Comfy cocktails for cooler days
Winter is steadily approaching, and although the theme tends to be forever summer in a beachhouse bar, the cooler days have us yearning for something a bit more moreish that warms body and soul. Here are some delicious drinks that will go down a treat in wintery weather:
Citrus white wine sangria
You can never go wrong by looking to seasonal fruit for cocktail inspiration. Citrus is in season now, and if you can get your hands on blood or darker coloured oranges, it will add a beautiful warm colour to your cocktail.
Ingredients
60 ml the beachhouse Sauvignon Blanc
60 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
60 ml lemon-flavoured sparkling water
dash or 2 of orange bitters
Combine ingredients in an ice-filled glass and garnish with slices of orange and lemon.
Pomegranate rosé fizz
Like citrus, pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and in season now, and the jewel-like fruit gives a beautiful ruby glow to this winter cocktail.
Ingredients
60 ml the beachhouse rose
60 ml pomegranate juice
60 ml sparkling water
5-6 fresh crushed mint leaves
1 tsp sugar syrup
fresh pomegranate seeds for garnish
Method
Mix crushed mint leaves and sugar syrup in the bottom of a cocktail glass. Pour in pomegranate juice, rosé, and a handful of ice. Top off with sparkling water and a few pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.
And the hot numbers…
Blueberry glühwein
Here’s a new twist on this spicy German winter warmer staple with blueberries. It’s perfect for cold, rainy days spent inside.
Ingredients
250 ml red wine
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 whole cloves
1 tbs sugar
large handful of blueberries
Method:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries and sugar and cook gently for about 5 minutes. Puree blueberry mixture until smooth, then add in cloves and cinnamon. Continue lightly simmering for 20 minutes. Pour wine into the pot and reduce heat to a very slow simmer until wine is warm, and strain before serving. Serve immediately.
Grown-up hot chocolate
What would a winter cocktail arsenal be without chocolate? This is a boozy twist on the ultimate winter indulgence – hot chocolate.
Ingredients
1 cup milk
1 tbs sugar
2 tbs high quality cocoa powder
25 ml Irish cream or coffee liqueur
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
Method:
In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg over medium heat until heated through (2-3 min). Remove from heat and stir in Irish cream or coffee liqueur. Serve immediately and garnish with optional extras mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup.