5 Hot Cocktail Recipes for CHRISTMAS

Christmas is around the corner and most of us are busy planning to host a perfect get together with our friends and families- and there is a lot to plan-decorations, gifts, food, dessert and of course drinks (we need our spirits).

For those who prefer to stay warm and cozy in the cold weather, here is a list of hot cocktails that you could enjoy and keep your spirits high!

1 – Double-Chocolate Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 5 oz bitter chocolate, roughly chopped
• 2 oz milk chocolate, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2-3 tbsp whiskey of your choice
• ½ cup boiling water
• Marshmallows, for garnish

Directions

Combine the bitter chocolate, milk chocolate in a bowl and add the boiling water to the mixture. Let it stand for a minute or so. Whisk the mixture until smooth.

Use a saucepan to bring the milk and cream to simmer. To this, add the chocolate mixture and whisk until hot over moderate flame. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the whiskey. Pour it into cups and garnish with marshmallows.

2 – Hot  Apple Cider Margarita

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 4 oz apple cider
• 1oz triple sec
• ½ oz of freshly squeezed lemon
• A pinch of salt
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish
• For the rim
• 1 orange wedge
• ¼ cup sugar

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine the cider, lemon juice and salt and stir over lo heat till it simmers. Then add the tequila and triple sec and stir until the mixture is hot.

Prepare the glass by running the orange wedge around the rim and gently roll the rim in the sugar. Pour the hot mixture into the glass and garnish with cinnamon stick. ( In order to prevent cracking of the glass while pouring the hot mixture, you can place a spoon in the glass before you pour the mixture).

3 – Hot Spiced Wine

Ingredients

• 2 bottles of red wine (750 ml)
• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1 piece of fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 oranges
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3-4 freshly ground peppercorns (optional)

Directions

1. Carefully peel the zest from the oranges into strips. Make sure that you leave the pith behind while peeling the zest. Keep the zest aside and then juice the oranges.
2. In a heavy bottom pan, add the orange juice, the red wines, and the white wine. To this, add the orange zests, ginger strips, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, pepper and sugar; and stir till sugar dissolves.
3. Place the pan over medium high heat and cover until heated. Make sure that it doesn’t boil. Reduce the flame to medium low and heat the mixture for an hour or longer. This helps in bringing all the flavours together.
4. Before serving, adjust the sweetness if required. Strain and pour it into a glass. You can use sliced organs or cinnamon sticks for garnish. (Or simply top it off with a dash of brandy if available).

4 – Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients

• 2 oz of dark rum
• ¼ tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter (soft)
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• A pinch of ground all spice
• A pinch of ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp of vanilla extract
• 5 oz of hot water

Directions

[Gathering the ingredients might take some time, but once you have them all together, this is quick to prepare].

In a mug, add the sugar, spices and butter and mix them well/muddle. Pour in the rum and top it with the hot water. Stir well and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

5 – Hot Spiced Gin and Apple Punch

Ingredients

• 200 ml gin
• 800 ml apple juice (you can use less if you want a stronger drink)
• 50 gm sugar (optional)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Few cloves
• Freshly squeezed juice of half lemon or orange
• A dash of ginger juice (optional)

Directions

In a saucepan, add apple juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sugar. (If your apple sweet is already sweetened, you might not need to add the sugar. I would recommend you taste the mixture and add sugar as per your requirement). Heat this mixture gently for around five minutes. Stir occasionally. You could add a dash of ginger juice for the extra kick.

Remove the mixture from the heat and add the gin and juice of lemon/orange. Mix gently and strain into mugs. Garnish it with an apple slice, a slice of orange and cinnamon stick.

Hope you guys would give these a try and let us know if you liked these or not. Please do share any of your favourite quick and easy recipes that could keep us warm this winter.

Stay safe and wish you all a Very Merry X’mas.