(An article by Norman Miller on 23rd September, 2016, read on Daily Telegraph)
As the nights draw in, our after-work and weekend tipple choice changes from Pimms and G&Ts to winter warmers such as hot cider and Irish coffee. Read on for our pick of the top 10 drinks to see you through a British winter.
Mulled wine
This is a winter classic in which you can endlessly play with ingredients to suit your own taste. But perennial favourites to accompany the red wine include orange juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves and nutmeg. Bring to the boil to dissolve the sugar, then let the mulled wine cool for 15 minutes. For the wine, consider a fine British red from vineyards such as Bolney, Biddenden, Denbies or Three Choirs.
Atholl Brose
Reputedly invented by the Duke of Atholl in 1475, this begins by making a “brose” by soaking four tablespoons of medium oatmeal in 500ml water for an hour. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing down, then discard the oatmeal. Mix the brose with 3-4 tablespoons of heather honey, add 500ml of whisky and give a shake. Pour in a little cream then serve.
Posh hot chocolate
Break a good quality chocolate bar (at least 70 per cent cocoa solids) into a bowl. Heat double cream and milk on the hob until nearly at a simmer. Do not allow the mix to boil. Pour milk and cream over the chocolate and stir until well combined. Serve. Feel warm and happy.
Cognac French 75
Liven up the long dark nights with a winter twist on a classic cocktail. This cool-weather variant on a French 75 swaps the usual gin for the richer, silkier hit of cognac. Then add lemon juice, a splash of sparkling wine and simple syrup.
Irish coffee
This classic was invented by barman Joe Sheridan to perk up a group of American passengers who had disembarked from a Pan Am flying boat at Shannon Airport on a miserable winter evening in the Forties. The ratio of coffee to whisky should be 2:1, and do not whip the thick cream that goes on top. Add brown sugar to taste.
Cream whisky liqueur
Baileys is the most famous example of a drink famous for giving shivering Brits a lushly comforting winter pick-me-up. Pour over ice and settle down with some nibbles and your favourite box set.
Hot spiced cider
Cider is a classic British summer drink but works well in winter too with an appropriate twist. Pour cider into a cooking pot then add brandy, cinnamon sticks, sugar syrup (unless you’ve used sweet cider), grated nutmeg, plus apple slices studded with cloves. Bring to boil, then cool for 15 minutes.
Hot spiced apple juice
A delicious non-boozy alternative to mulled cider, this is best with a quality apple juice (Luscombe’s offering from heirloom apples is highly regarded, or try your nearest farm shop). Simmer the juice for 5 minutes with strips of orange peel, cinnamon sticks and some cloves, then sweeten with honey to your taste.
Irish hot port
Pep up your port by adding a dash of brown sugar dissolved in a little just-boiled water then add a slice of unwaxed lemon studded with cloves. Yum.
Penicillin
We can’t promise this actually matches the medicinal qualities of its namesake but it may still make you feel good. Pour a smoky peaty whisky (Laphroaig is a classic choice) then add a dash of ginger cordial, lemon juice and honey. Slainte!
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