There are many drinks that evoke the summer months; rose wine, a jug of Pimms, or a refreshing mojito on a scorching day. You might associate cocktails with the warmer weather or being on holiday, but there are plenty of delicious drinks to enjoy throughout the colder months too.
Winter cocktails make the most of seasonal flavours and many can be served hot to warm you up on those bitter days. If you’re looking for some inspiration to shake up the winter drinks menu in your restaurant, see below for just three of our favourite cocktails.
Spice 75
This is a Christmas take on the French 75, with delicious spice and warmth coming from the inclusion of allspice. Make the sugar syrup first by melting 60g caster sugar in a pan with 30ml water and one tablespoon of allspice. Strain and leave to cool, before pouring 60ml sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker with 200ml rum and 90ml lime juice. Shake with ice then strain into flutes and top up with champagne (these measurements serve five).
Cranberry margarita
This festive twist on the classic has a gorgeous deep red colour and refreshing Christmas flavours. Take a martini or margarita glass and use a fine paintbrush to paint a layer of clear honey around the rim. Combine a teaspoon each of coarse sea salt and sugar with a small amount of grated zest from an orange and then dip the rim in the mixture. Add 50ml of tequila, 50ml cranberry juice and 20ml triple sec to a cocktail shaker, along with the juice of half an orange and a lime. Shake, strain and serve immediately.
Classic hot toddy
This winter classic is a great alternative to an Irish coffee at the end of the meal. Mix 50ml of whisky (bourbon is often preferred) with three teaspoons of honey and top up with 200ml of boiling water. Add half a cinnamon stick, a squeeze of lemon juice and a slice of lemon studded with cloves for the perfect winter warmer.
You can’t serve great cocktails without the right equipment, so if you’re in need of commercial refrigeration services, get in touch with the experts at Mitchell’s. We’ve got everything you need to safely store your food and drink ingredients, including restaurant fridges, walk-in freezers and catering fridges. Whether you need a new installation, refrigerator repairs or ongoing maintenance, we’ve got all the services you need. For more information or to discuss your requirements, give us a call today or visit our website.