Hot cocktails for colder days

Just because the temperatures are plummeting, doesn’t mean that you can’t still serve your guests delicious cocktails!

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Here are some delicious, warm cocktail recipes that will get the party started, even if it’s 5 degrees outside.

1. Blackberry Mulled Wine

Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
4 to 5 cloves, plus extra for garnish
2 star anise, plus extra for garnish
1 orange, juiced
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brandy
1 cup blackberries
1/4 cup maple syrup

Method:
Pour a bottle of wine into a pot or pan.
Add all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a low simmer for 30 minutes to one hour being careful not to boil.
Serve in mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick, clove, and star anise.

2. Ancho Reyes Original Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
1 1/4 oz Ancho Reyes Original
1/2 cup half & half (cream and milk)
1/4 cup chocolate mix*

Method:
In a saucepan, bring half and half to a simmer (almost boiling).
Add chocolate mix and heat, bringing the combined liquids to a simmer.
In a coffee cup, pour Ancho Reyes, followed by hot chocolate milk mixture.
Garnish with a whole cinnamon stick and an orange peel.

*Chocolate mix:
Combine 100% cacao powder with turbinado sugar at a 1:3/4 ratio (1 part cacao powder to ¾ part turbinado sugar).
Add hot water lightly while stirring, to reach a thick, rich, liquid consistency.
Final ratio should be approximately 1 part cacao powder to ¾ part turbinado sugar, to ¾ part water (by volume).
Store refrigerated in a sealed container.

3. Hot Gin Toddy

Ingredients:
1.5 oz gin
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup hot water
1 tsp sugar

Instructions:
Build all ingredients in a wine goblet, brandy snifter, or glass mug.
Stir well. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.