Cocktails to Keep You Warm Through the Winter

Many people are familiar with adding a shot of liqueur such as Bailey's Irish Cream or Kahlua to a cup of coffee but there are several other options. A cup of hot chocolate tastes great with Bailey's or Kahlua and is also very good with Amaretto or an orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier.

I always make a crock-pot full of mulled wine or spiced cider for the holidays, but sometimes I'm in the mood for a mug of spiced cider and have no one to share it with. I've started making this cocktail in the microwave as an easy way to get the holiday taste without the waste.

Mulled Cider by the Mug
3 whole cloves
One-quarter of a cinnamon stick
One cup apple cider
Jigger spiced rum
Real Whipped Cream

Stir the spices and cider into a microwave safe mug. Heat on full power for 90 seconds and stir again. If the cider isn't hot enough, heat in 30 second increments. Remove from microwave, pull out the spices and add the spiced rum and a dollop of real whipped cream.

Dad's Warm & Fuzzy
We make this mixture around the beginning of November every year and it will last until spring. When I answer the telephone and Dad asks "Is the water boiling?" I know he's on his way for a visit and it's time to make his winter Warm & Fuzzy.

Base
2 pounds unsalted butter
4 cups packed light brown sugar
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon ground cloves
2 quarts vanilla bean ice cream, softened

In a large heavy bottomed saucepan combine butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar and spices. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until butter is melted and sugars are no longer grainy. Remove from heat and stir in the softened ice cream until well blended.

Pack the base mixture into a freezer container and store in freezer until ready to use.

To Serve:
Place a heaping tablespoon of the base mixture into a coffee mug with one jigger of liquor (spiced rum, vodka or brandy). Fill the mug with boiling water and stir until the base mixture is melted and well blended.

Stay warm on the inside during the cold winter months with a warm winter cocktail.