CHEERS! As we pull into another fulfilling new year. In the spirit of welcoming new manifestations, MEFeater welcomes you to raise your glass to three spiked holiday drink recipes that will surely keep you warm on these cold winter nights. Such as Mulled Wine, Hot Buttered Rum, and Holiday Sangria. Being as though this is strictly for 21 and older, here are three recipes with a twist that are guaranteed to ease you into the new year!
Mulled Wine:
1 (750 ml.) bottle of red wine
1 orange, sliced into rounds (or more)
6 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks (or more)
3-star anise
1/4 cup of honey
1/2 cup of brandy
Preferred to be served warm, combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer, then leaving it to reduce on medium-low. Continue to simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes. Lastly, serve warm and garnish with more citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.
Hot Buttered Rum:
4 tbsp. butter softened
3 tbsp. packed brown sugar
1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream, softened
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cups of apple cider
1 cup of rum
Begin with making the buttered rum batter. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the ice cream and cinnamon, then spoon into a mason jar, resealable container, or any mug of your choice. Store in the freezer until mostly hardened for 2 hours or until ready to serve.
As for the drink itself, heat the apple cider in a medium saucepan until boiling while stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and pour into a pitcher or easy-to-serve container.
Lastly, place 2 tablespoons of buttered rum batter into each mug. Fill it about 1/3 of the way up with rum, then top with hot apple cider. Be sure to stir before serving.
Cranberry Sangria:
1/2 a cup of whole cranberries
2 apples, diced and tossed with lemon juice
1 cup of apple cider
1/4 cup of cranberry juice
1 bottle of white wine
1 cup of seltzer water
Thinly sliced apple, for garnish
Add fresh fruit to a medium pitcher. Pour wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, and seltzer over the fruit. Stir to combine. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Serve with thin apple slices for garnish.
Each beverage is a guaranteed palate refresher when served at any event. When planning your next party, consider serving these drink recipes while welcoming the new year!
Remember to always drink responsibly.
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