spike it.
Welcome the crisp chill of autumn and winter, and savor the cool evenings with an array of relaxing hot cocktails. Now that cold weather is really starting to set in, it’s time to put away those svelte cocktail shakers and shimmering, icy martini glasses in favor of steaming tea kettles and sturdy coffee mugs. The standby, rum-based hearty Hot Toddy can be great. But discerning ladies know that the dazzling new variety of premium flavored vodkas deliver the most delicious essences, with the right amount of bite. Top shelf tequila, whiskey, and even red wine can make delectable drop-ins too, if they’re more your forte. Pair nearly any sweeter shot with your favorite hot beverage, from rich homemade hot cocoa, to herbal tea, to a packet of powdered Swiss Miss, and be prepared to melt.
For the D.I.Y.-diva, adorable blogger Nutmeg Nanny’s recipe for Spiked Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Vodka Whipped Cream pick-me-up, below, is put together from scratch.
Ingredients
For Hot Chocolate:
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
3-4 ounces semisweet chocolate – chopped (depends on how chocolatey you want it)
3 ounces whipped cream flavored vodka
For Marshmallow Vodka Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon marshmallow flavored vodka
Directions
For Hot Chocolate:
“Simmer the milk, cream and sugar together until just boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and whisk until melted. Don’t boil.
You can either mix all the whipped cream vodka into the warmed hot chocolate or add 1 1/2 ounce per cup. This recipe will make two large glasses of hot chocolate.
Top with marshmallow vodka whipped cream.”
For Marshmallow Whipped Cream:
“Whip the cream with a handheld or stand mixer. When it starts to thicken add the sugar and vodka. Continue to whip until stiff peaks.”
But if you’re feeling less ambitious, check out these more basic mix-n-sip inspirations, from Buzzfeed:
1. Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate: White chocolate, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie liqueur
2. Mint Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, tequila, and peppermint schnapps
3. Nutella Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, brandy, and Frangelico
4. El Dorado Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, rum, and cinnamon liqueur
5. Red Wine Hot Chocolate: Bittersweet hot chocolate and red wine
6. Orange Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, Pisco, and Grand Marnier
7. Coconut White Hot Chocolate: White hot chocolate, coconut rum
8. Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, homemade peppermint schnapps
9. Irish Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate, Guinness, whiskey, and Bailey’s
What’s your favorite way to keep your spirits high with hot beverage when the temperatures get low? — Casandra Armour
