*Clink* Clink* Clink* … The Christmas celebrations are beginning, families are coming together for the festive season where fun and laughter will be shared. With sunshine turning into snowflakes t’is not quite the season for Pina Colada’s anymore. But woah woah woah! Hold the rails, no one said you have to stay sober to keep warm!
Here are our top three Christmas cocktails to keep you warm and fuzzy.
Gimme S’more
When you hear the word “s’more” what comes to mind? A sticky marshmallow crammed between two crackers? Not quite. Here’s our adult take on the tasty treat.
INGREDIENTS
- 2, 3, 4 tablespoons of brandy
- 1 cup hot cocoa (mug of your size)
- As many marshmallow as possible!
Whip up a quick mug of hot cocoa as you normally do, add the brandy and give it a quick stir. Garnish generously with as many marshmallows as you see fit.
Honey-Bourbon Toddy
This drink is well renowned among medical professionals (or so we’ve heard). This Toddy will surely warm you up on those cold winter nights while simultaneously fighting cold symptoms. Getting the sniffles won’t be so bad when this is the doctor’s prescription!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup hot water
- 6 tablespoons bourbon or Apple infused Bourbon
- 2 strips lemon peel
- 2 cinnamon sticks to stir
Simply mix together with a cinnamon stick and you are good to go.
Mulled Wine
We believe that John Snow drank this whilst doing his rounds, patrolling the wall while looking for white walkers. *SPOILER ALERT* Rumour has it that this is the drink that keeps him alive #justsaying
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- 1 small piece ginger, peeled
- Grated zest of 1/2 orange
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 750ml bottle dry red wine
- 1 cup ruby port or Madeira
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (see Note)
- 1/2 cup blanched whole almonds
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- Crush the cinnamon and cardamom using a mortar and pestle. Put them in a small glass jar and add the ginger, orange zest, cloves, and vodka. Let stand for 24 hours.
- Strain the vodka through a fine sieve into a large saucepan; discard the spices. Add the red wine, port or Madeira, sugar, vanilla sugar, almonds, and raisins, and heat over medium heat just until bubbles start to form around the edges.
- Serve hot in mugs, with a few almonds and raisins in each one; keep any remaining beverage warm over very low heat until ready to serve.
As the big day draws closer, our blog will be filled with loads of inspiration to keep you drinking differently. Keep checking back for more Christmas inspiration like finding the perfect gift or perfect desserts