When holiday party guests discard their gloves and mittens, the best caterers are ready to offer toasty beverages for their cold hands to cup. It’s a challenge to keep the mugs full when hosting a sizeable event, which is why most caterers rely on large commercial percolators.

Serv-U offers percolators that are perfectly suited to brewing anywhere from 10 to 110 cups of hot coffee, however this is the perfect season to experiment with putting your percolator to work for more festive purposes. You can make your kitchen equipment serve double duty during the holiday season with recipes for hot mulled cider and spicy holiday punch.

Mulled Cider for 40

In percolator basket combine: 1 ¼ teaspoons allspice, a 6 inch cinnamon stick, 2 ½ cups brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Pour 10 quarts of apple juice or cider into the part of the percolator reserved for liquids.

Percolator Punch for 60

In percolator basket combine: 2 tablespoons allspice, 2 tablespoons whole cloves, 2-6 inch cinnamon sticks and 4 sliced lemons. Pour 6 quarts unsweetened pineapple juice, 6 quarts cranberry juice cocktail and 3 quarts cold water into the potion of the percolator reserved for liquids.

Percolators don’t just vary in their serving capacity, you also have a choice of materials and styles. There are basic aluminum coffee makers and fancier stainless steel models for more upscale events. Keep in mind that brewing time for percolated beverages is about 1 minute per cup. If you want cider for 60 guests, start percolating about an hour before they arrive!