Picture this; it’s a crisp weekend winters day, you’ve embarked on a country jaunt to fill your lungs with some (very) cold air and now you’re in search of some comfort. The pub is calling; preferably one with Chesterfield seats, a roaring fire and an indulgent cocktail list.
When it comes to drink selection, there are of course the winter staples such as red wine, or a nice pint of Guinness (there is Never a bad time for a pint of the good stuff).
However, if you really want to warm your body, and get dulcetly pi**ed whilst sinking into a comfy chair, I would recommend you try one of the cocktails below. By all means, order what you like but I thought I'd give you a push in the 'right' direction.
Manhattan
Is there any place better in winter than New York? Probably not. So it makes perfect sense to indulge in a cocktail straight from the Big Apple that’ll reach the depths of your soul with welcome warmth.
Ingredients
2 oz Ragtime Rye
.5 oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth
.5 oz Punt de Mes
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters
Winter Spiced Old Fashioned
This would Always be my personal choice; a classic cocktail with a nutmeg garnish; Always a winner.
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
5 oz winter spiced simple syrup*
2 dashes orange bitters
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Cinnamon stick
*To make the winter spiced simple syrup, simmer 1:1 simple syrup with clove, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Martinez
The direct precursor to the Martini, this could be labelled the classic of all the classic cocktails. A few sips of ‘The Father of the Martini’ and you’ll be struggling to name all of your family members - I assure you. Of course, after a long stroll, that’s Never a bad thing.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz gin
• .75 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 bar spoon of maraschino
• 1 dash orange bitters
Boulevardier
The trifecta of a great winter cocktail = Bitter, boozy and sweet, and this baby provides all three in perfect harmony. Just like the Negroni (another personal favourite) the quality of this drink depends on the perfect harmony of base spirit and vermouth - don’t let that bartender sell you short.
Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz rye whiskey
• .75 oz Campari
• .75 oz sweet vermouth
Toby’s Toddy
Winter warmth in a glass that will seep all the way into your bones. The ultimate chillaxer.
Ingredients:
• 1 oz cognac
• 1 oz aged rum
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 5 dashes bitters
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