We don’t know whether it’s the smell of a real Christmas tree, the fresh cold crisp air or just the buzz you get in the build up to Christmas, but there is nothing more satisfying than a warm winter drink and if that postman up in Donegal is right these recipes are going to come in very handy. These drinks are a great way to start a festive party or welcoming friends in from the cold.
There are thousands of warm cocktails recipes available on line and every other magazine is trying to outdo each other with celebrity this and that winter warmers. This month we have listed a few of our favourites, Three of them require a little bit of work, but they are worth it. The other two are simple, open the bottle and serve warm. You can always make them fancy by using ornate glasses and nice garnishes like a cinnamon sticks or a clove studded orange, apple or lemon. Your friends will never know you didn’t make it yourself.
Remember if your serving a hot beverage in a glass, put a spoon into the glass before pouring in any hot liquids. It’s always best to put the spoon into the glass and add boiled water to warm the glass. This will ensure the drink will stay hotter for longer.
Irish Coffee
Did you know the original Irish coffee was invented and named by Joe sheridan, a head chef in foynes, County Limerick.
Foynes' port was the precursor to shannon International Airport in the west of Ireland. The coffee was conceived after a group of American passengers disembarked from a Pan Am flying boat on a miserable winter evening in the 1940s. sheridan added whiskey to the coffee to warm the passengers. After the passengers asked if they were being served Brazilian coffee, sheridan told them it was "Irish coffee".
ince last Christmas we have used the Waterford Whiskey Liqueur “Mul- doon” instead of Whiskey. We reckon had Muldoon been available in the 40s that’s what would have been used. TIP: If using Muldoon you won’t need to add sugar.
Peppermint Coco
This drink, also known as a heidi, reminds me of a trip I took to the Alps. It’s great après skiing, camping in cold weather, or as an after dinner dessert drink.
- Milk
- Monin Chocolate syrup
- Crème de Menthe or Peppermint schnapps
Directions: heat milk, add chocolate to taste, add a shot of liqueur and stir.
Eggnog
This has to my favorite Winter Warmer. This recipe will serve four people or just me if you’re asking me!
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 shots of Whiskey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- small pinch ground allspice
- small pinch ground cloves
- Large pinch ground cinnamon
- 2 2/3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated whole nutmeg or ground nutmeg
In small mixing bowl, whisk yolks briefly. Add sugar, 1 tablespoon whiskey, vanilla extract, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon, and whisk again. set aside. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in another large bowl until stiff and glossy. fold whites into yolk mixture, and set aside.
In medium saucepan over low heat, bring milk to simmer and remove from heat. While milk is warming, briefly stir egg batter, then add 1 1/2 tablespoons to mug. slowly add 4 tablespoons of remaining whiskey, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. fill mug with hot milk, stir, sprinkle with nutmeg, and serve.
Winter Jack
Jack Daniel’s Winter Jack is a seasonal blend of apple cider liqueur, Jack Daniel’s old no. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and holiday spices. It is based on an original family recipe from Jack’s home in Lynchburg, Tennessee. When it’s cold outside this heart-warming Tennessee punch should be enjoyed with friends and family.
Winter Jack is best served warm. once heated, it has an inviting aroma of warm apple cider, orange peel, cinnamon, clove and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. The taste is reminiscent of apple pie complemented with Tennessee Whiskey and seasonal spices, with a finish of toasted oak and vanilla.
Crabbies Mulled Ginger Wine
Crabbie’s Ginger Mulled Wine taps into the consumers growing de- mand for products with quality Ginger and spices at the essence.
Ideally served warm in a tall glass, Crabbie’s Ginger Mulled Wine uses the same special recipe that gives the rest of the Crabbie’s family their unique taste.
The combination of quality ruby wine, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and citrus fruits offers a Crabbie’s twist on the traditional festive mulled wine.
Top Tip
Any of the drinks that you need to heat in a sauce pan only heat the liquid - never boil it. Take it off the heat and reheat it as you need it.
Claire, myself and all our staff would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.
By Declan Brady, World Wide Wines
