Cozy in a Cup Archives - Honest Cooking https://honestcooking.com/category/cozy-in-a-cup/ Honest Cooking - Recipes - Culinary Travel - Wine Guides Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:37:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.7 https://honestcooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-HC-Logo-Square-32x32.png Cozy in a Cup Archives - Honest Cooking https://honestcooking.com/category/cozy-in-a-cup/ 32 32 Boozy Spiced Hot Chocolate https://honestcooking.com/boozy-spiced-hot-chocolate/ https://honestcooking.com/boozy-spiced-hot-chocolate/#respond Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=144888 This boozy hot chocolate is infused with a homemade blend of spices and enriched with bourbon.

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There’s something inherently comforting about a mug of hot chocolate, but when you add a touch of spice and a splash of bourbon, it transforms into a decidedly adult indulgence.

This boozy spiced hot chocolate is your classic cocoa with a twist – infused with a homemade blend of warm spices and enriched with bourbon’s smooth kick. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to elevate your comfort drink into something a bit more sophisticated. Whether it’s to warm up a chilly evening or add a spark to your night, this hot chocolate is all about simple pleasures with a grown-up edge.

So, as the night winds howl and the stars twinkle in the winter sky, treat yourself to this elevated version of a classic – a celebration of the colder months, a toast to the finer things, and a reminder that sometimes, a mug of hot chocolate can indeed be a little bit of magic in your hands.


Step by Step Guide to Making Boozy Spiced Hot Chocolate


Ingredients:

Spice Mix:

  • 3 tsp (15 ml) cinnamon
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) ground nutmeg
  • 3 tsp (15 ml) ginger
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) allspice

Hot Cocoa:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) icing sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) spice mix
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla bean paste
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • Optional toppings: whipping cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
    • Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in a bowl.
    • Mix well and store in an airtight container.
  2. Make the Hot Cocoa:
    • In a saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, icing sugar, and spice mix.
    • Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture starts to simmer.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste and bourbon.
  3. Serve:
    • Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
    • Add your favorite toppings like whipping cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.
    • Enjoy a relaxing moment with this warming, spiced beverage.

Recipe Notes:

  • Adjust the amount of bourbon to suit your taste.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add an extra splash of vanilla.

Homemade Adult Hot Chocolate

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Homemade Adult Hot Chocolate

Boozy Spiced Hot Chocolate


  • Author: Honest Cooking
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

This boozy hot chocolate is your classic cocoa with a twist – infused with a homemade blend of warm spices and enriched with bourbon’s smooth kick. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to elevate your comfort drink into something a bit more sophisticated.


Ingredients

Units

Ingredients:

Spice Mix:

  • 3 tsp (15 ml) cinnamon
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) ground nutmeg
  • 3 tsp (15 ml) ginger
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) allspice

Hot Cocoa:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) icing sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) spice mix
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla bean paste
  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • Optional toppings: whipping cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
    • Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in a bowl.
    • Mix well and store in an airtight container.
  2. Make the Hot Cocoa:
    • In a saucepan, combine milk, cocoa powder, icing sugar, and spice mix.
    • Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture starts to simmer.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste and bourbon.
  3. Serve:
    • Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
    • Add your favorite toppings like whipping cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings.
    • Enjoy a relaxing moment with this warming, spiced beverage.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of bourbon to suit your taste.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add an extra splash of vanilla.
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Category: Drink, Hot Chocolate
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spiced Hot Chocolate, Adult Hot Cocoa, Bourbon Hot Chocolate, Winter Beverages, Comfort Drinks, cocktails, drinks, bourbon drinks, chocolate drinks

 

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Whipped Hot Chocolate https://honestcooking.com/whipped-hot-chocolate/ https://honestcooking.com/whipped-hot-chocolate/#comments Sat, 11 Feb 2023 16:35:01 +0000 https://honestcooking.com/?p=212207 Whipped hot chocolate is the warm, comforting hug we all need on a cold winter's day. This recipe takes a classic to the next level.

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Ah, whipped hot chocolate! It’s the warm, comforting hug we all need on a cold winter’s day. This recipe takes your classic hot chocolate to the next level.

Making whipped hot chocolate is simple and easy, but oh so satisfying. All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk or mixer, hot chocolate powder mix, heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and some chocolate sprinkles to top it all off. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a mug of pure, whipped chocolate bliss.

