Results: Festive Beverages for this Holiday Season Entertaining

Mulled Wine, The first traces of mulled wine date back to the Roman Empire, in the year 20 AD, where it was called Conditum Paradoxum. To make it, the Romans put honey to boil in wine, then added spices (pepper, laurel, saffron), and dates. In the 12th century, a drink called "spiced wine", was widespread in France and Spain. It was not until the 1890s that the tradition of mulled wine during the Christmas period intensified, particularly in the traditional Christmas markets in Germany, where each merchant offered mulled wine of his own making, with a label design specific to each. The flagship drink of the Christmas markets, mulled wine is mainly consumed in Europe. Have you ever imbibed a glass of Mulled Wine?

Irish Coffee was created in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan, chef at Foynes Port near Limerick, Ireland. Foynes had become one of the biggest civilian airports in Europe during World War ll and then an airbase for transatlantic flights that often carried political or Hollywood figures. The airbase was usually just a stop over for longer flights to refuel and often due to weather passengers would need to stay for the night and new restaurant was created to cater to these dignified passengers. One evening, a flight had to turn back to Foynes Air base mid way through its journey. Chef Joe Sheridan, feeling empathy for the delayed, cold and weary passengers decided to whip up something special for them to drink. The story goes that a silence descended as everyone enjoyed this delectable concoction. According to legend, the name came about with the following exchange: "Hey Buddy," said a surprised American passenger, "is this Brazilian coffee?" "No," said Joe, "that's Irish Coffee." Irish Coffee became a huge success and an airport specialty. Have you ever had an Irish Coffee?

Wassail or Mulled Cider originated in southwest England and is a descendant of a much older drink known as wassail. Wassail dates back to the 1700s, or earlier, and is a drink made from roasted crab apples and warmed mead. That drink evolved into something that resembles what we think of today as hot apple or mulled cider. There are many versions online. I have provided a basic example. Have you ever tried a Hot Apple Spiced Cider?

Special Hot Cocoa - What Alcohol Goes Well With Hot Chocolate? Rum: Dark or spiced rum can give your hot chocolate an exciting Caribbean twist. ... Brandy: A shot of brandy can lend an enticing depth of flavour to your hot chocolate. ... Whisky: If you prefer a punchier kick to your hot chocolate, a dose of whisky is the way to go. I enjoy adding liquers like Bailey's and Creme de Cacao Do you enjoy a Special Hot Chocolate drink?

Over the years, the Hot Toddy has gone through many variations. It originally started in India (controlled by the British at the time) in the 1610s and was derived from the Hindi word "taddy," which translated into a drink made with fermented palm sap. Fast forward to 1786, where the word became official and was defined as an alcoholic drink made with hot water, spices, and sugar. There's another variation of the history of the hot toddy, as origination stories are often disputed. An Irish doctor (named Robert Bentley Todd) was said to have prescribed his patients with a mixture of hot brandy, water, cinnamon, and sugar. Have ever warmed up with a Hot Toddy?

Punch was one of the many rum-based drinks popular in the 18th century when taverns would serve cold punch and warm it upon request by dunking a red-hot iron in it. This version is said to have been a favourite drink of Mozart the composer. A great punch is a fine balance between spirit, citrus, sweetness, spice, and dilution. The first recipes date back to 1638. Rum became the most popular choice for punch by Aristocrats and the Royal Navy. Victorians also enjoyed Hot Gin Punch. Have you ever imbibed a Hot Rum Punch?