The polar vortex is back with a vengeance! With temps that will dip down below -20 this coming weekend, we're thinking you may need some thing to keep you warm (and let's be honest, slightly buzzed) to get you through the weekend. Here are 8 of our favourite warm bevvies that are sure to be a hit at any Valentine's Day or family day celebration this weekend.
1. Toddies: Toddy recipes vary greatly from family to family and bar to bar. However the main ingredient tends to be whisky. Really you can probably use whatever spirit you choose to prepare a hot toddy as long as it is boozy and hot to shake off the chill of the evening. In fact many will swear this is the best cure for a bad cough, sore throat or cold as well. Toddies also often contain spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves or nutmeg. The main ingredients tend to be two parts water, and two parts whisky. You can then sweeten to taste with honey and add a squeeze of lemon or a fresh lemon slice that will steep like a cup of hot tea.
2. Hot Chocolate: When entertaining, set up a hot chocolate bar with choices of white or milk chocolate and an assortment of liquors and Bailey’s. People can come up with their own concoctions, or you can prepare your own. Classic blends that work well are white hot chocolate with Frangelico, hot chocolate with any type of Bailey’s, peppermint schnapps and of course Kahlua. About a shot will suffice.
→ Looking for new ways to make hot chocolate? Check out our 5 Ways with Hot Chocolate here!
3. Calvados and Cider: You can prepare this drink in the same manner you would a hot toddy. Replace the water with fresh apple cider and the whisky with calvados and of course a cinnamon stick and cloves is a must to complete the warmth and fragrant welcome of this classic winter drink.
4. Mulled Wine: This is a spicy treat perfect to melt the frost off cold noses. Sugar is dissolved into fruity red wine and simmered with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, oranges and lemons. Some people even add a splash of brandy before serving. Think of it as hot sangria.
5. Tipsy Coffee: This is a better offering following the meal. You can use just about anything to make the coffee tipsy and treat it the same way you would your hot chocolate bar. Put out your liqueurs and see what people come up with to create their own freshly brewed night cap.
6. Arnaud's Café Brûlot Diabolique: This is a traditional New Orleans drink perfect for chilly evenings. Sip this by a fire with some zydecho music playing in the background. Deep, robust dark coffee is infused with sugar, lemon peel, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves and finished with a splash of brandy. Traditionally the ingredients are warmed and then mixed in a large bowl that is set aflame. The hot coffee is added before serving and then ladled into elegant demitasse cups. Très chic.
7. Hot Coconut Milk: For a tropical and quite healthful option combine warm coconut milk with bourbon or rum and sweeten with brown sugar. This is nice with a touch of allspice or vanilla for a more fragrant drink. It’s also perfect for dairy free guests.
8. Hot Buttered Rum: Even the name sounds decadent for this traditional drink that took off the edge of harsh Colonial rum. The nice thing about this drink is it is made ahead of time. Butter is beaten with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice and then kept in the fridge overnight. You then simply boil water and pour into cups with 1. 5 ounces of the rum and two tablespoons of your butter mixture when you are ready to serve. Rummy and yummy.
These cocktails will be like a warm embrace that welcomes guests on a cold winter’s night.
→ See all of our holiday recipes and articles in RecipeGeek's HOLIDAY 101!