Winter is on its way, which means snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. As you coop up inside during the winter months, the best thing to do is sit back and relax. In fact, why not enjoy a nice drink as you do so? Here are five hot cocktail ideas to keep you warm this winter.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is a common winter beverage to warm you up. Typically, it uses a red wine base with additional spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Warm the spices in simple syrup before adding the red wine. Then, heat before serving. Sometimes, raisins or other fruits can add additional flavor notes. Mulled wine has become a contemporary favorite in holiday markets and family parties.
Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is another favorite during the fall and early winter months. Apple cider is the liquid from the whole apple, and conventional apple juice is clarified. Apple cider uses imperfect apples, trimmings, and even the core to extract as much liquid as possible. Then, brewers pasteurize and filter the liquid to remove contaminants, giving it its cloudiness. One popular way to use apple cider as a cocktail is to warm it up and add rum or apple brandy. If you have leftover liquor around the house but don’t know what to do with it, apple cider flavor mix is a great choice to balance out the flavors.
Boozy Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a signature staple around the winter season. While most people enjoy hot chocolate as a stand-alone drink, others have creatively paired it with different liquors to create a boozy beverage. For example, a St-Germain Chocolat Epice combines four ounces of hot chocolate, a half ounce of St-Germain, and one ounce of silver tequila. Once you heat the hot cholate to the desired temperature, add the tequila and St-Germain and stir. Top with marshmallows for a festive garnish.
Hot Toddy
Hot toddies are another cocktail idea to keep you warm this winter. This drink consists of liquor, spices, sweetener, and tea. Hot toddies are a preferred beverage, given their alleged health properties. Different countries have their own twists on this winter drink. For instance, Canadians use maple syrup in lieu of honey. Regardless, hot toddies are a comforting beverage to enjoy as you sit by the fire and enjoy a book.
Irish Coffee
Last but not least, Irish coffee is another winter drink to consider. It has become a winter staple because it is inherently warm. Irish coffee consists of two parts Irish whiskey, four parts hot coffee, one-and-a-half parts fresh cream, and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Prepare the coffee first. Then, add the whiskey and sugar. Do not let it boil, as you could burn the sugar and ruin the taste. Afterwards, top with cream or cream liqueur and enjoy!
Another way to create boozy winter favorites is to use a flavor mix. These pre-sweetened mixes save time, money, and energy when crafting winter drinks. All you need to do is add the alcohol! Whether you’re using gourmet margarita mix to create a hot marg or want another flavor, Margarita Man has a vast selection of flavor options to choose from. Call now with any questions!
