This post comes to us courtesy of Samantha Hobbs Chulick, blogger at Cashmere Fog.
After a long day, I can always count on one thing to help me relax — a cocktail. In the warmer months I turn to something with a bright, refreshing zing – perhaps a watermelon margarita or a classic gin and tonic.
But when the leaves start to fall and the air begins to have a slight chill, I no longer crave a thirst-quenching summer sipper. Instead, I want something comforting and warm. Whether it’s a calming chamomile tea with a splash of bourbon or an adult hot cider, nothing will cheer you up faster than these winter warmers.
These grown-up beverages are perfect for evenings spent wrapped in a cashmere blanket reading your favorite novel. Cheers!
This exotic, spicy tea is taken to a new level with the addition of velvety vanilla vodka and cinnamon liqueur. Enjoy on a chilly evening by the fire.
1 cup water
1 cup milk (whole or half & half)
2 chai spice tea bags
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla vodka
2 teaspoons cinnamon liqueur
Whipped cream (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
In a medium saucepan combine water, milk, and tea bags. Bring to a boil and stir.
Reduce heat and add sugar. Stir for another 3 to 5 minutes then remove from heat and remove tea bags.
Mix in the vanilla vodka and cinnamon liqueur.
Serve in large mugs and garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks. Serves 2.
Adult Apple-Cranberry Cider
Combining the flavors of fall, this drink is a great way to toast the season.
32 ounces apple juice
3 cups of cranberry juice
2 cups of sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup rum
Pour all ingredients into saucepan except for rum. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in rum and serve. Serves 12 to 15.
Chamomile Hot Toddy
Soothing tea and smoky bourbon mix and mingle in this winter warmer.
1 bag of chamomile tea
1 1/2 ounces bourbon
1 tablespoon honey
Water
1/2 cinnamon stick
In a mug, place the chamomile tea bag and pour in bourbon and honey. Add enough boiling water to fill the mug.
Add the cinnamon stick and let steep for 3 -5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and cinnamon stick.
Serve hot and preferably fireside. Serves 1.
About the author: Samantha is a graduate student studying food & wine writing in the Midwest. Originally from California, her work has appeared in Santa Barbara Magazine, Vox Magazine, The Columbia Missourian, and Farm Journal. She has also been featured on her local NPR station as a wine expert. She believes that every girl should always have a bottle of bubbly in her fridge – in case of emergencies and impromptu celebrations.