It’s cold out. Your going skiing. What can warm you up just like a jacket on the outside, but works from the inside out? ALCOHOL! Yay! While it is always good to be responsible, moderation is the key to having fun whilst doing so! That said, grab your Stanley Thermos, BPA free Nalgene bottle, or rugged, manly wineskin and follow these simple steps to concoct the most faithful of winter rescues for your ski trip, snowshoe adventure or outdoor winter cookout!
The Hot Toddy- The classic winter rescue. Maybe a funny name, but sometimes even us guys know it will hit the spot and we’ll order one under our breath. Simply combine 1 tsp honey, 1-1/2fl.oz whiskey, a pinch of nutmeg, 3 whole cloves and a bit of boiling water, garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wedge and there you have it! Nothing short of delicious, its easy to throw back a couple of these when on a break from skiing. Great thermos material.
Mulled Wine- A European staple at winter carnivals, traditional bars and restaurants, mulled wine is traditionally made by adding sugar, spices, and citrus to wine, much as you would with sangria. Mulled wine however is served hot, which gives the spices, most commonly: cloves, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, corriander and orange zest…time to set into the flavor profile. Often times other flavors are added from cocoa to coffee and nut extracts giving it an even more wintery complexity. Make in a crockpot with a cheesecloth bag of spices steeping inside. Add sugar to taste. Serve with orange slice and a dollop of heavy cream if desired. Absolutely spot on when served in a wineskin sling over your shoulder!
Hot Cider- Easy peasy to bring on a sunrise hike or a ski trip. Get some cider, add some brandy/whiskey, heat it up, and go! However, if you’re feeling fancy…grab some mulling spices, some nice cider, and…Calvados…a high end french liquor made from fermented apples. Aged for over 2 years in Oak, the apple brandy mellows over time and is the perfect complement for hot cider.
Hot Buttered Rum- Great for Apres Ski treats, A Hot Buttered Rum is as delicious as it sounds, and is really not too far off from what you’re thinking. Essentially its rum, hot water, and a fancy butter that you make that consists of good old mulling spices, sugar, and salted or sweet butter. Optionally add ice cream and store mix in freezer for its eventual encounter with boiling water and some spiced rum!
Whiskey & Tea- Don’t scoff at this classic southern delicacy. The beauty is in its simplicity. Tea, whiskey, and lots of sugar/honey and maybe a sprig of mint and lemon. Same as on a hot summer day, but serve hot cos its cold remember?!! Drink to many of these and you may not!
For more great ides, check out this book available here on Winter Cocktails!
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