Recipes for Drinks > Reviews (76)

So, whether you like it or not the festive season is racing towards us like an unstoppable express train. For many people, Christmas is an excuse to indulge in rich food and drink that would not be consumed at any other times. And with this in mind I have gathered up three of the best recipes I could find for Christmassy drinks. If you decide to make any of them, I hope you enjoy them as much as I always do. If you decide not to make any of them, heck that’s up to you, but you don’t know what you’re missing.

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Mulled Wine

Mulled wine was a favourite in Victorian England, and was even served to children on their birthdays. Today it is mostly reserved for Christmas.

●Recipe for Mulled Wine

1 Bottle of Red Wine
1 Lemon, quartered
6 Cloves
1 stick of Cinnamon
A small pinch of Ginger Powder
3 tbsp brandy
12 fl oz Orange Juice
Sugar to taste

Stud the lemon with the cloves.
Place all the Ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil.
Reduce to a simmer for a couple of minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Remove the Lemon chunks and the Cinnamon stick.
Taste the Mulled wine and sweeten as appropriate.
Serve in red wine glasses.

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Eggnog

Eggnog first appeared in Europe around three hundred years ago. It started life as a drink that mixed warm milk and eggs with Sherry or Brandy. The mixture was served in a noggin, (a small, wooden mug) and thus the drink became known as 'eggnog'. During the 19th Century Eggnog became very popular in Great Britain, especially around Christmas. It was served both warm and cold to people who came visiting during winter.

●Recipe for Eggnog

4 Egg Yolks
4oz Castor Sugar
4 fl oz Rum, Brandy or Whisky
2 Pints whipping cream
2 egg whites
fresh nutmeg

Beat the egg yolks until they are pale and thickened.
Gradually beat in the castor sugar.
Add 2 fl oz of your chosen alcohol very slowly, beating constantly.
Let the mixture stand covered for 1 hour to dispel the "eggy" taste.
Add the rest of the alcohol and the whipping cream while beating constantly.
Refrigerate for 3 hours.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold them lightly into the mixture.
Serve the eggnog sprinkled with fresh nutmeg.

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Danish Glogg

Glogg is a traditional drink of the Advent season in Denmark and Sweden and is traditionally made with red wine. Each serving glass has a few almonds and raisins in it as well as the drink. Glogg has a high sugar content as well as a heavier alcohol taste than that of a Mulled wine.

●Recipe

3 cups of Water
1 Cinnamon stick
5 Cloves
4 Whole Allspice
3 Cardamom Pods
A pinch of Ginger
Grated Orange Peel (1 Orange)
Grated Lemon Peel (1 Lemon)
4oz Raisins
1 Bottle of Red Wine
Slivered Almonds

Mix the Water, Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice, Cardamom and Ginger for 1 hour. Add grated Orange peel, grated Lemon peel, and Raisins.
Let mixture sit overnight.
Pour the bottle of red wine into the mixture, and slowly let it come to a simmer. Put a few slivered almonds into the bottom of each serving glass or mug, and pour the Glogg on top, Enjoy.

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