How to ward off winter’s chill
January is one of the coldest months for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, so to help ward off the chill, we like to cozy up with a good book and a hot drink. Grab your favourite mug or heavy snifter. Here are three fabulous recipes to warm you from the inside out.
Brown Sugar Apple Cider
Yields 1
Apple cider is a token cold-weather drink and can be served in several ways. This can be made from scratch with spices like clove, nutmeg or anise for preferred flavours, or a pre-mix cider can also be purchased then embellished with additional spices as in the recipe below:
6 oz apple cider pre-mix (available at most grocery stores with the spices already added)
2 oz bourbon of choice
For extra flavour:
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Garnish:
1 cinnamon stick, 4 to 6 inches in length
In a microwave-safe cup, add apple cider pre-mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Heat on high for 2 minutes. Remove, and pour into a glass mug. Add the bourbon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Blueberry Tea
Yields 1
While there is no blueberry flavour added to this cocktail, the combination of the liqueurs and tea gives this warm drink a taste reminiscent of blueberries.
4 oz Orange Pekoe tea (or more to taste)
1 oz amaretto
1 oz orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Cointreau, or any other preferred orange-flavoured liqueur)
Garnish:
3 to 5 blueberries (optional)
Brew the tea and let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes. Combine amaretto and orange liqueur in a brandy snifter. Pour in the hot, steeped tea. Float blueberries on the top for colour, if desired.
Bonfire S’mores Hot Chocolate
Yields 2
Hardy Albertans love their bonfires, even in winter. For those who prefer to bring the bonfire inside, this rich and delectable drink takes on the flavours of a classic fireside treat with a little added whisky to make this a perfect adult drink.
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Graham cracker, crushed
2 tbsp honey
¼ cup chocolate syrup
¼ cup chocolate pudding mix (powder)
4 oz whisky (Irish or Canadian whisky)
2 large marshmallows
Add milk and cream to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and use 30 second intervals to melt chocolate, stirring between each. Dip rims of two campfire mugs (or any fire-retardant mug) in the chocolate, then dip in the crushed Graham cracker. Set aside.
Add remaining melted chocolate to the dairy mixture along with honey and chocolate syrup. Whisk together. Gradually whisk in the pudding mix until fully combined. Bring to a low simmer then remove from heat. Whisk in the whisky and pour into the prepared mugs. Top each with the marshmallows then use a kitchen torch to toast them. (Kitchen torches are available at most kitchenware stores and major online retailers.)
