Friday Winter Warm Up Drinks

Brrrr... it's crazy rainy here in Northern California. I am okay with that, at least it's not snow and ice, and it's really not that cold. Needless to say, we are hunkered down in our offices watching the rain blow sideways and creating some fun winter warm cocktails this afternoon! 

(it is Friday.... and I have a terrible cold, bourbon should help, right?)

Winter Warm-Up Cocktails

1. Apple Cider Bourbon Whiskey Cocktail - Simmers in the Crockpot!

Recipe for 1 drink:

• 2 oz. bourbon
• 6 oz. warm apple cider - could simmer on stove or in crockpot to add that lovely aroma to your home. Would also think about adding some nutmeg, cloves or cinnamon too!
• Cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish (oh! Just bought Honey Crisps!)

Pour warm apple cider in pretty glasses, add bourbon and garnish. Super Delish - and EASY

We used our Pewter Crab Tankards, but smaller coffee cup size glasses would be perfect too! More choices in our Salisbury Glassware Collection 

2. Ginger-Lemon Hot Toddies - Guaranteed to work wonders on sick days!  Or not so sick days.... (from MyRecipes.com)

• 8 cups water
• 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 14 small lemons)
• 2 cups honey
• 5 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger (love!)
• 1 (3-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 3/4 cup golden rum
• 3/4 cup brandy
• Lemon rind strips (optional)

Stir in rum and brandy. Ladle mixture into mugs, and garnish with lemon rind strips.

3. Boozy Almond-Honey Hot Chocolate - Discovered at Coastal Living

Requires amaretto, hot chocolate and cream - what could be better than that! 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup amaretto liqueur
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 ounces chopped milk chocolate
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Toasted sliced almonds

Combine milk and 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat. Whisk in amaretto liqueur, honey, chocolate, and salt. Keep warm. Beat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a chilled bowl with a whisk until soft peaks form. Serve hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and toasted sliced almonds. YUM!

4. Mulled Wine - Not just for the holidays!

And since we live so close to California's Wine Country, we might have some bottles of red wine that we could sacrifice to make this delish cocktail! Only a few ingredients - I would absolutely cut this recipe in half for fewer people.  Click here for full details!

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 bottles of red wine
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 8 cloves
• Orange Zest Strips

5. Vanilla Vodka Infused White Hot Chocolate - oh mi! Full recipe from mixologist Amy Machnak. Looks very simple, but elegant and super yum.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vanilla vodka
• 1 1/2 tablespoons miniature marshmallows
• 1/8 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder