A Few Wonderful Drinks for the Colder Season

As the air turns a bit colder these next few months, people will often think about having a warm, relaxing drink to drive away the chill. If you're somewhat tired of the traditional hot cocoa, coffee or tea, consider these unique alternatives. They are easy to make, and are guaranteed to warm your body and relax your mind.

Hot Cocktails for Your Evening In

Hot Toddy

This classic, sometimes forgotten cocktail is not only a wonderful way to chase away the sniffles and an ache of an oncoming cold, but it has always been a warm and relaxing addition to your night. And it's so easy to make! The recipe below is for a single serving. However, be sure to think about making this for more than one person. After all, something this good is worth sharing.

Ingredients:

1 oz of Brandy

1 Tablespoon of Honey

1 lemon wedge

1 cup boiling water

1 Tea Bag

Sugar to taste (optional)

Use the honey to coat the bottom of the mug. Add the brandy and the juice of the lemon wedge. Meanwhile, bring the cup of water to a boil, and use the tea bag to make the cup of tea. Once the tea is brewed, slowly pour it into the brandy/honey/lemon mixture in the mug. Taste, and add sugar if desired. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve piping hot.

Tom and Jerry

No, this recipe wasn't named after the cartoon; as far as I can tell, but I can definitely see that duo sharing this drink after a day of chasing and running through the winter landscape. The recipe does call for eggs, so please be sure to use eggs that are pasteurized, or that are from a reliable source.

Ingredients

1 oz Dark Rum

1 oz Brandy

1 Egg

1 tsp Sugar

6 oz hot water, milk, or coffee - your choice

Start by separating the egg into two bowls. Add the dark rum and brandy to the yolk and beat together until it becomes frothy. Next, beat the egg white until it peaks, and then add the sugar and beat until the peaks become stiff. Fold into the liquor mixture, and pour that combination into a coffee mug. Top your creation with warm water, milk or coffee. Of course, if you don't want to do this much work, take a look in your local store; they might have the drink mix ready for your addition of alcohol and water, milk or coffee.

Glogg

I think perhaps the name of this drink alone is enough to make most people smile, but the taste is also something wonderful. Designed for the group, this drink is a great addition to that family gathering, or when you're welcoming your neighbors in from the cold. The recipe below makes approximately 8-10 servings, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups Brandy

½ Bottle Red Wine

4 Whole cloves

2 cardamom pods, crushed, or ½ teaspoon cardamom

1 Cinnamon Stick

½ cup Raisins

½ cup Blanched Almonds

¾ cup sugar

2 tsp. Brown sugar

Combine everything in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring often to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the mixture is heated through, reduce the heat to low and serve warm in mugs.

After Dinner Mint

This wonderful hot drink reminds me of either Andes ® Candies, or the Thin Mint Cookies provided by Girl Scouts. Either way, this minty, chocolaty, and warm cocktail is a welcomed way to welcome back the kid in all of us.

Ingredients

½ oz of white crème de menthe

¾ oz Southern Comfort ® Peach Liquor

½ oz vodka

Hot Chocolate to Fill

Whipped Cream (optional)

Combine alcohol into a large mug and stir. Add hot chocolate, and top with whipped cream if desired. Serve warm.

Hot Jamaican

This hot drink is a wonderful alternative to the alcoholic drinks based on coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Tasting faintly of summer breezes, and ocean waves, this island inspired drink is a great way to get away from it all without leaving the comfort of your living room.

Ingredients

2 oz Jamaican Dark Rum

3 oz water

1 oz lime juice

½ tsp sugar syrup

2 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

½ slice of lime

Combine everything except the slice of lime into a saucepan and slowly heat through. Pour unstrained into a mug, garnish with the lime slice and serve warm.

Non-Alcoholic Hot Drinks to Chase the Family's Chill Away

Of course, sometimes having a warm drink with alcohol in it simply isn't what you want. Whether some in your party are too young to partake, or you can't drink alcoholic beverages, there are recipes out there designed just for you. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

Hot Cran-Apple Citer

This tangy and sweet alternative to the classic hot cider is a welcome addition to any gathering, especially if you've just gotten some apple cider from your nearby apple farm. It takes a little time to make, but as soon as you and your family take that first sip, you'll understand why they say good things are worth waiting for.

