Warm Up with These 2 Winter Cocktails

During the colder months, you may find yourself searching for a drink that will really warm you up, whether you're sitting by the fire or hosting a small get-together. Around Christmas, you're probably used to the "classic" flavors like peppermint or eggnog. But with Christmas over, you may be looking for something a little different.

Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are two of my favorite winter cocktails that are perfect for this time of year.

Chai Hot Toddy

Recipe from Real Simple

Heavily spiced, spiked, and steaming hot - a great drink to warm up with on those cold winter nights.

Ingredients

• 2 black tea bags
• 6 cardamom pods, crushed (you can also use ground)
• 1 2-inch fresh ginger, unpeeled, sliced thin
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 shots dark rum
• 2 pods star anise (garnish)

Directions

1. In a medium pot, boil 1 cup of water on medium heat.

2. Once the water is boiling, remove it from heat and place in the tea bags, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.

3. Cover and steep for 6 minutes.

4. Remove the tea bags and return to heat. Stir in honey and milk.

5. After 4-5 minutes, the honey should be fully incorporated. Strain the tea and remove (and throw away) spice solids.

6. Divide between two mugs and top off with 1½ ounces of dark rum. Garnish. Serve.

Maple Pecan Latte

Recipe from The Spruce Eats

Though I don't recommend substituting this for your morning latte, I do think its sweetness makes for a delicious after-dinner drink.

Ingredients

Maple Pecan Syrup:

• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup pecan butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1⁄3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Latte:

• 1 shot espresso
• 2 tablespoons maple pecan syrup
• ½ cup steamed milk

Garnish:

• dollop of whipped cream
• chopped toasted pecans

Directions

1. In a small pot, combine the maple syrup, pecan butter, brown sugar, and butter over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.

2. Remove syrup from heat, and stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool. (You will have extra left)

3. Combine espresso and 2 tablespoons of maple pecan syrup (that you set aside to cool) in a mug. Stir until blended.

4. Pour in steamed milk, top with whipped cream and toasted pecans.

**For adults aged 21+. Please drink responsibly.

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