Here’s the step-by-step (almost embarrassingly simple) process:

1. First, whip together the hot chocolate powder mix and heavy cream until it has the consistency of whipped cream.

2. Next, heat your milk in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s hot (but not boiling!)

3. Then, take your mug of milk and top it with the whipped hot chocolate mixture, followed by a sprinkle of chocolate sprinkles for that extra oomph of deliciousness.

4. Sip, smile, and repeat as needed. It really is that dead-simple.

So, next time you’re feeling chilly and need a pick-me-up, give this whipped hot chocolate recipe a try. It’s a quirky, fun and instant twist on a classic.

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Whipped Hot Chocolate


  • Total Time: 6 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Your hot chocolate just got a serious upgrade, and added another level of decadence to the old classic.


Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp hot chocolate powder mix
  • 6 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 6 oz whole milk
  • chocolate sprinkles ((to taste))

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl whip together the heavy cream and hot chocolate mix using a whisk or mixer until it has the consistency of whipped cream.
  2. Heat your milk in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until it is hot, but not boiling.
  3. Top the milk with the whipped hot chocolate, top with chocolate sprinkles.
  4. Sip and smile!
  • Prep Time: 4 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Drinks
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate, cocoa, hot chocolate

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Mulled Wine Infused with 100 Proof Vodka https://honestcooking.com/mulled-wine-infused-with-100-proof-vodka/ https://honestcooking.com/mulled-wine-infused-with-100-proof-vodka/#respond Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:42:31 +0000 https://honestcooking.com/?p=206728 In summer its margaritas, in the fall pumpkin spice lattes, in the holiday season, its mulled wine. And who doesn’t love a warm beverage that smells like a bakery. For those unfamiliar, Mulled wine is a warm drink made from red wine, some citrus fruit, a sweetener and spices. Sometimes it is additionally spiked with…

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In summer its margaritas, in the fall pumpkin spice lattes, in the holiday season, its mulled wine. And who doesn’t love a warm beverage that smells like a bakery.

For those unfamiliar, Mulled wine is a warm drink made from red wine, some citrus fruit, a sweetener and spices. Sometimes it is additionally spiked with vodka or rum. In Europe, mulled wine has different names. The Germans call it Gluhwein or “glow wine” and use spices and citrus flavor. Some say they even spike it with rum or amaretto. Following the Germans, The Swedish call it Gløgg. Their recipe uses a combination of red wine, port, and brandy steeped with aromatic spices.

Here in New York City, the festive beverage takes many shapes either in traditional form or can be completely unique. Take for example Our/New York’s Bar Manager, Kaddy Feast who adds in a cup, of vodka, distilled right in the city. Initially when Kaddy mentioned the recipe uses vodka, I thought it would be too harsh or would clash with the spices in mulled wine. However Kaddy says the recipe is lovely and offers exceptional smoothness. What makes this recipe smooth is the unique vodka. Our/New York’s vodka is complex, offers a subtle flavor followed by a clean and smooth finish–making it an exceptional addition to the mulled wine recipe.

While Kaddy’s recipe is not a traditional to any of the regions mentioned earlier or any other traditional recipe for that matter, it’s really home to New York because one of the star ingredients – vodka – is made in the city. As mentioned, the recipes for Mulled wine vary greatly depending on the country, region or personal tastes. Most recipes you will find suggest you use a a mixture of port and red wine. In addition to the vodka you’d need wine of course, it’s recommended to opt for a cheaper one as the wine will be combined with a medley of spices and flavors.

As temperatures cool down and fireplaces heat up, mulled wine is an apt libation to pair with the season and beyond. Feast spilled her secrets for drinkers make it at home. Check it out below!

  • 1 cup Vodka ( recommends using Our/New York’s)
  • 2 750ml bottles of Red Wine
  • 1 750ml bottle of Port Wine
  • 2 slices of Fresh Ginger
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • Spice Mix (4 crushed Cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp Cardamom Seeds, 16 Whole cloves, 2 tsp Nutmeg)
  • 2 Orange Peels
  • Handful of Raisins & Almonds
  • ¼ cup Organic Brown Sugar

Method: Combine vodka, vanilla extract, half of spice mix, orange peels and infuse for 2-3 days. In a pot, combine red wine, port wine, fresh ginger, raisins & almonds, and second half of spice mix. Drain infused vodka into wine mixture. Add brown sugar. Heat over medium-low for 30-40 minutes. Do not boil, allow to steam.

