APPETITE
Cocktails of the Month The holidays are a favourite time of year for many people. This cheery season is filled with parties and events that bring the spirit of the season out in everyone. As a part of these festivities there are some wonderful drinks that you can serve that fit the holiday theme perfectly. Traditional warm drinks are a great place to start and we cannot forget the wonders of eggnog (a drink that should be on everyone’s Christmas list). Beyond those Christmas classics, the drinks listed below make great additions to any party or casual holiday gathering. Happy Holidays!
Egg Nog
Mulled Wine
Although the basic recipe for eggnog is the same (eggs beaten with sugar, milk, cream and some kind of spirit) there are a variety of recipes that cover most occassions where eggnog may be served.
When winter weather swirls in, nothing could be cosier than a toasty mug of mulled wine. Mulled wine, the vine’s version of a classic hot toddy, is a traditional holiday treat in many Old World countries. Mulled wines have been warming people for centuries, they are wines that have been sweetened, spiced and slightly heated - offering a delightful alternative to traditional coffees, ciders and toddy’s at holiday gatherings or just on a cold winter’s night.
Serve eggnog at a party in a large punchbowl with “puddles” of whipped cream spaced over the suface, top this with grated nutmeg and set out with glass cups or Irish coffee glasses for a decorative touch. Happy Noggin’ There are many variations of Egg nog, this is a perfect eggnog recipe for larger parties. This traditional way to make the holiday classic beverage requires patience and time but is well worth the effort and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Ingredients: 6 eggs, separated 1/2 cup super fine sugar 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp vanilla 2 cups brandy 1 cup milk nutmeg (use for garnish also) Preparation: 1.Beat egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, nutmeg, salt and vanilla together until very thick and light yellow. 2.Slowly beat in brandy (rum and whiskey are also popular alternatives) and milk. 3.Cover and chill overnight.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: One bottle (750 mL) of red wine (suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot) One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot) 1/4 cup of brandy 8-10 cloves 2/3 cup honey or sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp fresh or 2 tsp ground ginger (allspice can be substituted) Serves 4-6 Preparation: To make the perfect cup of mulled wine, combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved. When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have been well blended it is ready to serve. Ladle the mulled wine into mugs (leave seasonings behind) and enjoy! Mulled wine is the perfect warming festive drink to serve during the colder months. We’re still in ‘holiday-mode’ right?!
4.Shortly before serving, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. 5.Gradually beat in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beat this mixture to soft peaks again, creating a meringue-like cream.
Enjoy the rest of the holidays!
6.Then slowly pour this cream over the chilled brandy mixture, folding in gently. 7.Serve the eggnog in a mug or Irish coffee glass of your choice and grate nutmeg over the top for garnish. Get your friends around, this recipe makes 16 servings. 54
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