Something to warm you up

Photo: Flickr - Kurman Communications

There are many ways to warm up in this unseasonably cold weather, which looks to settle upon the Okanagan for a while yet. Tea, coffee, soup in a mug… or maybe something a bit different?

Give your après-ski tradition a twist with these suggestions.

Personally, I still have the last of my seasonal eggnog in the fridge. I’ve been adding it to my coffee in the morning, but the last drops will likely be turned into something else before the last bits of the holiday season are put away: half eggnog, half hot cocoa, and if the mood strikes, a shot of coffee liqueur such as Blasted Brew from Legend Distilling.

A hot gin and tonic might replace the traditional hot toddy or hot buttered rum. The trick is using tonic syrup, not actual tonic; you can find syrup at many local distilleries. An ounce and half of syrup, equal parts gin (more or less), top with hot water, a cinnamon stick, and a couple of lemon slices. 

Speaking of hot toddies, give it a twist with a chai hot toddy. Strong chai tea, warm milk, spiced rum, and add vanilla or honey if you need added sweetness.

A few years ago some friends and I came up with the term “alchocolate”: the combo of hot chocolate and a libation, or combo of libations. Common additions are kirsch, peppermint schnapps, or Frangelico. Why not a vanilla or “birthday cake” version? Vanilla vodka, whipped cream, and sprinkles on top. Leave out the vodka and just use good vanilla for a non-boozy option.

And red wine hot chocolate is a thing now. Melt good quality chocolate (milk or dark), with milk or half-and-half in a pot over medium heat, add a red wine (dry or fruity, your choice), and sugar to taste if you wish. 

I found something recently while googling what to do with the pumpkin puree that wasn’t used during the holidays: the Prince Pum King. It’s an ounce of Drambuie, steamed whole milk, an ounce and a half of pumpkin puree (not the pie filling), a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Warm it all together, strain, then add the Drambuie. Practising dry January? Skip the Drambuie and add dark honey and a drop of almond extract.

Also for the non-imbibers, combine apple cider, ginger ale, apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish, and you’ve got Apple Pie Punch. For the kids, turn this into an apple pie float with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Stay tuned for a preview of the best events coming in 2020 in a future column.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.