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The Perfect Pairing: Affogato and Chocolate https://honestcooking.com/the-perfect-pairing-affogato-and-chocolate/ https://honestcooking.com/the-perfect-pairing-affogato-and-chocolate/#respond Tue, 15 Jan 2019 14:00:39 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=176920 Espresso, ice cream and delicious chocolate. Check out this affogato dessert idea served with squares of fine chocolate.

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Espresso, ice cream and delicious chocolate. Check out this affogato dessert idea served with squares of fine chocolate.

Winter is the perfect season to slow down, get cozy and enjoy time with family and friends. Time spent doesn’t always have be big and elaborate but treats are always a must for me! That is why when my friend Patty mentioned an Affogato bar for a party, I knew I had to try it myself and pair it with Cemoi single source bean to bar chocolate. Everyone seems to enjoy assembling their own desserts, especially when it involves chocolate!


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The Perfect Pairing: Affogato and Chocolate


  • Author: Amanda Saab
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 Cemoi Chocolate Bar
  • 1 pint vanilla gelato
  • 4 shots espresso
  • 4 butter cookies

Instructions

  1. In a mug, scoop gelato. Pour espresso shot over the gelato and top with Cemoi chocolate.
  2. Serve with additional Cemoi chocolate squares.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert

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Snow Day Treat: Tex-Mex Hot Chocolate https://honestcooking.com/snow-day-treat-tex-mex-hot-chocolate/ https://honestcooking.com/snow-day-treat-tex-mex-hot-chocolate/#respond Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:00:02 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=176299 Tex-Mex is literally a blend of American and Mexican flavors. What's more Tex-Mex than a spiced Mexican hot chocolate with a dash of Louisiana Tabasco sauce? Sip on this flavorful mug on the next snowy day. Spike it with tequila or mezcal for the adults!

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Tex-Mex is literally a blend of American and Mexican flavors. What’s more Tex-Mex than a spiced Mexican hot chocolate with a dash of Louisiana Tabasco sauce? Sip on this flavorful mug on the next snowy day. Spike it with tequila or mezcal for the adults!

To help you find a new, delicious way to warm up this season, Aaron Polsky of Harvard and Stone in Los Angeles has partnered with TABASCO Sauce to create a spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe. This recipe combines creamy coconut milk with melted Mexican chocolate and a shot of reposado tequila or mezcal for a perfect winter warm-up. The drink is enlivened with a flavorful splash of TABASCO Sauce and topped with coconut flakes or marshmallows to make it extra cozy.

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Snow Day Treat: Tex-Mex Hot Chocolate


  • Author: Created by Aaron Polsky of Harvard & Stone
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 20 oz can coconut milk
  • 2 disks Mexican hot chocolate (I prefer Ibarra Mexican Hot Chocolate)
  • 1 teaspoon mole bitters (I prefer Bittermens Mole Bitters)
  • 1/4 teaspoon TABASCO® Sauce
  • 6 oz reposado tequila or mezcal

Garnish

  • Coconut flakes or marshmallows

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, add coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Add chocolate disks, mole bitters, and TABASCO® Sauce and whisk until the chocolate disks have melted. Remove from heat.
  2. To serve, add 3/4 cup hot chocolate base to a heated mug, and add 1.5 oz Reposado Tequila or Mezcal and stir. Garnish with a sprinkling of coconut flakes and marshmallows. Leave a bottle of TABASCO® Sauce out for your guests to add more if they want it spicier.

 

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Warm Winter Mull with Gin https://honestcooking.com/warm-winter-mull-gin/ https://honestcooking.com/warm-winter-mull-gin/#respond Tue, 18 Dec 2018 14:00:04 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=175863 The perfect pour for celebratory sipping and all of winter, this big-batch mulled cocktail recipe is super easy to make and features seasonal spices, citrus and berries. Grab a bottle of Spanish Rioja wine and Brockmans gin and you are set for success!

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The perfect pour for celebratory sipping and all of winter, this big-batch mulled cocktail recipe is super easy to make and features seasonal spices, citrus and berries. Grab a bottle of Spanish Rioja wine and Brockmans gin and you are set for success!

This cozy drink is the perfect way to welcome guests into your home. It’s warm, aromatic and delicious. Be sure to use Brockmans Gin in this recipe. Why this particular gin? It’s special, with unique notes of dark berries, unlike any other gin. These botanicals make it the perfect addition to a mulled wine cocktail.

