Foolproof Guide To Hot Boozy Beverages This Winter

Gone are the iced cocktails and cucumber coolers of summer; now it’s all about the hot (and preferably alcoholic) beverages. Also gone are the days when you needed to have a whopper head cold to justify diving on a hot whiskey; they’re very en vogue in 2015. Whether you enjoy one of these as an old fashioned way to stave off the sniffles or you just fancy something hot with a little fire in your belly, you’ll be grateful for the following age old recipes. All of which serve one.

Hot Whiskey / Hot Toddy

These work best in a glass with a handle that can cope with boiling water; add a healthy measure of Jameson. Cut yourself a slice of lemon and get four cloves. Stab the lemon with the cloves (it looks very pretty and fancy but as you can see, it’s very easy) and place your creation in the glass with the whiskey. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar, and then fill up with boiling water. Give it a taste and add more whiskey or sugar as required. Et voila.

Hot Port

Follow the same steps as above, however swap whiskey for port. Standard recommendation is 1 part port to 2 parts water. Feel free to experiment here by opting for a slice of orange instead of lemon or adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Spiced Apple Cider

Get yourself a small saucepan. Add one cup of cloudy apple juice. Add one measure of rum, white or spiced. Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer until it’s hot enough to drink. Pour into mug. Garnish with slice of apple or cinnamon stick.

Mulled Wine

This one’s particularly lazy, but also a brilliant Christmas hack. Add one part IKEA Glogg to 2 parts red wine, stir gently in a saucepan until hot enough to drink. Serve. Guzzle. Repeat.

Alternatively, if you’ve got more time on your hands and people to impress, head over yonder to our winter warmers feature where you’ll find all kind of hot elaborate boozy drinks?that require more than 3 ingredients each.