Cocktails aren’t just for the summer holidays, you can enjoy them at any time of year. So, with colder weather and shorter days on the horizon, what better time to seek out some delicious winter cocktail recipes? There are so many to choose from, but here is a small selection of the type of drinks you could be serving or enjoying this winter.
Photo Credit: SnapGuide.com
One of the world’s most famous cocktails is the classic Bellini, traditionally made with peach puree and Prosecco (some great Prosecco offers here). A fabulous variation on this ever popular drink is the Winter Bellini, using pear instead of peach. This is a simple drink to prepare for guests, as the puree can be made in advance, by cooking pears and a few tablespoons of caster sugar in boiling water and adding grated ginger and a splash of lemon juice. Serve by pouring some puree into a champagne glass and topping up with the chilled Prosecco.
Photo Credit: bbc.co.uk
An old Christmas favourite is mulled wine, but why not try Mulled Cider for a change? Combine some good quality cider with orange and lemon wedges spiked with cloves, cinnamon sticks, honey and cardamom pods with a little Orange Liqueur and a slug of whisky to make a wonderfully aromatic cocktail. This should be warmed slowly over a low heat and served in heatproof glasses, adding a little grated nutmeg to finish off.
Photo Credit: HouseandGarden.co.uk
If you’re looking for a vodka based recipe, then you can’t go far wrong with a Jack Horner! This is a lovely cocktail, just perfect for cosy fireside house parties. You may have your own favourite brand of vodka, but if not, Belvedere is always a good choice. This cocktail is made with fresh blackberries (3 per glass), combined with cinnamon syrup, fresh lemon juice and a dash of egg white. All ingredients and the vodka should be shaken vigorously in a cocktail shaker to emulsify the egg white (for a lovely froth!). Add some ice cubes and shake a little more before pouring – a pinch of ground cinnamon makes a perfect garnish before presenting.
Photo credit: Taste.com.au
So, now you are warming to the thought of the winter months and all the scrummy cocktails you can try, let’s revisit another old favourite, the Brandy Alexander. There is a version of this drink that’s just perfect for the festive season. The magic ingredient is Baileys Irish Cream, which of course is a fantastic drink on it’s own, but also makes a great cocktail. This is a good time to buy as you will find some great seasonal offers around. This lovely drink is easy to make by combining equal measures of Baileys, brandy and Creme de Cacao in a shaker with ice, and is best served in a martini glass.
Finally, the elegant, understated Champagne Cocktail is always a hit. This timeless classic never goes out of fashion and helps make any occasion a special one. Its appeal is only matched its simplicity. A single sugar cube soaked in Angostura Bitters dropped into a champagne flute before filling with sparkling wine. What could be easier? Garnish with a twist of lemon for added sophistication.
