Whether you’re hosting a guys’ poker night or inviting a hottie round for some Netflix and chill, nothing beats a hot cocktail to get the party started. Here are our tried and tested recipes for a fool-proof hot toddy, lazy-lad’s mulled wine, and spiked hot chocolate. Guaranteed to put some fire in your belly and impress your guests!
The Easiest Hot Toddy, Ever
A classic hot toddy is already pretty fool-proof, but this recipe makes things even easier by swapping plain whisky for a honey-ed bourbon and cutting out the extra step! If you can boil water and slice lemons, this could be your signature cocktail this winter.
• Wild Turkey American Honey
• Lemons
• Water
Start by boiling your jug. Or, if you’re an animal and don’t own a jug, get a couple of cups of water to the boil on the stove or in the microwave. Cut one lemon into wedges, and thinly slice another. Grab your heat-safe glasses or mugs and add a shot or two (30 – 60mls) of Wild Turkey American Honey (or your preferred honey bourbon) to each vessel. Top with boiling water, and hand-squeeze the juice of your lemon wedges to taste. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve.
Lazy Lad’s Mulled Wine
Want to look sophisticated AF and still get a good buzz going? Mulled wine is every gentleman’s go-to party drink – and the fact that you can throw everything in the slow cooker then sit back and relax doesn’t hurt either.
• 2 bottles red wine
• 1 cup Bourbon OR Orange Liqueur
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3 whole star anise
• 1 orange
Now take note, because this is about to get complicated… Just kidding. Thinly slice your orange then throw all of your ingredients into your slow cooker. Set it to low, and then let it simmer for at least an hour before serving. That’s it. If you’re not sure which red wine to go with, we recommend merlot or pinot noir. Choose bourbon or orange liqueur according to your preference, or substitute for a bottle of apple cider if you’re not a big fan of either. Make sure you skim an orange slice into each mug to serve. Simple.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Want to get yourself out of the dogbox? Make The Mrs a spiked hot chocolate and you’ll be instantly forgiven. This boozy twist on a cold-weather favourite is so easy to make it might just become your go-to winter nightcap.
• Spiced Rum
• Butterscotch Schnapps
• Drinking chocolate
• Whipped cream
• Water and/or milk
First, make your base in a large mug according to the directions on the box of your drinking chocolate. You might use boiling water or hot milk, but add an extra dash of chocolate to really amp up the flavour. Next, add a generous shot of spiced rum (we recommend Sailor Jerry), followed by a shot of butterscotch schnapps. Give everything a bloody good stir, then top with whipped cream.
