Hankering for a simple cocktail that will help you make it through the long winter months until daiquiris and margaritas find their way into your blender again?
Winter cocktails are often filled with seasonal staples like cinnamon, syrup and nutmeg, and can be tinkered with until you find the perfect balance of spices to fit your taste. Local bars and restaurants may have their own variations of winter classics on their drink menus, but nothing beats learning a solid recipe to whip up any time you want.
These three classics have minimal ingredient lists and are great for a night spent in watching football or to serve when entertaining friends.
Mulled Cider
What you’ll need: 12 cups apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, orange peel from one orange, lemon peel from one lemon, ½ cup maple syrup (optional), 1 cup dark rum or whiskey
In a large pot, combine the cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange and lemon peels. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the rum or whiskey. Serve in mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick if you want to be particularly fancy.
Hot Toddy
What you’ll need: one shot of whiskey (any kind you prefer), 1 teaspoon brown sugar, boiling water and a slice of lemon
Heat a glass of water in the microwave until on the verge of boiling. Add the shot of whiskey and the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then enjoy with a garnish of sliced lemon to add a kick of citrus.
Manhattan
What you’ll need: rye whiskey, ½ oz. sweet vermouth, 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters, and a Maraschino cherry for a finishing garnish.
Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass with a large cube of ice, stir and top with the cherry for a true American classic.
Have another go-to cocktail you save for winter? Share it in the comment section below.
