Cheers to Xmas spirit

Yes, Christmas may be a few weeks away, but it’s never too early to get into the Yuletide spirit! Cocktails play a huge role in the festive mood for December and the season begs for spiced up drinks, which will keep you warm.

Spices are, undoubtedly, the most coveted ingredients in Christmas cocktails, and one can be creative and use them in myriad ways — and lots of them too! Somehow, spices go with this season of cheer and merriment. What’s more, these help in keeping us warm and protected from winter ailments too.

One can’t think of Christmas and not prepare a special Christmas punch, with its robust, lip-smacking flavours that perk you up instantly. With lots of cranberry and pomegranate juice, simple syrup, vodka and lime juice, a glass of this punch gets me into the mood. After all, good cocktails are all about setting the right mood, aren’t they? One can also try this with sparkling wine — and believe me — the results are spectacular. A dash of fresh ginger in a punch ups the taste quotient too, Mulled wine is another all-time favourite, and a drink I can never skip. The aroma of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, gives me a heady feeling even before sipping this one. A glass of this truly spells the arrival of Christmas. Simple to prepare, some fruity red wine like a Merlot is apt for the drink. When it’s boiling and the apple and orange rinds blend with the spices, it gives out a delectable aroma, which fills the kitchen.

Naturally, eggnog is a must in this season too. No Christmas if there’s no eggnog is my all-time mantra. Eggs, milk, cream, bourbon, rum, brandy and nutmeg — these ingredients combine magically to create one of the most comforting season’s specials.

Personally, I prefer my drink a little sweet, but one can have it exactly how they prefer it. Condensed milk is what I use to indulge in guilty pleasures, but there are lighter options as well.

The well-spiced, hot buttered rum too is a popular drink in many households. Infuse spices into rum at home and leave aside for a few weeks for the best results. It pays to be patient, as the flavours then are unique.

Almost my signature drink, my heart-warming spiced apple cocktail is something everyone demands a glass of during the season. The trick lies in heating the apple juice and spices to the right temperature. With some golden rum, sugar and cinnamon, this one’s an absolute treat.

Despite warm cocktails, a glass of wine never fails to go with the Christmas spread. Trust your palate, experiment, and drink any spirit that pleases you. As long as your cocktails help you get into the Christmas spirit, it’s obviously the right spirit!

Mini is a food writer.