During winter it becomes more and more difficult to head to a bar for a drink after work. All we want to do is snuggle up with a blanket and keep warm. But that doesn't mean you can’t be your own bartender and make a delicious winter cocktail to enjoy while you cosy up next to your fireplace.
What makes a perfect cocktail?
As nice as it appears, a tiny umbrella on top of a glass does not make a perfect cocktail - a great cocktail should be stimulating. Each ingredient should complement each other to form a tantalising collection of flavours. In winter, a great cocktail can soothe the soul and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
We hope you enjoy this list of 3 winter cocktails to get warm and cozy with:
Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate (Serves 2)
Yes, this drink exists. Please contain your excitement and try not to drool. Seriously, red wine and chocolate combined is the perfect cocktail for pretty much any occasion.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup milk
1 cup of your favourite red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec)
⅓ cup dark chocolate
Whipped cream
How to make it:
Stir the milk and dark chocolate in a frying pan over medium heat. Be sure to continually stir until the dark chocolate is melted with the milk and it becomes thick and creamy. Add the red wine and continue to slowly stir until everything is hot.
You are now ready to enjoy! Pour into 2 mugs and top up with whipped cream.
The Smoky Robinson (Serves 1)
If you’re after a sweet whisky cocktail to get you through a cold winter’s night, then the Smoky Robinson has you covered. You couldn’t go wrong with a warm cup of maple syrup infused with whisky and spices, right?
Ingredients:
½ Cup Maple Syrup
½ Cup water
2 Cinnamon sticks
5 Whole cloves
45 mL Whiskey
45 mL Mezcal
15 mL Fresh lemon juice
Lemon twist to serve
How to make it:
Heat the maple syrup, water, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Cover the saucepan and leave to cool for at least half an hour. Once cooled, strain the mix into a cocktail shaker or jar.
Add the whisky, mezcal, lemon juice and shake vigorously. Pour into a cocktail glass. Add ice if you desire.
White Russian (Serves 1)
Vodka is the drink of choice for many when the temperature begins to drop. This creamy coffee cocktail can be made in a matter of minutes and is best enjoyed curled up next to your heater.
Ingredients:
30 mL Cream
30 mL Kahlua
30 mL Vodka
How to make:
Pour some ice into a small glass and add the cream, Kahlua and vodka. Gently stir for 10 seconds.
To test your bartending skills, try layering your drink so it looks more impressive. First, fill a tall glass with ice. Add the vodka, followed by the Kahlua. Next, hold a teaspoon over the glass with the backside facing up. Gently pour the cream over the back of the spoon. This method keeps the cream separated from the vodka and Kahlua. It may take you a few attempts to perfect this method, so invite a friend over so you can get plenty of practice.
Find every spirit you need for your winter cocktails in our online bottleshop.
