Cold winter days provide an ideal backdrop for the creation and enjoyment of delectable concoctions that are infused with spices and warm to touch. Whether you’re an amateur mixologist or a seasoned cocktail enthusiast, these recipes are beginner-friendly and use everyday ingredients to help you effortlessly elevate your winter drinking experience. No elaborate tools or mixology skills are required – just a handful of ingredients and a willingness to embrace the soothing powers of a well-crafted cocktail. Winter evenings were made for comfort and there’s surely no better place to find it in, than in a warming cocktail and curling up in a cosy corner with a blanket. Make the most of these dreary evenings, with five soothing cocktails that is sure to brighten up even the dullest of days.
Classic Hot Toddy
In theory, this cocktail was created by an Irish doctor who was inspired by the ‘Toddy’ of Kerala, India – which featured fermented palm sap, hot water and spices. This led him to add some sugar, lemon and cinnamon – which he then prescribed as a cure for sniffles and a sore throat. A classic Hot Toddy is still treated like an alcoholic cure-all and for good reason. It’s like a warm hug in a mug and can be made by simply combining hot water, honey, lemon juice and a splash of whisky or brandy. The proportions can vary based on your personal preferences. It's a timeless remedy for the cold, nippy evenings – offering both warmth and comfort.
Irish Coffee
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Since the Irish are well known for their love of whisky, it’s no surprise that they found a way to enliven a classic cup of coffee. The perfect balance of caffeine to wake you up with a shot of whisky to mellow you out, this boozy beverage is an easy way to spruce up your afternoons in an instant. To make it, just brew a strong cup of your preferred coffee, stir in a spoonful of sugar, add a shot of Irish whisky, and top it with a dollop of whipped cream.
Spiced Mulled Rum
If you want the taste of Christmas a little before the festive season commences, a great idea would be to keep some mulled rum on hand. A play on the traditional mulled wine, this spinoff takes the deep, earthy sweetness of dark rum and combines it with warming winter spices for an upgraded twist on the experience. Gently heat up a bottle of dark rum with a mixture of spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise, along with some orange peel and a touch of sugar. The result is a fragrant and heart-warming brew that can be bottled and served with a touch of warm water for a cosy evening.
Hot Buttered Rum
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For a more indulgent drink that is sure to warms you from top to toe, there’s nothing quite like a Hot Buttered Rum. The drink can be traced back to the 1600s when rum produced in Jamaica soon made its way to the American colonies. To beat the cold climes of winter, people started adding hearty ingredients and warm spices to create a drink that wards off the chill in every sip. To make it, just blend butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into a paste. Add a measure of dark rum and hot water, and you'll have a velvety, sweet concoction that's ideal for a rainy evening.
Boozy Hot Chocolate
There’s almost nothing in the world that can’t be improved with a great mug of hot chocolate, but then add a splash of whisky and you’ve really got something special. The warm flavours of chocolate paired with a punchy peg of whisky could be just what you need to sink into a relaxing rainy evening. If you’re feeling extra daring, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or a hint of almond syrup for a more flavourful experience.