The temperatures dropped, the time fell back, and holiday spirits are on the rise. Holiday planning can be mind boggling too. I don't know about you, but I feel that there's nothing like a nice warm liquid to warm your heart and cheer our friends and family when they come to visit. But, what to serve, you ask. How about a nice hot toddy or festive warm sangria. They're easy to make and my recipes were well received at a recent social gathering.
Easy Hot Toddy: (5 servings)
Blend together in a small crockpot or teapot and heat
1.25 cups of hot water or hot lemon tea (I used lemon/ginger tea to add a zing. I used 2 teabags steeped in hot water for at least 30 seconds too)
1.25 cups of hot apple cider
5-10 oz (more to taste) of whisky, bourbon, rye, rum or brandy (not the cheap stuff. I used Jim Beam bourbon along with a couple of shots of fireball whiskey)
5 tbsp. of honey
2 or so oz of fresh lemon juice (to taste)
After all ingredients are warmed up, serve in cups with a small slice of lemon.
Hot Sangria: (10 servings)
Blend together in a large crockpot (simmer on high 1 hour then keep on warm setting)
2 bottles of Spanish Rioja wine (not the cheap stuff. I used a couple of bottles of good California red blended wine I found at the Kenwood Market)
1 cup of brandy or apple brandy
1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup simple syrup (homemade - 1 cup water/ 1 cup sugar - bring to boil then lower to simmer for 5 minutes)
1 thinly sliced orange
1 thinly sliced apple
1 cup raw cranberries
4-5 cinnamon sticks
Option - 1 sachet of whole peppercorns
Serve in mugs including with a little drunkin fruit.
I hope these libations warm the cockles of your heart.
Please drink responsibly. Remember, buzzed driving IS drunk driving.
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