Forget Abstinence and Drink Cocktails!

January's a bit pants, isn't it?

I originally put these together for Christmas but it seems a shame not to put them on here as we fast approach the weekend. I imagine a few of us will need a drink by then; those that aren't doing stop-January or dry month (or whatever)...for those that enjoy everything in moderation, here are some titivated cocktails to warm the cockles.

Ginger Beard’s Tottie Twist

Ginger Beard from
Wychwood Brewery

Ginger and whisky is a long standing, tried and tested combination but have you ever tried to add ale into the equation? Add an extra kick with ginger beer, or more specifically, a Ginger Beard!  We used Wychwood Ginger Beard (100ml) as it is ale-based and adds extra depth of flavour, to 25ml of whisky (try different styles to discover your favourite cocktail) and finish with a twist of fresh lime for a warming, spicy drink to knock the wind out of any winter blues.  As an alternative, replace the lime with muddled mint or half an orange zest, juice and slice. 

Red Rum Prickly Punch


Foursquare
Spiced Rum

Hot rum punch – how that rolls around the tongue!  This rum-wine medley is sure to warm the cockles on the darkest, coldest evenings. Plus you can make a vat ready to dish out when neighbours start knocking the door, lusting after the spicy-sweet scent!  Warm a bottle of red wine on a low heat, while adding two tablespoons of granulated sugar, one whole clove, one whole star anise, a cinnamon stick, half a lemon and one orange (both zested, juiced and sliced), just a pinch of nutmeg and finally spiced rum to taste (I use about 100ml); my favourite is Four Square Spiced Rum.  Reduce or increase rum to taste.

Kentucky Mulled Cider

If the hot rum punch was a little too rich for your taste, why not try a Kentucky Mulled Cider? Less spice, with the freshness of apple cider. Mix 25ml of Bourbon (I discovered this recipe from the Maker’s Mark website which works perfectly) with 250ml of hot apple cider, ¼ zested, juiced and sliced lemon and a cinnamon stick. Warm it all up on a low heat for 15 minutes – delicious!

Sbiten Russian Mulled Rum

The Russians must know a thing or two about winter warmers, right? Try Sbiten; or Russian Mulled Rum to you and I. Heat up 150ml of water and 50ml of spiced rum until nearly boiling. Then turn down the heat whilst stirring in two tablespoons of your favourite jam and one tablespoon of honey. Once all stirred in, add a pinch each of ground ginger, ground clove, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, simmer for five minutes and then it’s ready to go! Add more or less rum depending on how Russian you are feeling.

Now where is my spirits cabinet....