November has arrived, and with it, the chill in the air makes you long for the warmth of blankets and the crackle of a fireplace. Picture this: you're nestled in a blanket, gazing at the flickering flames, but what's missing? A comforting, warm drink in your hands, of course! While tea or hot chocolate are delightful options, why not elevate your cozy evenings with something a bit more exciting? We've curated a delightful selection of warm cocktails, each designed to match the mood and occasion.

Blackberry Mulled Wine

As the aroma of mulled wine fills your home, you'll be transported to a winter wonderland. View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine
• 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
• 4-5 cloves, plus extra for garnish
• 2 star anise, plus extra for garnish
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 cup apple cider (We recommend Co-op Gold Pure Apple Cider)
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

Pour a bottle of wine into a pot or pan. Add all ingredients. Bring mixture to a low simmer for 30 minutes to one hour, being careful not to boil. Serve in mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick, clove, and star anise.

Whiskey Chai

For those who appreciate the spiciness of chai tea and the boldness of whisky, this fusion is a match made in heaven. Fragrant spices, black tea, and brown sugar are simmered in milk, creating a rich base for the whisky to shine. The result? A comforting beverage that tingles your taste buds and warms your soul. View the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
• 20 black peppercorns
• 16 whole cloves
• 8 cardamom pods, seeds removed from the pod
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 liter whole milk
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp loose black tea
• 3 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

Directions

In a spice grinder, pulse all the spices to a powder.

In a saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer. Remove from the heat. Add the spices, sugar and tea and let stand for 10 minutes.Strain the chai into a bowl. Wipe out the saucepan.

Return the chai to the saucepan and rewarm over moderate heat. Stir in the whiskey and serve warm.

*If you do not want to make your own spice blend, consider picking up Co-op Gold PURE Chai Tea, available at all Co-op Food Stores.

Original Irish Coffee

Perfect for those evenings when you crave the comforting embrace of tradition. View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• 2 tsp packed brown sugar, to taste
• 4 oz strong, hot coffee (we recommend Co-operative Coffee, available at all Co-op Food Stores)
• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 oz heavy cream, lightly whipped

Directions

Add the sugar to a warm Irish coffee glass, mug, or other heatproof glass. Add coffee and Irish Whiskey and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Float the whipped heavy cream on top by pouring it over the back of a bar spoon. Do not stir in.

Hot Buttered Rum

Transport yourself to the past with this centuries-old classic. It is a classic drink that has been around for centuries. View the recipe here. 

Ingredients
For Batter (Makes 24 servings, but can be stored in the fridge.)

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup butter

For Cocktail

• 2 oz dark rum
• Hot Water
• Optional: Whipped Cream

Directions

For batter: Combine and roll in parchment paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before making a drink.

For the cocktail: slice off the butter and stir with dark rum and warm water (If your water is boiling, the alcohol can potentially boil off).

Optional: top with whipped cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Warm Negroni

Put a twist on the classic Negroni with a warming touch. View the original recipe here. 

Ingredients

• ½ oz honey syrup
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet Vermouth
• Splash of Orange Juice (We recommend Co-op Gold Orange Juice)
• Optional: orange slice and star aniseed

Directions

Fill a heatproof glass with warm water. Once the glass is tempered, pour out the water. Add the honey, gin, Campari, sweet Vermouth, orange juice, and fill the glass the rest of the way with hot water.

Optional: garnish with orange slice and aniseed.

This winter, let these warm cocktails be your companions, bringing both heat and cheer to your evenings. So, gather around, clink your mugs, and savour the delightful warmth of these carefully crafted beverages. Winter has never tasted so good! And if you try any of these out, share it with us on Facebook and Instagram.