Print

Warm Winter Mull with Gin


  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 oz. Brockmans Gin
  • 1 bottle of Spanish Rioja
  • 3 ½ oz. simple syrup
  • 3 ½ oz. orange juice
  • 1 sliced orange
  • 1 handful fresh seasonal berries
  • 6 cinnamon sticks (+ more spices like star anise or cloves if you like)
  • 1 tsp. whole peppercorns (in a sachet)
  • <br>

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and stir to combine. Heat on high for one hour. Reduce the temperature to low to keep it warm for up to 5 hours. If you don’t have a slow cooker, simply place ingredients in a heavy based casserole dish or saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer with the lid on, leaving it on a very low heat for about 45 minutes.
  2. To serve, spoon into insulated glassware. Garnish with a few seasonal berries, a stick of cinnamon and orange slice.

 

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How to Make Wassail https://honestcooking.com/how-to-make-wassail/ https://honestcooking.com/how-to-make-wassail/#respond Thu, 08 Nov 2018 14:00:07 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=173799 Wassail; a fun word and it is even more fun to drink. Check out how to make the tried a true recipe from Frisco, Colorado, home of Wassail Days, and annual weeklong celebration of the Old English cider drink.

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Wassail; a fun word and it is even more fun to drink. Check out how to make the tried a true recipe from Frisco, Colorado, home of Wassail Days, and annual weeklong celebration of the Old English cider drink.

Just a short drive from Denver, the Town of Frisco’s iconic Wassail Days returns this November 30 through December 9, 2018. The weeklong celebration of the winter and holiday season celebrates wassail, a traditional warm Old English apple cider.

So what is wassail?

Served warm, wassail comes from the English cuisine and is made of cider, spices and whole apples. It’s the perfect sip to warm you to the bone on a cold winter day.

We love simmering a pot of wassail before guests come over. It’s a delicious drinks to greet them from the cold and it will make your house smell amazing.

Frisco’s Wassail Days

Over the years, Frisco’s Main Street businesses have worked to perfect their own versions of this holiday drink, serving more than 5,000 cups of free wassail each year. This year, there will be more than 60 local businesses serving their own special wassail recipe over the course of the festival. Try them all! Wassail drinkers will then have the opportunity to complete their 12 Sips of Wassail card, and vote for their favorite recipes.

And there won’t just be wassail! Come enjoy Breakfast with Santa, carolers, free sleigh rides, a tree lighting, and more. A full schedule of events can be found HERE.

Now, let’s check out some wassail recipes.

SIMPLE AND GOOD WASSAIL
Ingredients
2 quarts – Apple Cider
1 cup – Orange Juice
1 cup – Lemon Juice
1 cup – Pineapple Juice
3 sticks – Cinnamon
2 teaspoons – Whole Cloves
2/3 cup – Sugar
Preparation
Combine all ingredients. Heat for 1 hour to combine flavors.

FRUIT, FRUIT, AND THEN SOME FRUIT WASSAIL
Ingredients
1 can (16 ounces) apricot halves, undrained
4 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
2 cups apple cider
1 cup orange juice
18 whole cloves
6 cinnamon sticks (3-1/2 inches), broken
Preparation
In a blender or food processor, blend apricots and liquid until smooth. Pour into a large saucepan. Add pineapple juice, cider and orange juice.
Place the cloves and cinnamon sticks in a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with a string to form a bag. Add to saucepan. (Or place loose spices in saucepan and strain before serving.)
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes. Serve hot in mugs. Garnish with cinnamon sticks if desired.

OH HOLY NIGHT!
Ingredients
10 small apples
10 teaspoons brown sugar
2 bottles dry sherry or dry Madeira
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cloves
3 allspice berries
1 inch stick cinnamon
2 cups superfine sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup brandy
Preparation
Core the apples and fill each with a teaspoon of brown sugar. Place in a baking pan and cover the bottom with 1/8-inch of water.
Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until tender. Combine the sherry or Madeira, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice berries, cinnamon, sugar and water in a large, heavy saucepan and heat without letting the mixture come to a boil. Leave on very low heat. Strain the wine mixture, stirring constantly. Add the brandy. Pour into a metal punch bowl, float the apples on top and serve in 8-ounce mugs.

