Winter Warmer Cocktail Recipes To Stave Off The Winter Chill

Eggnog

Traditionally served over Yuletide, this warming, slightly spicy and oh-so sweet drink is perfect for your Christmas in July celebrations. Ingredients: 

• 1/2 C milk
• 1/2 C cream
• 6 egg yolks
• 2/3 C sugar
• 1/2 - 3/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 C milk
• 1 C cream
• 1/2 - 1 C spiced rum
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

Method: 

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 C milk and 1/2 C cream and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, nutmeg and sugar until slightly thickened.
3. Heat remaining cream and milk in a saucepan over a medium heat until steaming.
4. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the egg mixture, while stirring continuously.
5. Return the milk mixture to a medium-low heat. Stir the mixture frequently until it thickens slightly and reaches about 80°C. Don't overheat the mixture.
6. Remove from heat and immedietely add the milk and cream mixture you set aside earlier. Then strain the mixture through a sieve.
7. Stir in the rum and vanilla essence.
8. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

*Recipe sourced from Joy The Baker. [caption id="attachment_112956" align="alignnone" width="656"] Image sourced from www.freepik.com[/caption]

Mulled Wine

Made with red wine, warm spices, refreshing citrus and just a little sweetness, this is just the drink to get you through the winter chills. Ingredients:

• 750ml dry red wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 2 - 4 Tb sugar
• 1/4 C brandy, optional

Method: 

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
2. Cook the wine until it just barely reaches a simmer. Avoid letting it bubble or the alcohol will cook out.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 15 minutes to 3 hours.
4. Strain the mixture.
5. Taste the wine and add more sugar if necessary.
6. Serve warm.

*Recipe sourced from Gimme Some Oven. [caption id="attachment_112957" align="alignnone" width="658"] Image sourced from www.pixabay.com[/caption]

Irish Coffee

This simple recipe makes a wonderful cup of spiked coffee to keep you warm on even the coldest of night. Finish off your drink with shaved chocolate for an extra indulgence. Ingredients: 

• 3 Tb whiskey
• 1 - 2 Tb sugar
• 3/4 C freshly brewed hot coffee
• Whipped cream

Method: 

1. Pour the whiskey into a heat-proof glass and add the sugar. Add a splash of coffee and stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the rest of the coffee, stir and taste. Add additional sugar, to taste.
3. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

*Recipe sourced from Cookie and Kate. [caption id="attachment_112958" align="alignnone" width="657"] Image sourced from www.pixabay.com[/caption]

Hot Buttered Rum

As odd as this drink may seem, it is a popular choice to ward off the cold overseas. The mixture of aromatics and dark rum is sure to warm you up in a jiffy. Ingredients:

• 2 C water
• 1/4 C butter
• 1/4 C brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2/3 C dark rum

Method: 

1. Bring water, butter, sugar and spices to a boil over a high heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in rum.
4. Serve and enjoy.

Recipe sourced from Epicurious. [caption id="attachment_112970" align="alignnone" width="659"] Image sourced from www.freepik.com[/caption]

Kahlua Hot Chocolate

Looking for a warm, creamy and chocolatey drink? Then why not indulge in a yummy cup of hot chocolate, spiked with some grown up juice? Ingredients:

• 2 Tb sugar
• 2 Tb cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 C milk
• 2 - 4 Tb Kahlua

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, mix together sugar, cocoa and cinnamon. Gradually mix in milk.
2. Simmer until heated through.
3. Remove from heat and stir in Kahlua.
4. Ladle into mugs and serve.

*Recipe sourced from Taste of Home. [caption id="attachment_112962" align="alignnone" width="659"] Image sourced from www.pixabay.com[/caption]

Hot Toddy

If the winter blues have you feeling a touch under the weather, then warm up with a classic hot toddy. The honey, lemon and spices will have you in top form in no time. Ingredients: 

• 50 ml whiskey
• 3 tsp honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
• 2 cloves

Method:

1. Whisk the whiskey and honey together and divide between two glasses.
2. Add half a cinnamon stick to each and top with boiling water.
3. Add a splash of lemon juice.
4. Finish with a slice of lemon and a clove.
5. Serve immediately.

*Recipe sourced from BBC Good Food. [caption id="attachment_112963" align="alignnone" width="659"] Image sourced from www.freepik.com[/caption] Do you have any winter warmer cocktail recipes? Let us know about them in the comments section below.