Classic Winter Warmers To Help Keep You Warm Over Winter
The temperature has dropped, it's officially winter, and it's the season of hot alcoholic drinks (YAY!). Here at Lekto Wood Fuels we highly recommend to enjoy them standing or sitting around a roaring fireplace, watching the flames dancing beautifully from Hardwood Heat Logs or Sawdust Briquettes, be in a pub or at the comfort of your own living room. We thought we’d share two delicious recipes for classic winter warmers that are easy to make and you’re sure to enjoy.
Mulled Wine - Sophisticated Version
Easily one of the most popular winter warmers around, mulled wine is a festive treat that people look forward to all year round. While many buy pre-made mulled wine and warmed it up at home, making it yourself is actually incredibly easy. In fact, as you’re able to control the level of spices and sweetness, the mulled wine you make at home can be far better than any you’ll find in a supermarket.
As far as hot alcoholic drinks are concerned, mulled wine is a timeless classic and is considered by many to be the perfect festive drink for a reason. So, without any further ado, here’s our favourite mulled wine recipe:
Mulled Wine Ingredients - 5 Servings:
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- 100g brown sugar
- 1star anise
- 1cinnamon quills, plus extra to serve
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped
- 2 cloves
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1 bottle of medium dry red wine
- 250ml / 2 cups water
Mulled Wine Recipe
- Before you slice citrus, peel them or use greater to get the top layer of peel off which contains essential oils which later once added to the syrup will give a lovely flavour to your winter warmer. Squeeze the juice from one orange, slice the other one later to be added to the mulled wine. Slice half a lemon, squeeze the juice from the remaining half.
- Place the orange, lemon juice with water, sugar, and spices in a large saucepan. Heat on a low setting gently stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil and boil gently for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the remaining orange and lemon slices, followed by the wine. Heat all together until just beginning to simmer, reduce heat and leave to simmer for at least 10 minutes.
You’ll want to keep an eye on your mulled wine to make sure it does not boil, as that will burn off the alcohol and you don’t want that! Get it right, however, and you’ll have what may very well be the best tasting mulled wine you’ve ever had.
Top Tip: add a shot of rum or cognac
Hot Buttered Rum - (Minus the Hogwarts)
‘Hot Buttered Rum’ might sound like something out of a wizardly film, and we are neither agreeing nor denying it… It's definitely something interesting and unusual. Not many alcoholic drink recipes involve butter, but this recipe is all the better for it. Whether you’re a fan of winter warmers or simply fancy something a little different, this is one hot alcoholic drink you’ve got to try.
Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients:
- 1 tsp powdered sugar
- 50 ml/ 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1-2 shots of your favourite spiced rum
- 2 tbs butter, softened
- 1/8 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Hot Buttered Rum Recipe:
- Combine softened butter, powdered sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon until it becomes a smooth texture, set aside. (this serves one portion if serving more, proportionally increase the number of spices and butter ratio)
- Boil ¼ cup water.
- Add 2 tbsp of butter mixture to a tumbler glass, and pour boiling water and a 1-2 shots of spiced rum to the tumbler glass.
- Mix all ingredients until butter dissolves completely and enjoy hot.
Top Tip: you can pre-make butter batter and set aside in the fridge to be ready to serve to your guest just before they arrive
Video by @ouryorkshirebarn