Winter Drinks

Summer has come and gone once again. Days are shorter and the nights are growing colder. Winter is here and cold is all we will know for the next few months. But there is warmth at the end of this tunnel! We have compiled a list of some delicious winter drinks perfect to share in front of the fire. And even a few for when the kids have gone to bed and you need a little extra warmth.

Classing Hot Chocolate

2 cups full cream milk
2 tbsp sugar
1 cup of chocolate ( finely chopped)
splash of vanilla extract optional
whipped cream optional
marshmallows optional

In a small pot combine milk and sugar over medium heat. Place finely chopped chocolate in the microwave for 30 seconds before removing and giving it a stir. Place the chocolate back in the microwave again and repeat the process until it is evenly melted. When the milk starts to bubble around the sides, remove from heat and use a whisk to mix in melted chocolate. Add vanilla extract to taste and top with marshmallows and/or whipped cream. This recipe serves 2 so be sure to share or same some for later!

Hot Toddy

1/2 c. water
44ml. bourbon
1 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. lemon juice
Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Lemon slice, for garnish

In a small pot or teapot, bring water to a simmer. Combine bourbon, lemon juice and honey in a mug before filling with the hot water. Give it a good stir and garnish with the lemon slice and cinnamon stick. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch the water with apple cider and the swap the honey for caramel.

Winter drinks can be fruity, spicy or fresh and will warm you up from the inside. They smell delicious too.

Cranberry Gin Fizz

For the Cranberry Syrup:
1/2 c. cranberries
3/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. water
4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Cocktail:
6ml. gin
22ml Cranberry Syrup (see below)
22ml fresh lemon juice
15ml elderflower liquor
Ice
Club soda
Fresh cranberries, to garnish
2 sprig fresh thyme, to garnish

For the syrup, add cranberries sugar and water into a small saucepan and place over medium heat. After 10 to 12 minutes the sugar should dissolve and the cranberries should be broken down. Now, stir in all 4 sprigs of thyme. Allow mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature. Strain the syrup and throw away the solids.

Combine the syrup with the gin, lemon juice and elderflower liquor in a cocktail shaker and add some ice. Shake well and strain into two glasses. Finally, top of the drinks with ice and club soda before garnishing with fresh cranberries and thyme.

Almond milk Chai with Whiskey and orange

1 cup of sweetened vanilla almond milk
1 1/2 tsp loose leaf chai tea (or 1 teabag)
30ml whiskey
30ml fresh-squeezed orange juice
slice of orange and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional) orange, and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

In a small saucepan, heat almond milk until it begins to bubble. Make sure not to boil the milk! Remove from heat and add in the tea. Stir and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes. In a separate mug, pour in the orange juice and whiskey. Once the tea is steeped strain it (or remove the teabag) and pour over the orange juice and whiskey mix.
Give it a quick stir and add a pinch of cinnamon. Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick and enjoy while it’s still warm!

Enjoy these winter drinks in the comfort of your inspired outdoor setting. For some Creative-Living outdoor space ideas click here.