HOT Drinks for a Cold Evening

Ever want something hot to drink and don't want the usual coffee or tea, not your normal hot chocolate or cider either?  Here are a couple of hot drinks you might enjoy!

Hot Buttered Cider

1 Quart apple cider

2 Tbs brown sugar

4 Tbs butter

Place all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar.
(4 servings)

Mint Chocolate

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
4 Tbs water
2 c milk
3 Tbs mint syrup or creme de menthe

Put chocolate squares in a pan; add water and melt, stirring occasionally, over low heat.  Scald milk over med heat in a second pan, then slowly whisk it into chocolate.  Add mint syrup or creme de menthe and whisk again.
(2 servings)

Honey Cocoa

1 cinnamon stick
4 c milk
1/4 c powdered, unsweetened cocoa
1/4 c honey

Scald the milk with the cinnamon stick over medium-low heat.  Remove from heat.  Discard the cinnamon stick.  Place cocoa in a small bowl and dribble in 1/2 c milk, stirring constantly.  Add the cocoa mixture to the milk and warm over low heat.  Stir in the honey and heat through.
(4 servings)

Warm White Russian

2 1/2 c brewed coffee
1/2 c heavy cream
1/2 c coffee flavored liqueur
1/4 c vodka
Whipped cream for garnish

Combine coffee, cream, coffee liqueur, and vodka in a saucepan.  Simmer until hot.  Divide mixture among heated mugs and garnish with whipped cream.
(4 servings)

Lights Out Grog

1 jigger vodka
1 jigger cognac
2 jiggers light rum
1/4 c orange juice
1 c boiling water
1 tsp sugar

Combine vodka, cognac, rum and orange juice in a heated mug or heat-resistant glass.  Fill mug with boiling water and stir in the sugar.
(1 serving)