It’s that time of year again…
We all experience the same sinking spirit each year when we leave the office at the end of the day and realize it has already been dark out for two hours– bleh. After last weekend’s fall back, we’re in the thick of it. Unfortunately, there is no escaping this. Fortunately, however, we know some particularly helpful ways of coping. We call them dark drinks for dark days.
Check out our favorites:
Mulled Wine Cocktail: (8 servings)
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 bottle red wine (your pick)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 4 oranges, peeled, for garnish
Combine wine, cider, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in large saucepan. Bring mixture to boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into glasses or mugs and serve with orange peel to garnish.
Coquito: (4-6 servings)
- 2 cans coconut cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 cup dark rum
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
This creamy cocktail is the Peurto Rican version of Egg Nog. It’s cozy enough for a winter day, but has just the right amount of tropical flavor to boost your sunken spirit. Blend all ingredients in a blender on high until liquid is smooth. Refrigerate and serve.
Spiked Hot Apple Cider: (8 servings)
- 1 apple
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 quarts apple cider
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Pinch grated nutmeg
- 1 cups dark rum
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Put rum aside. Combine a clove studded apple and remaining ingredients into a large pot and slowly bring to summer over low heat. Let mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Add the rum and discard the apple. Ladle into mugs and enjoy with a cinnamon stick to garnish.
Recipes adapted via food.com and foodnetwork.com.