As the winter season approaches, it's the perfect time to start thinking about warm and cozy cocktail recipes to enjoy by the fireplace. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking for a way to warm up on a cold night, these delicious winter cocktails are sure to hit the spot.
1.) Hot Toddy
A classic winter cocktail, the hot toddy is the perfect combination of warm and boozy. To make a hot toddy, you'll need:
1.5 ounces of your favorite whiskey
1 teaspoon of honey
1 lemon wedge
1 cinnamon stick
Boiling water
Start by heating up a mug of water until it's just below boiling. Add the whiskey, honey, and squeeze in the lemon juice. Stir to combine, then add the cinnamon stick and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Sip on the hot toddy to warm up from the inside out.
2. Spiced Hot Cocoa
For a sweet and indulgent winter treat, try spicing up your hot cocoa with a little bit of alcohol. To make a spiced hot cocoa, you'll need:
1 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1/4 cup of your favorite liqueur (such as Kahlua or Bailey's Irish Cream)
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and spices over medium heat until the mixture is hot and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the liqueur. Pour the spiced hot cocoa into a mug and enjoy.
3. Mulled Wine
Nothing says winter like a warm, fragrant glass of mulled wine. To make mulled wine, you'll need:
1 bottle of red wine
1/4 cup of honey
1 orange, sliced
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
In a large saucepan, combine the wine, honey, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot, but not boiling. Reduce the heat to low and let the wine simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the mulled wine warm in glasses or mugs.
4.)Peppermint White Russian
Combine 1.5 ounces of vodka
1.5 ounces of Kahlua
1.5 ounces of peppermint schnapps in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with a splash of cream.