Hattie Curl lists 7 great winter cocktails
The nights are slowly but surely beginning to draw in, and what better way to stay cosy than with these warming boozy drinks. From the classic old-fashioned to a more daring sour green apple jalapeño cocktail, there's something for all tastes.
Old-Fashioned
An original, classic cocktail with a rich history behind it, the old-fashioned continues to be a firm favourite. The warming bourbon is great for cold winter evenings at a speakeasy or at home huddled by the fire.
- Bourbon 50ml
- Bitters a dash
- Sugar 1/2 tablespoon
- Orange peel
- Ice
1) Dissolve the sugar in a small amount of water, bourbon and bitters. Really grind up the sugar and get as much dissolved into the water/bourbon/bitters solution as possible. Only use a dash of bitters as too much of it will unsurprisingly make the drink too bitter (clue is in the name).
2) Place a couple of ice cubes in the glass and add a quarter of the bourbon, stir for 40 seconds.
3) Add the remaining bourbon in quarter increments, stirring for 40 seconds and adding a couple of ice cubes each time. There should be no sugar left floating in the bourbon (I would personally stir for a minute instead of 40 second, but you might not have as much free time as I do).
4) Twist the orange peel over the glass and rub around the rim to release all those lovely oils before leaving in the glass as garnish. If you're feeling fancy you can chuck a couple of cherry's in as well or even an entire orange quarter although personally I think just the orange skin works best.
Sloe Gin Fizz
A beautifully British concoction, this refreshing drink is perfect for those who want to go for something slightly different this season. Why not try an exciting twist by adding grapefruit and ginger ale, as Matthew does here.
- Sloe gin 50ml
- Sugar 1 teaspoon
- Fresh lemon juice 1-2 tablespoons
- Soda water
- Ice
1) Combine the lemon juice and sugar in a shaker and mix together.
2) Add the ice and sloe gin before shaking hard and pouring in to a short glass.
3) Top up with soda water and garnish with whichever berries take your fancy.
Blizzard
Curl up with this delicious, boozy twist on a regular cup of coffee. An ideal winter warmer.
- Irish whiskey or rum 40ml
- Hazelnut liqueur 15ml
- Irish cream liqueur 15ml
- Hot coffee
- Whipped cream
1) In a coffee mug, stir together whiskey, hazelnut liqueur and Irish cream liqueur.
2) Top up with coffee and stir. Garnish the cocktail with whipped cream and serve immediately. You could also try adding little marshmallows as a garnish if you're feeling particularly naughty!
Winter Solstice
An icy cool cocktail to match the weather outside. Sweet and refreshing, perfect for wintry nights out.
- Orange vodka 40ml
- Cointreau 15ml
- Fresh lemon juice 15ml
- Soda water
- Ice
- Mint leaf to garnish
- Raspberry to garnish
1) In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and ice; shake until well combined.
2) Strain into a chilled glass and add a splash of soda.
3) Garnish with mint leaf and raspberry.
Mulled Wine Cocktail
If you are tired of traditional hot mulled wine, this cocktail will reinvigorate your love for the rich taste. Familiar flavours with a twist, this chilled adaptation won't disappoint.
- Mulled wine, cold 50ml (check here for a mulled wine recipe)
- Dark rum 50ml
- Ginger ale
- Ice
1) Half fill a shaker with ice cubes and pour in the dark rum and mulled wine.
2) Seal and shake well for 30 seconds.
3) Pour the contents into a glass and top with ginger ale.
Sour Green Apple Jalapeño
With a definite kick, this refreshingly spicy cocktail offers a twist on classic flavours that's certain to get the pulse racing.
- Tequila 45ml
- Triple sec 15ml
- Jalapeño syrup 30ml (recipe here)
- Sour green apple juice 60ml
- Fresh lime juice 15ml
- Ice
- Lime wedges to garnish
1) In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add jalapeño syrup, sour green apple juice, lime juice, tequila and triple sec.
2) Shake vigorously and pour over the ice.
3) Garnish with lime wedges or even a few actual Jalapeños if you're looking to really punish your guests.
Gold Rush
A combination of spicy ginger, belly-warming bourbon and tart lemon juice, the Gold Rush is just the tipple to celebrate cold, crisp winter evenings.
- Bourbon 30ml
- Ginger liqueur 40ml
- Fresh lemon juice 15ml
- Ice
1) Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2) Shake vigorously until your shaker is well chilled and strain into a glass. I find a nice stick of cinammon goes well as a garnish for this cocktail but it's an acquired taste.
Check out another one of our great Food and Drink pieces like our recent round up of the very best Sunday roasts in Surrey
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