DEEP, RICH, AND SPICY
Ingredients
2 pints and 1/4 cup brown ale (winter ale and Scottish ale will also suffice)
3-4 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
Zest from 1/2 lemon
4 apples
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup port
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground all spice
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large saucepan, pour in 2 pints of ale. Add the cinnamon sticks, lemon zest and cloves and bring to a simmer over low heat.
Take an apple, and score it with a knife around the circumference of the apple. Place in a baking dish. Repeat this step for all of the apples. Cover with one cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of ale, and all of the port. Cover baking dish and place in oven, cooking for 30 minutes.
While apples are baking, place remaining sugar and spices into the saucepan, ensuring it’s well mixed.
When apples are done baking, place entire contents of baking dish into saucepan. Allow to cook over a low heat for another 30-40 minutes.
Serve hot.

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Cranberry Hot Toddy https://honestcooking.com/cranberry-hot-toddy/ https://honestcooking.com/cranberry-hot-toddy/#respond Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:00:07 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=174340 This Cranberry Hot Toddy recipe is lightly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange. If you like mulled wine, you will LOVE this delicious toddy recipe.

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Sponsored Post – ZENS, a modern teaware and home décor company, combines minimalist, smart design and traditional Asian elements to make beautiful dishware for your holiday entertaining and beyond.
This Cranberry Hot Toddy recipe is lightly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange. If you like mulled wine, you will LOVE this delicious toddy recipe.

It’s cocktail time! And since the leaves are turning color and the temperature is dropping, I thought this spiced cranberry hot toddy would be the perfect thing to warm us up.

This easy hot toddy recipe starts by simmering cranberry juice with wintery spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange. Then add some bourbon, sit back, put your feet up, and sip your tasty hot toddy.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS SPICED CRANBERRY HOT TODDY

  • Warm, cozy spices.
  • Cinnamon laced sugared rim. ? this is as good as it sounds.
  • Healthy cranberry juice and no refined sugar puts this firmly in the healthy drink category. Please tell me you think the same.
  • Bourbon. ‘Cause bourbon really is the best.
  • But if you don’t think so, swap some spiced rum, whiskey, or even vodka.
  • It’s super easy to make. If you can put some spices and cranberry juice into a pot then you can make this.
  • Bonus: as the cranberry juice and spices simmer, your house will smell AMAZING.

HOW TO MAKE A HOT TODDY
A basic hot toddy recipe is nothing more than whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water. With respect tradition, we think this spiced cranberry hot toddy is much better.

The wintery spices make this version perfect for this chilly season. And since it’s almost as easy to make as the original, there’s no reason not to treat yourself.

1. Add the cranberry juice and spices to a pot.
2. Simmer simmer simmer.
3. Sweeten with some maple syrup.
4. Pour some bourbon into a glass and top with the spiced cranberry juice.

If you want to get fancy, mix a little sugar with some cinnamon and rim your glass before you pour in your cranberry hot toddy.

See those pretty glasses up there? They are part of the Balance Series cocktail glasses that ZENS sells on their website. I love how clean and fresh they look.

They’re doubled walled glasses which means you can serve your cranberry toddy in them and pick them up without worrying about the glass being too hot to hold.

And since they’re glass, they let the beautiful red cranberry color shine.

I know I’ll reach for them again and again this winter. And there’s a pretty darn good chance that someone will be opening a box from ZENS this Christmas. Just sayin’.

I always opt for cocktail glasses that are on the small size as I don’t like too much mix in my drinks. These glasses are the perfect size for a cranberry hot toddy as they’re not too big. They’re a little bigger than an espresso cup which means you can add an ounce of bourbon and top with the spiced cranberry juice without worrying about watering down the bourbon.

If you like your cocktails a little less boozy, ZENS sells the Balance Series Highball Glasses that are taller so you can add more spiced cranberry juice.

The taller version is also a great size if you want to skip the bourbon and turn this into a virgin cranberry hot toddy.

PLUS, they’re giving away a beautiful tea set. Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY HOT TODDIES FOR A CROWD
This cranberry hot toddy recipe makes 32 small (2-ounce) drinks which makes it perfect for a party. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make the spiced cranberry juice then strain it.
2. Add the bourbon to the pot. Pop in a couple of orange slices to pretty it up.
3. Put a ladle in the pot and let your guests serve themselves.

