4 Must - Try Cocktail Recipes To keep You Warm This Winter!

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Winter has been around for a while, and the chilly weekends have just settled in again. This time of the year demands for a perfect drink to keep you warm. What could be better than the ideal brew of cozy throws with your favorite cocktail. After all, staying in is most definitely the new going out, especially when you’re prepared with the recipe of quick and tasty cocktails to help you warm up to the cold this season.

Mint Julep

Mint Julep is a cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. As a bourbon-based cocktail, it is associated with the American South and the cuisine of the Southern United States in general, and the Kentucky Derby in particular.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Powdered sugar
• 2 oz. Bourbon whiskey
• 2 teaspoons Water
• 4 Mint leaves

Method

• In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup
• Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice
• Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside
• Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional)

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is a warm wine, typically of the red variety, that has been infused with various fruits and spices. Around the holidays, this customary European beverage enjoys significant popularity and is widely associated with Christmas markets.

Ingredients:

• 1 (750-ml.) bottle red wine
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
• 3 star anise
• 1/4 c. honey
• 1/2 c. brandy

Method

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer, not a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes.
• Serve warm and garnish with more citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.

Hot Buttered Apple Cider

With only three ingredients, make Hot Buttered Apple Cider! This creative take on the traditional, which has been made paleo-friendly, is a cozy and inviting cocktail that is ideal for the winter season! Hot Buttered Apple Cider is hot buttered rum meets fresh apple cider (make it boozy or not.)

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground allspice
• pinch salt
• 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 ounces rum (optional)
• whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg for serving (optional)

Method

• To make the butter mixture, combine the room temperature butter with the brown sugar, spices, and salt in a bowl.
• Mash the ingredients together with a fork or spoon until they become a smooth paste.
• Heat the cider in a saucepan and, when hot, add the butter mixture and whisk or stir until the butter mixture is melted.
• Making hot buttered cider. Pour into heat proof glasses or mugs and add an ounce of whiskey or rum to each serving (optional) and top with whipped cream and a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, if desired.

Hot Toddy

Chilly nights call for warm drinks. And when you’re looking for a simple cocktail to warm you up, nothing beats a classic Hot Toddy.

This century-old drink has long been one of the favorites to enjoy this time of year. It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up in 5 minutes with just 4 basic ingredients — hot water, whiskey, lemon and honey.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml brandy
• 120 ml boiling water
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 30 ml golden rum
• 1 star anise

Method

• Mix rum with brandy and hot water. Take a glass and add brandy in it along with rum and hot water. Stir once.
• Add spices and enjoy. Next, add star anise in it along with a cinnamon stick to bring that flavor.
• You can add a little honey to flavor the drink (optional).

Inputs shared by Suman Bharti, Founder of Reflex Bar Brewery and Dining