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Sure, we don’t have what rational people would refer to as “winter,” but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to warm up in these brutal, only partially sunny January climes. A few suggestions, as selected by Monthly writers. Cheers!
MULLED WINE (PREFERABLY ENGLISH)
What I remember most about coming home for the holidays back in England are the amazing aromas of spices and oranges that filled the house. On the stove would be a permanent vat of “mulled wine,” a red wine warmed with orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves — the perfect belly-warming beverage for a cold winter’s day. Known to jolly up even the severest of Englishmen, this sleep-inducing drink will send all to a hazy dreamland.
ALISON CRAWSHAW
ADMIRAL’S WINTER SWEATER
One of our favorite bartenders has come up with the Admiral’s Winter Sweater, which uses 4 parts Admiral Nelson (or similar off-brand Capt. Morgan), 1 part butterscotch schnapps and 1 part apple cider. Shake and pour over ice in a cocktail glass, top with a spritz of ginger ale and garnish with a slice of apple and some cinnamon. The taste sparkles with seasonal comfort, and it’s delicious enough your guests will never guess you served them the cheap stuff.
TIM DONNELLY
FIRE AND MARTINIS
January is the perfect month for the warm, secure feeling you get when sitting by a fire. My favorite thing to do this time of year is have candles burning everywhere, and then, on weekends, light up the outdoor firepit. Throw in a slightly dirty martini straight up — shaken, not stirred — and you have the perfect night.
LORI GOODRIDGE CRIBB
