CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESWhen temperatures drop, we crave libations that warm body and soul. Active Junky’s been hard at work for the cause, suffering through multiple toddy tastings. All four recipes (one’s kid-friendly) feature our preferred source of zing: cinnamon. Enjoy them after a stormy day on piste or as a fireside nightcap. These peppery picks leave you rosy-cheeked and ready for the next day’s Active Junky-fueled adventure.
An oldie but goodie, this concoction toes the line between spicy and sweet. The combination of heat, citrus, and honey ward off seasonal sniffles; the whiskey adds a kick.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
5 ½ shots of whiskey
6 tablespoons honey
2 lemons, one reserved for garnish
4 cups apple cider
4 earl grey tea bags
4 cinnamon sticks
In a small pan over low heat, warm the cider, cinnamon, honey and whiskey until hot while stirring to dissolve the honey. Remove from heat, add tea bags and allow the drink to steep for 2 minutes. Remove tea bags and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Pour into four mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and lemon slices cut into half moons.
Best For: Savoring fireside.
This spirited sipper is packed with cayenne pepper and cinnamon – it’ll leave you humming Duh-duh-na-na-na-nuh – Tequila! as you make your next batch.
Serves 3
Ingredients:
4 shots of tequila, divided three ways
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch cayenne pepper
Cinnamon sticks
Place milk and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Steep for three minutes. Reheat the hot chocolate over low heat until it begins to simmer. Strain the chocolate into a measuring cup and pour into mugs. Stir tequila into mugs with cinnamon sticks.
Best For: A warming pick-me-up on winter expeditions; throw it in a thermos and go.
Who doesn’t love the comforting, warm, apple cinnamon-y goodness of apple pie? This is a classic with a kick and Active Junky’s new go-to for cozy winter gatherings.
Serves: A Thirsty Crowd
Ingredients:
1.5 quarts unfiltered apple juice
3 cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
6 whole allspices
1.5 cups spiced rum
Sweetened whipped cream
Combine apple juice and whole spices in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes. To serve, reheat juice, then strain into mugs, dividing evenly. Add 1/4-cup rum to each mug and top with whipped cream.
Best For: Big groups. This recipe is easily doubled for your winter solstice soirée.
More of a dessert than a drink, this bubbling beverage fulfills fantasies: you can finally drink Nutella. Topped with sprinkles of spice and homemade whipped cream, this whimsical wonder makes even the Grinch smile.
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
2.5 tablespoons nutella
1 tablespoon cocoa
Pinch of salt
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk all ingredients together until blended and hot. Pour in a cup and top with homemade whipped cream.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Place a medium metal bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Pour all ingredients into the chilled bowl and start to beat. Start off on low and gradually work your way up to high. Stop when the cream reaches desired consistency; don’t over beat.
Best For: A snow day after a good old-fashioned snowball fight.
