mint-Tini for the holidays.

How Did Peppermint Become the Flavor of Christmas?

So why is it that peppermint and the winter holidays go hand in hand? Who decided that the Candy Cane which now comes in many flavors should be the flavor of the season? Turn out no one really knows.

I won't bore you with the semi-facts I found online but apparently it just sort of happened. Turns out though, it is actually a good thing because peppermint is good for digestion and let's face it between now and 2024 we are going to eat way too much.

Benefits of Eating Peppermint

So what are the benefits of peppermint? According to Spangler a popular candy cane company, there are seven. Spangler Candy Benefits of Peppermint. Fresh breath might be the most obvious but they also list that peppermint offers antioxidants, aids digestion, curb craving, eases headaches, boosts concentration, and clears a stuffy nose.

SEE Also: Holiday Shopping at Hudson Valley Thrift Store

Where to Get Peppermint Candy in the Hudson Valley

Just about any store has peppermint candy or at least gum but why not try a Hudosn Valley Candy Shop? Samuel's Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, Krauses Chocolates in Saugerties, and Alps Sweet Shop in Beacon are great places if you are looking for handmade goodies.

How to Make a Peppermint Cocktail for a Holiday Party

I don't have word yet about whether the Hudson House & Distillery will have its Santa Stash again this year but Total Wine and More shared this refreshingly smooth Peppermint White Russian Cocktail recipe that is easy to follow.

Looking for something with Chocolate mixed up this DrinkLab recipe for a Boozy Peppermint Patty Cocktail or shot.

And if you just want your Peppermint straight up on ice you can always track down a bottle of Bird Dog Whiskey they have made a Bird Dog Candy Cane Whiskey for the holiday season.

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Try one of These Hardy Drinks if Peppermint is Not Your Thing