Ingredients

¾ tsp whole cloves

1 medium navel orange

1 medium lemon

1 quart apple cider

3 cups cranberry juice

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

Start by inserting the cloves into the orange. Cut the orange and lemon into slices. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients and add the orange and lemon slices. Bring everything to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer, and continue simmering the mixture for about thirty minutes, uncovered. Remove the fruit and cinnamon sticks before serving with a slotted spoon if desired. Serve warm in generous mugs. This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people.

Vietnamese Coffee

Normally, I absolutely abhor coffee. Can't stand the taste or smell. However, whenever I am able to get a well made cup of Vietnamese coffee I will literally jump at the chance. This creamy, decadent mixture of chicory coffee and condensed milk is surprisingly full bodied, and often has a hint of chocolate in the taste. Plus, chicory is naturally decaffeinated, so it's a great choice if your doctor says you have to limit your caffeine intake.

Ingredients

Ground Coffee with chicory or ground chicory - You can usually find this is an Asian inspired market. Personally I love to use chicory only when it is available.

Condensed milk, sweetened

Water

Equipment:

Coffee Press-again, you can usually find this in an Asian inspired market. If you're unsure on which one to get, take the time to talk to the store clerk. Chances are they will be able to help you find the right one.

Bring some water to a boil in a pot. While the water is coming to a boil, remove the top of your coffee press and unscrew the filter. Place a spoonful or two of your chicory/coffee mixture or chicory into the bottom of the press. Be sure not to put too much in - a level spoonful is usually enough. This mixture is quite a bit stronger than normal coffee, so be forewarned. Most coffee presses have a line near the bottom of the press; be sure not to fill it beyond that point. Replace the filter back onto the coffee press.

In your mug or glass pour some condensed milk into the bottom of the mug. Since it's condensed, the milk is quite sweet, so a little goes a long way. Use enough to basically coat the bottom of the mug. Place the coffee press on the top of your mug.

Start the process by pouring a small amount of the boiling water into the coffee press. This is done to soften the coffee grounds. This allows much more of the flavor to be released into the final drink. Wait about 20-30 seconds, and then unscrew the filter a bit. Two turns should be enough. Pour enough water into the press to fill it, and put the lid back on.

The coffee will take some time to percolate, usually between 5 to 7 minutes. You can check it on occaision, but try to resist the urge; frequent lifting of the lit will lead to the cooling of the water used for brewing.

Once the coffee is finished percolating, remove the coffee press, take your favorite spoon and stir to mix the condensed milk and coffee. The only step left is to enjoy!

Vampire Punch

This fun and festive punch can either be served hot or cold, and is a wonderful way to bring a little "bloody fun" to your next Halloween party.

Ingredients

3 cups of apple juice

3 cups cranberry juice

2 cups orange juice

1 tsp whole cloves

1 cinnamon sticks

3-5 all spice berries, whole

1-2 Tablespoon sugar

1 tsp grated lemon rind

Blood Orange Slices

In a washed square of cheesecloth, combine the cloves, cinnamon, allspice and lemon peel. Fold up the ends and tie shut to enclose the bundle. Combine the juices into a large saucepan and drop the spice package into it. Bring everything to a boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the entire mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring on a regular basis. Remove the mixture from heat and discard the spice bag. If serving hot, pour the mixture into mugs and garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Wassail Punch

This classic holiday drink can be served with either alcohol or not. The recipe below is for an alcohol free version. If you want to add a bit more kick, simply replace the grape juice with your favorite sweet white wine.

1 quart apple cider

1 quart pineapple juice

¾ quart white grape juice

¼ cup sugar

2 sticks cinnamon

½ tsp whole allspice

½ tsp whole cloves

½ cup lemon juice

5 small apples

Whole cloves

In a large pan combine the first six ingredients. Simmer for 15 minutes. Next, add the lemon juice. Heat but do not boil. Pour into a large punch bowl. Stud the apples with cloves a float them in the punch bowl. This recipe serves approximately 17 people.

These are just a few hot drink recipes that you can use to make your winter days a bit warmer, and a bit more enjoyable. So the next time you start to feel the chill in the air, remember warmth and comfort is just a hot drink away.