After a long day on the slopes, there is nothing better than sitting down by the fireside, etheral snowflakes drifting down outside and a warming cocktail in your hand.
Here are five of my personal favourite mulled cocktails to warm your winter evening.
Have a browse or go directly to the recipe that tickles your fancy!
- Mulled lemon & port
MULLED WINE
A winter staple, mulled wine has become synonymous with cold, snowy evenings. You may know this drink by the different name of gluhwein, vin chaud or even vino caldo as this is a much loved drink the world round. This recipe includes classic winter spices and fruit to deepen the flavour of the red wine and warm you from the inside.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bottle of fruity, medium bodied red wine (recommeded merlot or grenache)
- Brandy
- Fresh orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise
- Maple syrup
- Cubed ginger
METHOD
- Add all ingredients into a large saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer -NOT A BOIL- and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours.
- Strain and serve with star anise floating, orange wheel on mug and cinnamon stick vertical in mug.
MULLED CIDER
Capturing the flavours of autumn and winter, this mulled cider is the perfect brew for a cold autumn evening.
INGREDIENTS
- 2l apple cider
- 400ml apple juice
- 70g dark brown sugar
- Sliced oranges
- Sliced apples
- Whole cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cubed ginger
METHOD
- Add all ingredients into a large saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer -NOT A BOIL- and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours.
- Strain and serve with star anise and apple slices floating in mug and cinnamon stick vertical in mug.
MULLED GIN
This is one for the gin lovers out there. This drink combines spiced apples with a gin twist to create a warm but refreshing spiced cocktail perfect for a day on the slopes or a night by the fire.
INGREDIENTS
- 25ml gin per mug
- 100ml fresh apple juice per person
- Sliced lemon
- Rosemary sprigs
- Whole cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Junniper berries
- Maple syrup
METHOD
- Add all ingredients into a large saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer -NOT A BOIL- and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours.
- Add 25ml gin to each mug.
- Strain mulled apple juice into heat proof jug.
- Gently stir hot mulled apple juice into gin.
- Garnish with rosemary and currents.
MULLED LEMON & PORT
This lemon & port cocktail brings a lighter daytime version of the much loved mulled wine with fruity port and refreshing citrus notes.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bottle of ruby port
- Sliced orange
- Sliced lemon
- Star anise
- Whole cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Lemonade top
METHOD
- Add all ingredients into a large saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer -NOT A BOIL- and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours.
- Strain and leave to completely cool.
- Frost glasses in freezer and sugar rim.
- Pour 1 part mulled port and 1 part lemonade into ice filled glasses.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks and lemon wheels.
MULLED SPICED CRANBERRY
A twist on the classic mulled wine bringing a new perspective on an old favourite, this cranberry cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to to a delicious Christmas dinner.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
- 750ml cranberry juice
- Brandy
- Sliced oranges
- Fresh cranberries
- Whole cloves
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Maple syrups
METHOD
- Add all ingredients into a large saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer -NOT A BOIL- and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours.
- Strain and serve with star anise and cranberries floating in drink, orange wheel on glass and cinnamon stick vertical in mug.
Enjoy creating these delicious, warming cocktails for the perfect winter pick me up.
Comments