There is nothing better than curling up with a steaming hot drink to ward off those winter blues! Here are some of our favourite winter drinks. Try them on your next winter breakaway!
Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate
This recipe is perfect for a family of chocoholics.
Ingredients
- 1l milk
- 300ml double cream
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100g milk chocolate, chopped
- scorched marshmallows or mini marshmallows, to serve
- softly whipped cream, to serve
- grated chocolate, to serve
Method
- Pour the milk and double cream into the slow cooker. Add the dark chocolate and milk chocolate, then cover and cook on low for 2 hrs, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Remove the lid and stir again, then continue to cook for a further 15-20 mins. Ladle into mugs and top with the marshmallows, dollops of cream and grated chocolate.
Tip: Add 25ml of your favourite liqueur or spirit to each mug for a warming kick.
Recipe adapted from www.bbcgoodfood.com
Caramel and Apple Hot Toddy
This is the perfect winter drink – a delicious balance of fruity sweetness and spicy cinnamon with a kick for extra punch!
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar
- 2/3 cup (165ml) apple juice
- 4 cinnamon quills
- 2/3 cup (165ml) apple brandy
- 4 star anise pods
- Ground cinnamon, to dust
Method
- Place sugar in a medium heavy-based saucepan over high heat with 1 tbs of water. Cook, swirling pan, for 5-6 minutes or until a golden caramel-like texture forms. Using a metal spoon (and being mindful of the steam), stir in 2 cups (500ml) water and swirl pan until caramel and water are combined. Stir in apple juice, star anise pods and cinnamon quills, then stir in the liqueur.
- Divide among glasses and dust with cinnamon to serve.
Recipe adapted from www.delicious.com.au
Sweet-and-Spicy Mulled Wine
This sweet and spicy mulled wine recipe is guaranteed to warm up your whole body! This traditional holiday drink made of red wine and spices can even be zooshed up a bit with a dash of brandy for those really cold nights.
Ingredients
- 2 (750-mL) bottles full-bodied dry red wine
- ½ cup black peppercorns
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 4 orange peel strips (from 1 orange)
- 1 (2cm) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
- 3 cinnamon stick, plus more for garnish
- 2 whole star anise
- Orange slices
Method
- Stir together wine, peppercorns, sugar, orange peel, ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over high. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Taste, add more sugar or honey to taste. Strain and discard solids.
- Pour evenly into 8 glasses and garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.
Recipe adapted from www.realsimple.com