The cold weather is here and with it, the scramble for recipes to warm us up from within. If you’re looking for some delicious drinks recipes for your winter menus, we’ve got you covered. We chatted to Melrick Harrison, mixologist at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, about the drinks to try this season, and he shared some of his best winter warmer recipes.
For those who enjoy wine
Anyone who has travelled to Europe during Christmas and winter times will probably have come across gluhwein, a warm and spicy wine-based beverage.
Recipe (serves 10 or bottle to warm up later):
- 750 ml dry red wine
- 375 liqueur
- The peels and juice of ½ orange
- 25ml honey
- 375 ml dessert wine
- 2 whole pieces of cinnamon
- 3 whole cloves
- Pinch of ground all spices
- Grated nutmeg
- Garnish: Orange peel
- Garnish: Cinnamon stick
- Garnish: Star anise
Put all ingredients into a pot and set the temperature to medium heat for approximately 30mins. Add honey to taste. Serve warm and garnish with an orange peel along with spices of choice, such as a cinnamon stick, star anise and grated nutmeg.
For those who enjoy coffee
If you’re more of a coffee person, Melrick has you covered for that too. There are a number of ways to spice up your cup this winter. You can create delicious warm coffee drinks with just a few ingredients.
Butterscotch latte recipe:
- 30ml butterscotch syrup (can be store-bought or you can make it yourself)
- 50ml bourbon
- 60ml espresso
- 200ml milk
- Coconut and honey cream
- Toasted marshmallows
If you have a milk frother, there’s a great cheat way to make this drink. Simply add all the ingredients to the jug you use to froth your milk, steam and voilὰ! Add contents to a latte cup, top with cream and toasted marshmallows and you have a delicious winter warmer drink.
For those wanting something non-alcoholic
Anyone wanting something similar to gluhwein, but non-alcoholic will love kinderpunsch. This popular German drink is perfect for the whole family.
Recipe (serves 10 or bottle to reheat later)
- 1.7L Pineapple juice
- 1.7L Cranberry juice
- 170ml apple cider vinegar 170ml
- 2 cups water
- 2 ½ vanilla pods
- 3g whole Cloves 3
- Honey to taste
Bring all the ingredients to a boil on the stove and add honey to taste. Let the ingredients simmer together for about 10 minutes and serve hot.
For those who want a cocktail
Of course, winter doesn’t mean you have to give up on cocktails. There are a number of cocktails that can be had in warm or cold weather. One of Melrick’s favorites is a Maiden Mary, which they make at Tobago’s Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront. This drink includes Skyy Vodka, Fabbri Triple Sec, olive brine, rosemary-infused balsamic vinegar, red wine bitters, tomato juice and then topped with black peppered cucumber foam.
Melrick says this drink is more than just the “hair of the dog,” it is also rich in antioxidants with a spicy kick to clear congestion. Pop into Tobago’s to give this one a try.
Enjoy these drinks at home with your family or head to Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront for a taste of the Maiden Mary. Either way, you are guaranteed a cozy winter ahead!