The best warming drinks this winter
Beer writer Melissa Cole keeps the cold at bay with her selection of the season's best warming drams, nips and slurps
Now, I might be better known as a beer girl, but my vices are actually many and varied and, one of my more guilty secrets, is that I’m a bit of a sucker for drinks that seem to wrap you up in a great big hug. So, if you’re feeling the chill this season, give some of these a whirl!
Waen Brewery, Chilli Plummed Fairy
Available in mini casks from the brewery call 01686 627042 or info@thewaenbrewery.co.uk
The folks at Waen Brewery have broken my heart this year by not brewing their spiced Mary Mother Mild; but I forgive them because the festive version of their chilli plum porter is a Christmas cracker! Most chilli beers are, frankly, hellish; but porter, with its rich chocolate and coffee notes and deep fruity plum note with a fairy dusting of festive spices like cinnamon, the herb of immortality and gallium plant it’s a festive-scented fantasia .
Food match: Caerphilly or warmed mince pies with custard
Heston’s Spiced Mulled Cider
Waitrose, £3.99 for 75cl
Never one to choose brands by name, I only recommend because I rate them and this is, undoubtedly, the best pre-packaged mulled product I’ve ever tasted - and I’ve been subjected to a lot of bad ones! Maybe it’s because it evokes a tantalising childhood memory for me, which is just out of reach but I like the balanced spicing, the decent level of residual acidity and the balance of this product, with just the right level of jolly cinnamon, clove and all spice notes to still make it a proper festive treat.
Food match: great as a party welcome drink or roast goose
El Dorado 15 year old
Available www.royalmilewhiskies.com £44.95 for 70cl
This, for me, is the finest golden Caribbean rum I have ever tasted. The warmth of the Guyana climate accelerates maturity, so if you like your aged brandy or Armagnac then this is for you. Redolent of muscovado sugar, candied peel, sandalwood, dried ginger, cinnamon and a touch of leather, pop it into a brandy balloon and indulge yourself.
Food match: wonderful just by itself but utterly stunning with some bitter dark chocolate
Sparkly Whisky Mac
All available at http://www.thedrinkshop.com
One part Auchentoshan whisky
Three parts Stone’s Ginger Wine
One part Fentiman’s Ginger Beer
Wedge of lime
A slightly spritzier version of the traditional whisky mac, I love drinking this after a winter day’s fishing, from which I generally return Bambi-eyed with cold and unable to feel my extremities! All you have to do is gently warm the ginger wine, pour into a handled glass then add the ginger beer and whisky, squeeze the lime wedge into the drink, give it a quick stir and drop the spent wedge in the glass – enjoy!
Last orders!
Five heavenly Irish stouts by Lovefood Team
The Hairy Bikers superb steak and ale pie
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