So easy!

PS. If you love cranberry cocktails, make sure to check out our Christmas Cranberry Margarita!

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Cranberry Hot Toddy


  • Author: Kristen Stevens
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 32 - 2 ounce cocktails

Ingredients

  • 4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1 mandarin orange (sliced)
  • 23-inch cinnamon sticks
  • 12-inch piece of ginger (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 5 star anise
  • 1/21 cup maple syrup (more, to taste)
  • 24 cups of bourbon (depending how strong you like your cocktails)

Instructions

  1. Pour the cranberry juice into a medium-sized pot. Add the mandarin orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, and star anise and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Strain the juice to remove the spices.
  2. Add a 1/2 cup of maple syrup to the pot. Taste and add more maple syrup, to taste.
  3. Pour 1 ounce of bourbon into your glass and top with 1 ounce of the spiced cranberry juice.

Notes

If you can’t find unsweetened cranberry juice, use cranberry cocktail and omit the maple syrup.

If you’d like, sugar the rim with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Make a big batch by adding 4 cups of bourbon to the spiced cranberry juice and let guests serve themselves.

If you like a less strong cocktail, use 1 ounce of bourbon and 2 ounces of spiced cranberry juice.

The spiced cranberry juice will keep for at least a week in the fridge.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail

 


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Caramel Apple Rum Punch https://honestcooking.com/caramel-apple-rum-punch/ https://honestcooking.com/caramel-apple-rum-punch/#respond Fri, 05 Oct 2018 13:00:25 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=171412 It's cool, refreshing, but loaded with spiced rum and sweet caramel apple sauce. This caramel apple rum punch screams of fall and we love it!

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Sponsored Post: We’ve partnered with North Coast Organics, makers of delicious apple products, to bring you fun recipes ideas for the coming season. Their apple sauces, vinegars, juices and ciders are made with only U.S. grown apples. You’re sure to taste the difference!
It’s cool, refreshing, but loaded with spiced rum and sweet caramel apple sauce. This caramel apple rum punch screams of fall and we love it!

Click here for the RECIPE.


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Tiramisu Hot Cocoa https://honestcooking.com/tiramisu-hot-cocoa/ https://honestcooking.com/tiramisu-hot-cocoa/#respond Fri, 05 Jan 2018 14:00:03 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=162529 It's time to put a twist on the classic winter drink. Warm up with a big mug of this tiramisu hot cocoa, it tastes just like the Italian dessert.

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It’s time to put a twist on the classic winter drink. Warm up with a big mug of this tiramisu hot cocoa, it tastes just like the Italian dessert.

If you missed it, I recently shared a super thick and creamy recipe for Nutella hot chocolate. I wanted to continue with hot chocolate ideas and I mean, how perfect is a tiramisu for hot chocolate? The very next day, I ran into the kitchen and started working out my recipe.

This tiramisu hot chocolate takes all the flavor components of a tiramisu and implements them in every part of this drink with minimal effort, including a lady finger for you to dunk into your hot chocolate and scoop up the mascarpone whipped cream. Seriously, there isn’t anything better than a long dunk of the hot chocolate and a nice scoop of the whipped cream while watching your favorite classic movie (I am personally a total Audrey Hepburn fan over here!)

Put on your pjs, throw on a movie, and whip up some hot chocolate with someone and just hang out for a bit! And if Nutella is more your style, make THIS ONE.

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Tiramisu Hot Cocoa


  • Author: Amanda Powell
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

It’s time to put a twist on the classic winter drink. Warm up with a big mug of this tiramisu hot cocoa, it tastes just like the Italian dessert.


Ingredients

  • 2 oz semi sweet chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 34 oz espresso
  • 2 oz brandy (or dark rum)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

  • 4 tablespoons mascarpone
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • cocoa powder for dusting
  • 2 ladyfingers

Instructions

  1. Add the chocolate, cocoa powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt together in a small saucepan. Heat, and stir until the chocolate is melted and everything is well incorporated.
  2. Add in the espresso, brandy, and milk. Stir until steaming, but not bubbling. Sir in the vanilla extract. Pour into glasses.
  3. Beat the mascarpone and heavy cream together until soft peaks form. Beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt into the cream and beat until medium peaks form.
  4. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and pipe the whipped cream onto the hot chocolate. Insert the lady finger and dust with cocoa powder.
  5. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Chocolate, Drink

 

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Port Wine Hot Cocoa https://honestcooking.com/port-wine-hot-cocoa/ https://honestcooking.com/port-wine-hot-cocoa/#respond Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:00:40 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=160114 This rich and decadent hot cocoa drink is spiked with port wine and perfect for the coldest days ahead.

