The winter season can be challenging, especially if you're looking for ways to stay warm while having fun. That said, you can still beat the chill while still having a great time; stiff winter cocktails are just what you need! Be it an intimate gathering or a large party, you can shake up a variety of drinks that are perfect for helping your guests ward off the cold. From hot toddies to mulled wines, options for the holiday season are truly endless. With just a few simple ingredients, you can mix a tasty and enjoyable winter cocktail in no time. So, let's get started and make some easy, breezy cocktails to keep you warm in the winter season!
1. Masala Chai Mulled Wine
What better way to start this list than with a drink that centers around two Indian favorites? You guessed it: masala chai and port wine. These two drinks of the masses make a surprisingly good pair. Read on to find out how you can ward off the cold while enjoying this desi take on the Christmas classic.
Method:
- Pour a whole bottle of port wine into a medium-sized pot, along with a stick of cinnamon, an eighth of nutmeg, two whole pieces of star anise, and a teaspoon each of black pepper, dried ginger, and fennel.
- Put the mixture on a low flame and stir in brown sugar to taste.
- Simmer the mixture on low for anywhere between one and three hours. Keep a close eye on the mixture so that it doesn't come to a boil.
- To serve, pour the wine into a ceramic mug while it is still warm, along with some of the spices that were used to flavor the mixture.
2. Pumpkin Spice Eggnog
This rich, creamy cocktail is a winter essential that has been around for hundreds of years. Our version of this cocktail uses the cult favorite Old Monk Rum as the base spirit and pumpkin spice mix instead of the grated nutmeg that most recipes for the drink call for.
Method:
- Whisk two egg yolks with a quarter cup of brown sugar until homogenous.
- Stir in 350 ml of milk, followed by 120 ml each of Old Monk and heavy cream.
- In a large bowl, whip the egg whites with a quarter cup of brown sugar till soft peaks form.
- Fold in the yolk mixture along with half a teaspoon of pumpkin spice. Mix gently until homogenous.
- Serve in a rocks glass rimmed with pumpkin spice, with a cinnamon stick as garnish.
3. Hot Toddy
Yet another winter classic, the hot toddy continues to stand the test of time as the simplest winter cocktail one can savor regardless of the time of day or occasion.
Method:
- Fill a glass halfway with boiling water and set it aside for a few minutes to warm up.
- Discard the water, and fill the glass halfway with water that is a minute from boiling.
- Add a few cloves to the glass along with a long twist of lime.
- Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar, followed by a tablespoon of lime juice, and a 60-ml measure of brandy.
- Serve hot, with a cinnamon stick to garnish.
4. Spiked Chocolate Chai
An alcoholic version of the world’s favorite milk drink, with a potent flavorant: lapchang souchong. The smoky Chinese tea is the perfect additive to a glass of spiked hot chocolate, cutting through the richness and breathing new life into the drink with rich, heavy notes of smoke.
Method:
- Add two ounces of chopped 60% dark chocolate to a ceramic mug; set aside.
- Boil half a cup of milk with a teaspoon of lapchang souchong, strain into the mug over the dark chocolate, and stir until homogenous.
- Add 60 ml of your favorite bourbon to the mixture, followed by a pinch of salt, and stir to combine. Top the mixture with a generous helping of marshmallows, and toast the same with a blowtorch (optional). Serve hot.
5. Irish Coffee
This list wouldn't be complete without at least one cold drink. Our take on the Irish staple features cold-brewed coffee and a sweetened cream spiked with India’s favorite Irish whiskey, Jameson’s.
Method:
- To start with, add 20 grams of coarsely ground medium roast coffee to a jar, followed by 240 ml of water.
- Close the jar and let it sit on the counter for four hours. Alternatively, brew the coffee the day before, letting it steep in the fridge for a whole day. Set aside after straining.
- In a bowl, combine a quarter cup of heavy cream with 60 ml of Jameson’s and sugar to taste. Stir until the sugar has dissolved; do not whip.
- To serve, pour the cold brew into a tall glass filled halfway with ice, and top with a generous helping of the sweetened cream.
