The holidays are a time for family, friends and food, and for some, it is an opportunity to indulge in a few traditional holiday unwinding sessions. Whether you are hosting a Christmas get-together or just looking to unwind with a hot toddy, here are a few holiday drink recipes you can keep tucked away in your stocking that will warm the belly and possibly soothe the soul.
- Holiday Martini
4 ounces lemon vodka
Dash of Cointreau
Twist of tangerine or orange peel
Pour the liquid ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with tangerine peel.
- White Chocolate Egg Nog
5 egg yolks
45g caster sugar
1/4 tsp salt
A good glug of whiskey, brandy and rum
200g cream
300ml milk
1tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
125g white chocolate
1 tbsp vanilla essence
1 vanilla pod
In a medium saucepan place the milk, cream, salt, half of the sugar, vanilla essence, nutmeg, whiskey, rum, brandy, and rum and bring this all to a simmer.
While this is coming to a simmer, whisk the egg yolks and the rest of the sugar till they are light and fluffy.
Once the milk and cream has boiled whisk this onto the egg yolks and sugar till all the milk and cream is whisked in.
Place this back into the saucepan and stir all the time on a medium low heat till the custard begins to thicken and coat the back of the spoon. When it has thickened and has a nice shine, pass through a fine sieve over the white chocolate and then whisk the custard till the chocolate has melted.
This is then ready to serve with some whipped cream and grated white chocolate.
- Champagne Cocktail
1 sugar cube
Angostura bitters
4 ounces chilled champagne
Twist of lemon
Place the sugar cube in a champagne flute and moisten it with a dash or two of bitters. Add champagne and garnish with a twist of lemon.
- Mulled Cider
8 cups apple cider
4 strips lemon zest
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole-star anise
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Combine cider, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, anise, allspice and cloves in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Remove it from heat and cover.
Let it steep for at least 20 minutes, but for maximum flavour, it can steep up to 4 hours.
Pour into mugs, leaving out most of the spices.
Add one ounce of rum or brandy (optional).
- Jack Rose
1 1/2 ounces applejack
Juice of 1 lime or 1/2 lemon
2 dashes grenadine
Pour ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake, then strain into a cocktail glass.