Favorite Cold Weather Drinks in Minnesota with Recipes

If you are someone who loves a Minnesota winter and everything that comes along with that then you are absolutely loving the fact that we are now experiencing more of a typical January in Minnesota.  If you like the warmer weather that we just had last week, you might have to wait awhile.

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SOMETIMES YOU JUST WANT TO WARM UP WITH A HOT BEVERAGE

During the winter months, it's kind of fun to sit with a warm adult beverage.  It's social and it warms you up - even your hands, in some cases.  I love a warm drink.  If you are someone who would rather not have the booze in the drink, but still want to enjoy a warm winter drink in Minnesota, these can all be altered to a mocktail.

There are some favorites in Minnesota, but we can always add to that list too.

HERE ARE THE MOST POPULAR WINTER DRINKS - WITH RECIPES

How about a traditional Hot Toddy?  This has got to be one of my favorites.  It's warm and cozy.  That is, if you can describe a drink as cozy.  But this one kind of fits that as far as a drink can be cozy.

CLASSIC HOT TODDY RECIPE

• 1. • 2 oz bourbon, Irish whiskey, or dark rum
     • 6 oz boiling water
     • 1 oz honey (or to taste)
     • Lemon peel (optional garnish)
     • Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
  2. Directions:
     
     1. Fill a mug with boiling water and let it sit for a minute to warm the glass. Pour the water out.
     2. Add the spirit of choice and honey to the mug.
     3. Top with fresh boiling water and stir until the honey is dissolved.

TOM & JERRY - NOT JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When you buy the mix, make sure to use it soon - it doesn't freeze well, and gets "weird" after awhile.  If it happened to me, it can happen to you.

• • 2 heaping tablespoons of store-bought or homemade Tom & Jerry batter/mix
  • 1 oz rum
  • 1 oz brandy
  • Piping hot water
  • Ground nutmeg for topping
• Directions:
  
  1. Add the Tom & Jerry batter, rum, and brandy to a mug.
  2. Fill the mug with piping hot water and stir well

HOW GOOD DOES A HOT BUTTERED RUM SOUND

This one might be my favorite.  Think of the life saver of the same flavor.  Only - as a drink. YUM!  This one is also a little more involved than the others.  I don't even like butter, and I still love this one.

• • 1 stick of butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • A pinch of clove
• Ingredients (Per Drink):
  
  • Dark rum (or spiced rum)
  • Boiling water
  • 2-3 oz of the butter mixture
• Directions:
  
  1. Whip the butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove together until well-creamed. Refrigerate the mixture until cold and almost solid.
  2. For a single drink, fill a glass with half rum and half boiling water.
  3. Stir in 2 to 3 ounces of the cold butter mixture until completely dissolved. 

THE HOT SPICED CIDER - THIS IS A WINNER TOO

This one is actually normally non-alcoholic, but add the booze if you prefer.  The non-alcoholic version makes it great for families with little kids.

• Ingredients:
  
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 6 whole allspice berries
  • Peel of 1 orange and 1 lemon, cut into strips
• Directions:
  
  1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large saucepan.
  2. Place the spices and citrus peels into a cheesecloth or a large tea bag.
  3. Bring the cider mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, add the spice bag, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the spice bag before serving. (Optional: Add 1/2 cup of Irish whiskey for a boozy twist). 

Whatever you decide to do this winter - stay warm!!