We all know that January and February are probably the worst months of the year. It’s dark, it’s cold, the holidays are over, and it seems like we’re not going to be having any fun until the flowers bloom in spring. We spent December at every Christmas party, being and feeling merry, started the New Year with a bang and (if you’re anything like me) a lot of celebratory drinks; but now that we no longer have the lights, festivities and mulled wine to tide us over, what are we to do when we need a cocktail to keep warm overthe winter?
Well, have no fear, because we’ve got the recipes to keep you both boozy and cosy. These warm cocktails are perfect for the winter months, and even though there are no longer any Christmas parties to host or attend, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a cocktail or two at home on the sofa, while watching the new series of Doctor Who or the winter version of Love Island.
Even if you’re embarking on a dry January challenge (kudos to you), these cocktails are fun to make and will taste just as delicious without the alcohol, so everyone in the family can join in the post-Christmas festivities. Goodbye winter blues, hello winter booze.
Hot Toddy
1200ml water
1 shot bourbon (25ml)
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoon lemon juice
Heat up the water in a pan to a simmer, add all the other ingredients and stir to combine. Pour it into a nice mug and enjoy the warming sensation! (Please note: Do not bring to a boil and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon slice – it’s not Christmas anymore!)
Hot Chocolate Buie
2 shots Drambuie (50ml)
225ml hot milk (or a vegan/lactose-free alternative)
1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine all the ingredients and gently warm the mixture over a medium heat. Stir slowly, but do not bring to the boil. Make sure to serve it hot, with marshmallows or whipped cream if you desire. Feel free to switch out Drambuie with any other preferred liqueur if it’s not to your taste.
Apple Cider Margarita
2 shots Tequila (50ml)
120ml Apple Cider
25ml orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon agave nectar
Gently heat the apple cider until it’s warm, but not boiling. Mix it with all the other ingredients in a glass and stir to mix the flavours together. Sprinkle on some cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra kick!
Gin Toddy
2 shots Gin (50ml)
100ml hot water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Add the ingredients, in order, to a gin goblet and mix as you go to blend the flavours together. This is perfect for gin lovers who want to keep their traditional G&T icy.
