As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, these classic cocktail recipes will warm your heart and brighten up your winter.
Mulled Wine
(serves 4)
This recipe is perfect for parties! Make in large batches and serve in a slow-cooker where guests can help themselves.
Ingredients
6 cloves
2 Star Anise
2 cinnamon sticks (plus a few extra for garnishing)
50g caster sugar
1 roughly grated nutmeg
500ml water
Roughly grated rind of 1 orange
1 apple, roughly chopped (skin on)
750ml merlot
Method
Place cloves, Star anise, cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, water, orange rind, and apple in a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to the boil for 10 minutes.
Add merlot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Strain and serve immediately.
Hot Toddy
(serves 1)
Traditionally used as a remedy for the common cold, this mixture is sure to cure your winter blues. A brilliant night cap.
Ingredients
30ml whisky
15ml mild honey
100ml boiling-hot water
2 cloves
½ cinnamon stick
1 slice lemon
Lemon juice, to taste
Method
In a heat proof glass, mix the whisky and honey together. Popping the cloves and cinnamon stick.
Top up with boiling water and add lemon juice to taste. Allow to steep for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy hot.
Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate
(serves 6)
The combination of creamy hot chocolate and the cooling sensation of peppermint schnapps is best enjoyed in a dimly lit room by a roaring fire.
Ingredients
1lt milk
200g bittersweet or semisweet chocolate,
250ml peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream, for serving
6 peppermint sticks, for serving
Method
Heat milk in a saucepan over low heat. Do not allow it to boil. Add the chocolate and melt slowly, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint schnapps. Divide into serving glasses, top with whipped cream and garnish with a peppermint stick for stirring.
Spiced Apple Cider
(serves 8)
Like drinking a liquid hot apple pie, this sweet treat is sure to warm the cockles of your heart and put a smile on your face.
Ingredients
2 litres good-quality dry apple cider
4 thin lemon slices
3 pieces orange rind
2 cinnamon quills
2 star anise
3 cloves
Honey, to taste
Method
Combined all ingredients in a saucepan and heat over low heat for 30 minutes. Allow ingredients to infuse.
Strain and serve hot.