A Mug of Holiday Cheer
A highlight of the holiday season, festive beverages are both nostalgic reminders of Christmases past and conduits for new memories that will be fondly recalled for years to come. And as it turns out, these seasonal drinks actually bring their own stories to the table.
Spiced Cider
In history…
The first mention of apple cider comes from the Romans and their invasion in 55 BC of the region that would later become England. Soldiers found the locals enjoyed a cider-like beverage made from apples, and it quickly gained popularity, spreading throughout Europe and beyond. Historically, this cider was left raw and unprocessed, causing it to ferment and become alcoholic, and was often used to pay wages and rents.
At home…
Unfermented, fresh apple cider is a delicious and sweet winter treat, especially when heated and added to a concoction of spices (think all spice, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon) and a touch of brown sugar. If you want to introduce a little alcohol, try a splash of Drunken Hive Rum from Wayward Distillery.
Hot Chocolate
In history…
The sweet hot chocolate we know today didn’t begin that way. Instead, it’s believed that it was a spicy, bitter drink comprised of ground cocoa seeds, chili peppers, water and cornmeal. It’s been traced back as early as 500 BC to the Mayans. It was brought from Mexico to Spain in the 1500s, and as it gained popularity, it also gained recipe variations, eventually leading to the sweeter options we’re more familiar with today.
At home…
To start from scratch, heat milk, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla. You can also melt down your favourite chocolate bar with milk or try Chocolate Tofino’s Hot Chocolate Elixir Orbs. Make a spiked version by adding a pour of Victoria Distillers' aromatic spirit Sidney Spiced.
Hot Toddy
In history…
Consider the history of the hot toddy a bit of a “choose-your-own-adventure.” Some say it originated in India from the word “taddy,” which referred to a fermented palm sap drink, and in the 1700s became the word for an alcoholic drink mixed with hot water, spices and sugar. But another version of history attributes the drink to Irish doctor Robert Bentley Todd, who is said to have prescribed ill patients a mixture of hot brandy, water, cinnamon, and sugar.
At home…
Regardless of its origin, hot toddies today are indisputably a popular winter drink. Heat lemon, honey, water and cinnamon with Shelter Point Distillery’s Single Malt Whisky. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
Irish Coffee
In history…
Irish coffee has a much more recent date of birth, having been invented in Ireland in the 1940s. The most popular origin story credits chef Joe Sheridan, who worked the restaurant at Foynes Airport. Poor weather demanded a plane full of passengers turn back, and when it returned, the passengers went in search of a much-needed drink. Sheridan poured some whisky into their coffee, and a new classic was born.
At home…
Born in a storm, it’s no surprise the drink is a winter favourite. Make a pot of your favourite coffee (try French Press Coffee Roasters or Mile Zero Coffee Co.) and add brown sugar and whisky. Top with heavy whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Mulled Wine
In history…
The ancient Greeks are said to have heated and spiced their wine to preserve it as long as possible, and/or (depending who you ask) use it as a medicinal tonic, but the ancient Romans are purported to be the first to record written recipes of mulled wine. From there, the concept spread across Europe and variations eventually cemented themselves in the cultures of various countries.
At home…
This is a fun one to experiment with to find your favourite style, but a good place to start is with an orange, cloves, star anise, honey and cinnamon. Use a red wine, such as Pinot Noir from Averill Creek Vineyard, and a brandy, like the one from Arbutus Distillery.
