Apple Cider
Serve cold on warm depending on the season. For colder months, you can heat the cider (very slowly - don't boil it) A muslin cloth of cloves, cinnamon sticks and nutmeg gives a lovely finishing touch. Add some orange slices for color. If you (or your caterer) have the time and/or the patience, slip one or two cloves through each slice or orange and drop it into the warmed cider. Your guests can drink it just as it is or add a splash of vodka, or better again, a white rum such as Bacardi.
Mulled Wine
This works very well in the cooler months, particularly if your guests are coming in from the cold. People usually have no more than one glass.
Make up a muslin cloth of cinnamon sticks and cloves or whatever spices in this family that you like, such as nutmeg or orange peel. Slowly, slowly heat the wine and stir occasionally while adding plenty of sugar (the most important ingredient) There is no "right" way - just keep tasting it and decide if you like it. You don't have to be a wine expert by any stretch. Again, don't boil it - just warm it very slowly.
Like wine coolers, mulled wine does not require expensive or good wine. Experiment with a few different types of wine in advance to test the results, or talk to your caterer. You'll need to consider the type of dishware you use to serve the drink in. It's not meant to be as hot as coffee, but it should be nice and warm. Pottery goblets, if you can manage it, are a lovely touch. This one definitely works better for smaller gatherings.
Either mulled wine or apple cider create a warm atmosphere and everybody seems to love the way they smell, especially during colder months.
Hot Whiskey
For one serving you'll need:
A shot of whiskey
A few tablespoons of sugar to taste
Slice of lemon
3 cloves
boiling water
sugar or honey
Place the 3 cloves through the lemon slice. (For multiple servings, do this in advance)
Pour a shot of whiskey into the glass
Add an equal amount of boiling water
(either preheat the glass with hot water or put a spoon in the glass while pouring in the hot water to conduct the heat and avoid breakages Ð hot whiskey should be served very hot) Add sugar or honey to taste
Add the slice of lemon
Stir
Get ready to warm up.
Irish Coffee
Irish coffees are very popular and can be an optional item for guests. They are quite filling, so it is unlikely that you will need more than one per guest. If you are serving a light meal and want to go heavy on desert choices, this might be a nice addition.
Irish Coffee Recipes
1 shot of Irish Whiskey (remember not all Irish whiskeys are equal)
2 teaspoons of Sugar
Fresh Hot Coffee
Fresh Cream
Rinse the (wine) glass with hot water (or put a spoon in there while you're pouring the hot water in to avoid breakage)
Pour in the sugar, coffee and whiskey.
Slowly pour whipped cream over the back of a spoon so that it sits on top Ð it's not meant to be stirred into the mixture. Enjoy!
Here's a variation on the Irish Coffee recipe
Triple Irish Coffee
1 Oz. Irish Whiskey
1 Oz. Irish Cream
1 Oz. Irish mist
1 Coffee
Top With Whipped Cream
1 Cherry
Hot Irish Nut
1 Part Irish Cream
1 Part Frangelica
1 Part Amaretto
Coffee
serve in a coffee mug |
