Warm up this winter with five delightful cocktail recipes
Image: Ron
As winter sets in across South Africa, crisp mornings and chilly evenings call for something a little stronger, and warmer, than the usual G&T you sip on in summer.
Whether you're curled up by the fire, have a few friends around, or just unwinding after a long day, these cocktails will warm you up from the inside.
Here are five of our favourite winter-ready drinks, complete with easy-to-follow recipes.
Rooibos hot toddy
Rooibos brings a local twist to the traditional hot toddy. With warming spices and honey, it's soothing and perfect for cold nights.
Ingredients 1 Rooibos teabag
1 cup boiling water
1 shot (30ml) brandy or whisky
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
Steep the rooibos teabag in boiling water for 3–5 minutes.
Remove the teabag, then stir in the brandy, honey, and lemon juice.
Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth and serve hot.
Source: Woolworths Taste Magazine
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Rooibos brings a local twist to the traditional hot toddy.
Image: Freepik
Amarula hot chocolate
What better combination than your favourite cream liqueur with rich hot chocolate? A perfect decadent drink for winter.
Ingredients 250ml milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1–2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
50ml Amarula Cream Liqueur
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
Stir in cocoa powder and sugar until dissolved.
Remove from heat and add Amarula.
Serve in a mug topped with whipped cream if desired.
Source: Amarula.com
Perfect decadent drink for winter.
Image: Tatiane Herder / Pexels
Spiced mulled wine (Glühwein)
This European classic has become a winter favourite in South Africa, especially in wine regions like Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. Warm, spicy, and aromatic.
Ingredients 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well)
1 orange (sliced)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup sugar or honey
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients.
Warm over low heat for 20–30 minutes (do not boil)
Strain and serve warm in heatproof glasses.
Source: Food & Home SA
Glühwein is warm, spicy, and aromatic.
Image: Eva Michalkova / Pixabay
Ginger whisky warmer
Ginger and whisky offer both warmth and spice, ideal for fighting off a winter chill. This cocktail is simple but packs a flavourful punch.
Ingredients 50ml whisky
100ml ginger beer
Juice of ½ lemon
Slice of fresh ginger (optional)
Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
Combine whisky and lemon juice in a heatproof mug.
Add ginger beer and a slice of ginger.
Warm gently (don't boil), and serve with a lemon wedge.
Source: BBC Good Food
Ginger and whisky offer both warmth and spice.
Image: Cup of Couple / Pexels
Warm spiced rum and apple cider
Apple cider is increasingly popular in South Africa, and this hot version, infused with warming spices and dark rum, is perfect for fireside sipping. Rum also pairs beautifully with winter spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients 1 cup cloudy apple juice or cider
50ml dark rum
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 tsp honey or brown sugar
Apple slices or orange peel (optional garnish)
Instructions
Heat the apple juice with cinnamon, cloves, and honey over medium heat.
Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes (don't boil).
Remove from heat and stir in the rum.
Strain and serve warm in a mug, garnished with a slice of apple or a curl of orange peel.
Source: Yuppiechef
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