There’s no better time than right now to start enjoying some “winter warmers” – spirited drinks that warm you up during these cooler months. These are perfect after a day of shopping or zipping down the slopes…or just hanging out with friends and family.
What comes to mind? How about some hot toddies, spiced wines and spiked cocoas? Don’t forget about Irish coffees and hot buttered rums; yes please!
Instead of the traditional eggnog, try my silky oh-so-smooth Hot Buttered Egg Nog with Rum – or maybe even cognac! It combines two great holiday favorites in one drink.
I like to set out a Hot Buttered “DIY Drink Station”—some hot buttered mix, a kettle of water, a selection of rums, whisky and brandies. Stack up some mugs and have some fresh nutmeg for grating over the top. Great for holiday entertaining!
My Winter-Spiced White Wine is another fun drink to make, incorporating seasonal spices and fruits (and will make your home smell lovely!). This steamy white wine infusion is flavored with pears, apples, oranges, cloves, allspice and cinnamon and slightly sweetened with brown sugar.
So now that I’ve given you a few ideas – go on and enjoy the chilly weather and spice things up with some winter warmers. -Kathy
My Hot Buttered Egg Nog with Rum!
For more inspired sipping, check out www.LiquidKitchen.tv
Hot Buttered Egg Nog with Rum
Combining two holiday favorites! Add more or less to taste; rum and Spiced Eggnog Mix.
Makes 1 drink
3 – 4 Tbsp Buttered Eggnog Mix (recipe follows)
1 – 1 1/2 oz Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
4 – 5 oz boiling water
Garnish: fresh grated nutmeg, long piece of orange or Clementine
Place Eggnog Buttered Brandy Mix and rum in coffee glass or mug. Stir in boiling water until batter is dissolved. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top. Garnish with orange zest.
Buttered Eggnog Mix
Makes about 7 cups (about 30 – 36 servings)
1/2 pound salted butter (2 sticks), softened
1 Tbsp. finely minced orange zest
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 pint very high-quality vanilla ice cream
1 cup high-quality eggnog
1 Tbsp. real vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon rum extract
Be sure butter is softened. With an electric mixer; cream butter, orange zest and sugars together in a mixing bowl until totally smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 1 month.
Recipe by Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen™
Winter Spiced White Wine
This recipe can easily be pre-made and made into large batches before parties. Just make sure to gently keep the mixture warm in a crock pot on low heat or in a deep, pretty chaffing dish. For a kid friendly version, replace the white wine with apple cider and omit the brown sugar and liqueur.
Makes 7 cups, or about 8 servings
2 (750 ml) bottles light, dry white wine, such as chenin blanc
1 pear, cut crosswise in 1/4-inch slices
1 apple, cut crosswise in 1/4-inch slices
1 orange, poked with 12 whole cloves, then cut in 1/4-inch slices
5 allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 ounces (1/2 cup) Grand Marnier
Orange peel twists for garnish
Place all the ingredients in a stainless steel or flameproof glass pan and stir well to incorporate the brown sugar. Place over low heat and warm. Do not boil! Let the flavors steep for at least 30 minutes before serving.
At this point you can keep warm and serve, or chill it for later. To reheat, warm each portion in a microwave until just hot but not boiling. Garnish each serving with a twist of orange peel.
Recipe from Dishing with Kathy Casey.
