Warming Winter Beverages

When the temperatures plunge outside, it's nice to serve your guests a hot cup of cider or chocolate. Add some spirits and spice to the mix and you have the makings of a winter celebration.

Here's a collection of warming winter beverages, full of wonderful seasonal flavors and perfect for serving throughout the holidays and into the new year.

Our thanks to the premium spirits brands that contributed the recipes and photos in this feature so we could share them with our readers.

Hard Rocker Cider

1 cup Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila
4 cups apple cider
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/4 cup Orange Liqueur
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

In a pot or crockpot, heat and stir cider, cranberry juice cocktail, and nutmeg on low just until hot for 2 hours. Do not boil. When ready to serve, turn on high for 10 minutes and stir in tequila and liqueur. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Makes 6 servings

The Original Hot Toddy

2 cups brown sugar
2 sticks butter, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 oz Courvoisier Exclusif
5 oz hot water
Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Prepare the Hot Toddy Mix ~
Combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract in a saucepan over low heat and stir with a wire whisk until smooth.

To make a Hot Toddy ~
Combine the Courvoisier Exclusif with 1 tablespoon of the prepared mix in a mug. Add 5 ounces of hot water and stir to combine. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Note: Leftover mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Evening Nectar

1 part Grey Goose L'Orange Flavored Vodka
1/2 part Mandarine Napoleon (orange brandy)
1/2 part honey
3/4 part hot water
1/2 part fresh lemon juice
1/2 part orange juice
Pinch star anise powder
Star anise for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, combine the honey and hot water and stir to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and shake well. Strain into glass with handle. Garnish with star anise.

Canadian Mist Cider

1 bottle (750 ml) Canadian Mist
1 gallon apple cider
5 cups ginger ale
3 cups brewed tea
4 cinnamon sticks
4 whole oranges, sliced and studded with cloves

Mix all ingredients together in a large kettle. Heat until steaming, but do not boil. Pour into a heat-resistant pitcher or punch bowl. Serve warm. Makes 45 five-ounce servings

Dr. Feelgood

2 tablespoons hot water in a mug
1 teaspoon of turbinado sugar
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
1-1/4 oz of Remy Martin VSOP Cognac
Hot water
Nutmeg

Place the 2 tablespoons of hot water in a mug and stir in sugar and butter until dissolved/melted. Add the lemon juice and Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, stir, then top with additional hot water and garnish with a sprinkling of freshly ground nutmeg.

MexiCabo Hot Chocolate

1-1/2 oz Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila
4 oz hot chocolate
1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
Whipped cream

Pour all ingredients into a coffee cup. Stir well. Finish with dollop of whipped cream.

Cuppa Good Cheer

1-1/2 oz SKYY Infusions Cherry
1/2 oz White Creme de Cacao
4 oz extra hot chocolate
1 oz half-and-half
Whipped cream
Red sprinkles
Maraschino cherry

Combine all ingredients into a holiday mug and top with whipped cream, red sprinkles and a maraschino cherry.

Alchemy's Calvados Mulled Apple Cider

64 oz unfiltered apple cider
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
5 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 lb fresh apples, quartered
8 oz Calvados (Apple Brandy)

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Strain if desired. Pour into brandy snifters and garnish with a thin apple slice and cinnamon stick. Makes 16 half-cup servings

Red Hot Chocolate

1 oz Campari
2 oz Brandy
3 oz Whole Milk
1/2 oz heavy cream (optional)
2 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips

Put milk, cream and chocolate in a milk frothing cup used for espresso. Froth milk as you would for cappuccino. When milk is hot, remove frothing wand and whisk or stir vigorously until chocolate is completely melted. Add Campari and Brandy. Pour into heat-resistant cup. Garnish with a large hand-cut marshmallow or a red peppermint stick.

Enjoy the holiday season and remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!