The rains are receding and now the glorious winter is knocking on our doors. This also means that you’re probably going to have Old Monk pegs every day, and grow extremely bored of it. So we’re going to suggest something a little different to try out this winter.
Spiced Mulled Wine
It’s festive, it gives you all the right feels and it tastes brilliant – what more could you ask for? This spiced wine is a great alternative to just pouring yourself a glass of red. This takes just a little more effort, and the payoff is worth it.
What you need:
1 bottle Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup of honey
2 cups apple cider
1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange liqueur
1 sliced orange
4 cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
– Mix the wine, orange liqueur, honey, cider, sliced fruit, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan.
– Heat it on a medium flame
– When the mixture starts simmering, turn it to medium-low heat and let it simmer for another 30 minutes
– Strain and serve
Salted Caramel Eggnog
What’s winter without some eggnog? If you haven’t had a brush with the delicious drink and have always wondered what these Americans are always on about during Christmas time, creating this treat would be the perfect initiation.
What you need:
Warm caramel sauce
118 ml eggnog
30 ml spiced rum
Salt
Whipped cream
Grated nutmeg
Instructions:
– Coat the insides of your glass with the warm caramel sauce
– Add the spiced rum, eggnog, and a pinch of salt to the glass and stir
– Add whipped cream to the top and grated nutmeg over it
Hot Toddy
It’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t stir this up sooner. Not to be confused with the toddy that Kerala is known for, this one does wonders for a sore throat. The Hot Toddy goes perfectly well with a blanket, a good book, and some winter chill.
What you need:
44 ml brandy/rum/whiskey
1 tbsp honey
15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tea bag
1 cup hot water
Instructions:
– Heat water in a kettle
– Steep the tea bag in the water for 3-5 minutes
– Warm your glass by filling it with hot water, once warm, pour out the water
– Coat the bottom of a glass with honey
– Add liquor and lemon juice to the glass
– Pour the prepped tea into the glass and serve
Kahlua Hot Chocolate
Wait, you didn’t think this list wouldn’t have hot chocolate in it, did you? This drink combines sweet and boozy, to give you the best of both worlds. Also, if you do happen to be kind enough to share this, you’re going to earn some serious respect.
What you need:
2 cups milk
2 tbsps sugar
1.5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
Nutmeg powder
30 ml Kahlua
Instructions:
– Mix the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg in a medium saucepan over a medium flame for about 3 minutes or so
– Once heated through, remove from heat and mix in the Kahlua
– Serve hot with mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup if needed
Gold Rush
Although this golden drink may not look like it could keep you warm through the biting cold, believe us when we say – looks can be deceiving. With the right mix of bourbon, lemon, and ginger, this drink is like green tea – only tastier.
What you need:
66 ml ginger liqueur
44 ml bourbon
22 ml lemon juice
Instructions:
– Using a shaker filled with ice, shake all the ingredients well
– Once well chilled, pour into a glass and serve
Summing Up
Now that we’ve shared a few lip-smacking recipes for days when you feel cold, its time to brew up these warm concoctions in your ultimate winter fortress. Grab a cup of these warm, comforting drinks and drown in your cozy blanket as you experience a taste of heaven in your safe haven. Can we sign up for this ASAP, too?
FAQs
What Is An Eggnog Made Of?
Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, milk, egg yolk, vanilla extract, sugar and heavy cream. Often, rum or brandy is added and served with cinnamon sticks as garnish.
What Alcohol Makes The Best Hot Toddy?
Bourbon whiskey doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the Hot Toddy which is why it’s a go-to choice to make Hot Toddy.
What Liquor Is Best In Hot Chocolate?
There are a few liquors that pair comparatively well with chocolate. These include rum, whisky, chili-infused tequila, Baileys Irish cream, Kahlua, and brandy.
Is Mulled Wine Very Alcoholic?
Heating during the mulling process enhances the flavors of the citrus and spices, but it also decreases the alcohol content. This is why a dash of spirit or liqueur is often added just before serving.
Is Eggnog Alcoholic?
Eggnog can be made both at home and commercially in alcohol-free versions, as well as with recipes that include alcohol. Typically, aged brown spirits like bourbon, brandy, or rum are added either during the preparation or directly to the cup after serving.
What Does Gold Rush Taste Like?
This drink is flawless, with a touch of sweetness, a hint of honey, and the bright tang of lemon.