January 30, 2018
Warm Cocktails For Those Cold Winter Days
Even if it isn’t snowing, there’s still a nice chill in the air in Flagstaff this time of year. With temperatures consistently in the 40s and 50s, and some evenings dipping below 20 degrees, it can be tough to warm up.
This is when a cozy fireplace, a warm cocktail and a comfy pair of sweatpants and snuggly socks come in handy. There are so many options when it comes to warm-me-up drinks, depending on the time of day, your mood, and the type of warmth you’re looking to achieve.
The Hot Toddy, a versatile and easy cocktail that adds a little extra punch to your favorite cup of tea, is an old standard during the winter months. Experts suggest using rum, whiskey, brandy or even gin to add even more heat to your toasty drink. Here at Pine Canyon, our Hot Toddy recipe is Brandy, hot water, simple syrup, a cinnamon stick, and a orange slice to top it off.
Another old standby is Irish Coffee, a classic drink that combines Irish whiskey, sugar, cream and coffee. Just holding it in your hands warms you up, let alone tipping it back. Pine Canyon’s recipe for an Irish Coffee is Jameson Whiskey, Bailey’s, coffee, whipped cream topped with Creme de Mente to add that Irish touch.
Of course, cold weather cocktails aren’t reserved for those that require heat. A pour of brandy, or as Spruce suggests, brandy with Benedictine, is sure to warm any cold night. Experts suggest, however, to splurge on the brandy, since the drink’s experience pivots on the quality of that liquor.
And, there’s no reason to steer clear of beer altogether. But, the cooler months may call for a heavier brew than the lighter-easy-drinkers that seem to rule the summer months. Those who know suggest that anyone looking to warm up with a beer during the winter months turn to a stout or porter, particularly because those types of beers taste good warm or cold. And, they tend to go down a little slower, which lends itself well to an easy-going fireside escape.