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This rich and decadent hot cocoa drink is spiked with port wine and perfect for the coldest days ahead.

Port Wine Hot Cocoa

Heaven on earth, in a mug. If loving you is wrong I don’t wanna be right. Indulge yourself with this divine port wine hot chocolate drink.

Port Wine Hot Cocoa

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Port Wine Hot Cocoa


  • Author: Lei Zhang
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

This rich and decadent hot cocoa drink is spiked with port wine and perfect for the coldest days ahead.


Ingredients

  • 100 g 70% dark chocolate (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup port wine
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 3 cups of milk
  • 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk in a pan over a medium heat and stir in the chocolate, cocoa powder,vanilla extract, sugar and salt until the chocolate has melted
  2. Add the port wine and serve
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Drinks

 

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Cozy Whiskey Chai https://honestcooking.com/cozy-whiskey-chai/ https://honestcooking.com/cozy-whiskey-chai/#respond Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:00:38 +0000 http://honestcooking.com/?p=159831 Warm and comforting, this whiskey chai is a cozy sip on chilly autumn evenings.

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Warm and comforting, this whiskey chai is a cozy sip on chilly autumn evenings.

Vanilla Whiskey Chai

I enjoy making my own blend of Chai Tea for this recipe, but you can simply use your favorite brand of Chai and make up your own Whiskey Chai, easy peasy.

When blending your own chai, be sure to use the highest-quality spices you can find.

Don’t use those spices you find tucked in the back of your cabinets that have been sitting there for years. Oh nope, just don’t do that to your Chai.

I don’t know about you, but for me, making a cup of tea is rather therapeutic. It’s the process of making a proper cup of tea that slows me down enough that I’m able take in the moment and simply relax. Taking a few deep breaths (because surely, my kids will realize I’m trying to take time out and interrupt), and then the moment of finally enjoying an aromatic cup of tea slowly is simply amazing. Take that Chai and add in a splash of whiskey, and I’m all about me time!

Vanilla Whiskey Chai

One of my favorite flavors to add to any Chai, is Vanilla, oh yes please. If you want to give it a go, all you need to do is add a whole vanilla bean to the brew while steeping.

Remember, vanilla beans left whole can be used again to make more Whiskey Chai, so don’t toss it out. Another beautiful option is to use the dry vanilla bean and bury it in an airtight jar of sugar, letting it sit for 1 -2 weeks before use, voila … Vanilla Sugar.

Need more inspiration? Try this easy DIY Mulling Spices recipe, it’s perfect for the holidays and also makes a lovely gift from your kitchen!

Vanilla Whiskey Chai

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Vanilla Whiskey Chai


  • Author: Stacey M Doyle
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Description

Warm and comforting, this vanilla whiskey chai is a cozy sip on chilly autumn evenings.


Ingredients

  • 4 cups Milk
  • 2 Cinnamon sticks (lightly crushed)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Peppercorns
  • 8 Cloves (whole)
  • 8 Cardamom Pods (lightly crushed)
  • 1 1-inch piece fresh Ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 4 single serving teabags (or 2 Tbsp loose leaf of Black Tea, I prefer Darjeeling)
  • 34 oz Bourbon (this is optional if you wish to a non-alcoholic version)
  • Sugar or your favorite sweetener (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, bring the Milk to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
  2. Add all of the Spices, including the sliced Ginger, and the Black Tea to the warm Milk and allow to steep for 8 – 10 minutes. Strain the Chai tea, and add the Chai back to the saucepan and rewarm over low heat for 2 – 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Add in the Bourbon, sweeten to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

You can either gather up the spices and Ginger in a cheesecloth and tie off with kitchen twine for steeping, or you can add them directly to the milk and strain before serving.

The Chai Spices, except for the fresh Ginger, can be doubled or tripled and stored for later use. Simply add the fresh sliced Ginger when preparing the Chai.

To make a Vanilla Whiskey Chai, add a whole Vanilla Bean when steeping.

You can substitute the fresh Ginger for 1 tsp of ground Ginger if preferred.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Drink, Tea

 

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