Even as we’re recovering from parties from the first leg of the festive season — the amazing Christmas soirees — the New Year is just around the corner. Now, given that stepping foot in most restaurants and eateries to ring in the midnight celebrations is set to be a tall order, house parties are where the actual fun will be.
And what good is a midnight countdown at a New Year’s party without a drink in your hand to toast the good times of 2016, and welcome 2017 with pomp? However, given that we’re on the brink of a frigid winter season, icy cold drinks for your party may not be the best idea, since the guests may crave something warmer to suit the night.
In such a situation, wouldn’t booze mixed with delicious, spicy ingredients set the mood better? When one thinks of toasty seasonal drinks, hot toddy is one tipple that comes to mind instantly. Don’t be misled though; there’s so much more to the world of cocktail that can be served hot.
Think of apple cider with a dash of vanilla to it. With some nutmeg, vanilla essence, and brown sugar added to the apple cider, simmer it on medium flame for a bit. Add some bourbon to the piping mix. Don’t forget to add dollops of whipped cream to top your drink up, because what good is a heady, sweet cocktail without some dairy goodness!
An Irish coffee is also traditionally a much-loved drink when the temperatures dip and you crave some alcohol with your cuppa. To get the best out of the drink for your guests, pour some whiskey over the back of a spoon to black coffee and brown sugar. Follow this up with some gently added whipped cream — make sure it goes on to cover at least two inches — and serve warm.
When it comes to spiced drinks, rum is possibly the best partner this new trend could ask for. Cinnamon, nutmeg and even clove make for a great combination for hot buttered rum. With some salt and butter — as well as brown sugar and honey to balance the spices — bring the ingredients, except rum, to a boil. With cinnamon being a key ingredient in the drink; it only makes sense to use cinnamon sticks as garnish, to complete this buttery goodness, that makes for a great tipple post a fun dinner.
Kahlua, which is a coffee-flavoured liqueur, could well be your best friend on a cold night as December turns to January. It makes for a great base for hot chocolate with a twist. Add some caramel sauce, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and milk to the ingredient and you have a sweet delight on your hands. Marshmallows are a must to add that perfect touch to this drink. More importantly, don’t forget to make use of nutmeg and cinnamon, to give that zing to your hot chocolate.
Of course, your regular glassware — your champagne flutes and cocktail glasses — are not going to be of much use, should you choose to go down the warm road this new years. Swap these glasses for the likes of large and deep coffee mugs, and bring out a plate of cookies with salty notes in them, and welcome 2017 with a warm embrace!
With inputs from Amit Jambotkar, vice president, F&B operations, Mirah Hospitality.
