Liquid Spark
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Liquid Spark Winter Cocktails by Brandy Howard When the term “hot toddy” is thrown out it usually reminds one of the foul-smelling drink your grandmother used to sip when she was under the weather or old English gents hobnobbing at the local pub. It’s a hot whiskey drink, some argue. No, it’s rum, you idiot, others will counter. Well, it just so happens that the moniker “hot toddy” can refer to just about any alcoholic beverage that is served hot and consists of a spirit such as rum, whiskey or gin that is combined with a sweetener and a mixer; oft used favs are coffee, water, hot chocolate and milk. As thermometers around the Valley begin to dip below 70 degrees and twinkling lights begin to cover everything in sight, variations of hot toddies abound at virtually every celebratory turn. This holiday season, whether you’re looking to whoop it up or drown your sorrows as folks begin decking their halls, there is a hot toddy to do just the trick for any occasion.
Start with the most traditional of toddies for lubing up your co-workers at your company’s annual holiday shindig. This well-known version of a hot toddy, which has been used for healing the mind, body and soul for centuries, is a drink you can throw together in a variety of settings. Whether made with the office coffee pot and served in paper cups or concocted at a cube mate’s home and served in crystal, this old-world favorite will lend an air of sophistication to your holiday buzz. 2 ounces rum 2 teaspoon powdered sugar 1 twist lemon peel 4 ounces hot water Dissolve powdered sugar in hot water. Add rum and stir. Add a twist of lemon peel and serve. Substitute gin, whiskey, or any other spirit to customize this drink to your liking. Serves one. drinkmixer.com
When you gather the gal pals for your annual gift exchange, serve up an adult’s only version of a childhood favorite – Peppermint Hot Chocolate. This chocolaty delight will pack a serotonin-inducing punch that will make swapping gardenia-scented lotions and heart-embellished picture frames actually fun. 1 cup half and half 8 ounces best available quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely 1 1/2 cups milk 4 ounces crème de menthe (clear or green) In a small pot, bring half and half to a boil. Remove from heat and add to chocolate in a bowl. Stir until chocolate has fully melted. Return chocolate liquid to the pot or refrigerate until ready for use. Before serving, add milk and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it simmers. Pour into individual mugs. Stir in one ounce of crème de menthe to each mug just before serving. Serves four. foodnetwork.com Tips: Become a diet-saving hero by substituting nonfat milk or coffee creamer to make a lower cal version or soymilk/cream for the vegans. Let the ladies spike their own hot chocolate. Provide a bar of tasty treats such as amaretto, Grand Marnier, flavored vodkas and coffee liqueur with accompanying garnishes of cherries, chocolate shavings, whipped cream and cinnamon.
Hanging with newly acquired family before noon can make for the roughest of all holiday gatherings; one for which none other than Irish Coffee will do. After a long night of surfing the sofa bed, this eye-opener will help take the edge off without blurring your senses too early. The near magic combination of caffeine and whiskey will induce a sparkling charm that even the toughest of relatives won’t be able to resist. 4 ounces hot coffee 1 ounces of Irish Whiskey 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 heaped dessert spoon of whipped cream In a heated coffee glass, combine one shot of Irish Whiskey and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add the hot coffee and stir well to dissolve the sugar. Top off your concoction with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a modern twist to this classic with an extra shot of Bailey’s or Kaluha. Serves one. lollysmith.com
Don your best snowflake sweater and meet up with your old high school chums at the local watering hole. Better yet, have them over to trash your folks’ place, just like the old days. Only now as a certified grown up, toast over a classy drink such as Hot Buttered Rum, instead of cans of Natty Light. Reliving the glory days will be so much more glorious. 2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 pinch salt 2 quarts hot water 3 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 2 cups rum 1 cup sweetened whipped cream 1 dash ground nutmeg to taste Combine the brown sugar, butter, salt and hot water in a five-quart slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves. Cover and cook on low for five hours. Stir in rum. To serve, ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. Serves six to eight. allrecipes.com
Celebrate the season with your best sweetie over steaming mugs of Glögg. Don’t let the less-than-sexy name fool you; consisting mostly of red wine, this spicy drink will ignite more than cultural curiosity in your significant other. Making your own version of this Swedish beverage will prove that you are indeed a worldly kitchen dynamo. Or you can buy Glögg at Ikea and simply feign culinary chops akin to those of Rachael Ray. 2 (750 milliliter) bottles red wine 2 ounces dried orange zest 2 ounces cinnamon sticks 20 whole cardamom seeds 25 whole cloves 1 pound blanched almonds 1 pound raisins 1 pound sugar cubes 5 fluid ounces brandy Pour wine into a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Wrap orange zest, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and cloves in cheesecloth, tie with kitchen string and put into pot. Let boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in almonds and raisins and continue to boil for 15 more minutes. Remove from heat. Place a wire grill over the pot and cover with sugar cubes. Slowly pour on brandy, making sure to completely saturate the sugar. Light sugar with a match and let it flame. When sugar has melted, cover pot with lid to extinguish flame Stir and remove spice bag. Serve hot in cups with a few almonds and raisins. Serves eight to ten. basicrecipes.com |
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