It’s hard to say what the weather will be here in Middle Tennessee this time of year. Warm or cold, there are certain beverages that keep with the spirit of the season. 
Being a tea drinking man, the Orange Pumpkin Chai is a personal pleasure. Boil water just as you typically do when making a cup of tea and then add a bag of your favorite Chai Tea. Once the tea has steeped, add cream, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Sweeten and finish off with a shot of Smirnoff Orange Vodka.
A Hot Hendricks Toddy is a light and crisp festive drink option for the holidays. Start with warmed apple cider and add three dashes of Angostura Bitters. Next, squeeze half a lemon and then add half an ounce of simple syrup. Now, stir all the ingredients and finish off by adding a shot of Hendricks Cucumber Gin.
Cocoa. Need I say more? My version has an “Adult Spin” on the classic. First, warm milk as you normally do for hot cocoa. Next, add your preferred cocoa mix and top off with a shot of Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream and then a shot of Bacardi Cocoa. The Bacardi Coco and Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream go so well together you’ll wonder why you’ve never tried the combo before.
To add some real variety to your holiday, try the Café Milagro. I know, Tequila?! Trust me on this one though… it too has a home in the hot beverage world. You will need one cup of good dark roast coffee, brown sugar for sweetness, a bit of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Top off with a shot of Milagro Silver.
If you are looking for something that can be made for the masses, why not brew an Oakheart Punch? It’s a simple mixture of 2 parts apple cider and one part cranberry juice with a couple of sticks of cinnamon. Heat and store in a thermos. When ready to serve, top off with a shot of Bacardi Oakheart for some spice and a touch of vanilla.
It is my hope that you’ll try at least one of these wonderful winter warmers. Maybe by a bonfire, at a holiday party, or your next tailgate?
Happy Holidays – Evan Baugh
