Cold weather calls for a "Winter Warmer". Hot drinks fit the bill. Traditional libations like the Hot Toddy and Hot Buttered Rum have been served in steamy mugs for a very long time. Flips and slings too have their genesis as hot alcoholic drinks designed to sooth the soul.
Hot drinks do more than create warm hands and a warm heart. They seem to have some medicinal value too. When winter rolls around, I consider these warm libations to be the original nighttime sniffling sneezing coughing aching stuffy head fever so you can rest medicine. Of course, I don’t know how much actual medical science is behind that theory, but I’ll admit just the idea of a Hot Toddy can make even the flu seem more fun.
But I've decided to modernize the cool weather cocktail using a very old fashioned spirit. My version is just as comfy as its name sake, Warm Cardigan. Its highly fragrant with cardamom and chamomile tea. But it get its kick it from genever, which is considered the "original gin". It’s often called Dutch gin, but it’s not really "gin", though it’s made with a botanically infused neutral spirit. If you were to mix a gin and tonic or make a martini with it, you’d take one sip and wonder what kind of funky gin you were drinking. Because its base spirit is malt wine (but don’t get too hung up on the word wine). But it's these malty notes that make it a wonderful "Winter Warmer".
There are a lot of ways to define winter. There are even more ways to enjoy the chill and snuggle into the warmth it can create. This week on The Table Set the guys and I set out to bring a little warmth to your winter. But is winter coming or is it going? That depends on where you live. Listen up as we try to sort it all out. From warm grogs to hot pots, “what’s hot and what’s not”? GREG
Warm Cardigan, A Hot Cocktail seves 1 CLICK here for a printable recipe
- 4 oz strong, hot chamomile tea
- 2 oz bols genever
- 2 cardamon pods
- 1 barspoon clove infused honey (see note)
- 1 thin sliced lemon wheel
Stir the tea and genever together in a heat proof mug or glass. Pinch the cardamom pods to slightly crush them and drop them into the hot drink; stir in the honey. Garnish with lemon. Let the flavors come together about 3 minutes. Serve warm.
Note: Make the clove infused honey by gently warming 1/4 cup honey with 1 tablespoon whole cloves. Let infuse about 1 hour then strain before use.







Comments
Snow Drinks
We had an inch of snow last night, which is a blizzard for us in the South. So, make me a warm cardigan please, as I have a feeling I'm going to be forced to get out and build a snowman today!
The perfect
post shower drink! Chamomile is awesome!
I love those warm drinks
I adore warm drinks, and this one sounds grand. Genever and cardamomp-wow. Yes, please.
Ah! Saving this for when I
Ah! Saving this for when I can drink again. Sounds just perfect.
Oohhh....
this has ski house written all over it!
i love the name "warm
i love the name "warm cardigan" - it sounds lovely, and i just wanna curl up with one of these on the couch and read a book
Lovely!
Not sure if my comment went through or not...just wanted to say this looks awesome and now is on my list to make soon!
Orange
I have been craving something with orange in it. I believe I will try an orange wheel in something today. I am currently drinking hot apple cider. Oldie but goodie.
I'm mad for cardamom...
...but have zero experience with genever so I am intrigued to say the least. I"m on my way to scout it out now. Love the idea of using tea in hot cocktails! Its warming up already!
I could soooo go for a hot
I could soooo go for a hot buttered rum right now, or any of these drinks! The beverages you guys were sipping on during The Tabls Set sounded delightful too. I need to get on this!!
I have been averaging at least one hot toddy a week...
they ARE medicinal, they ARE therapeutic.
I look forward to trying this one - I love the name!
I've been making Hot Toddies
I've been making Hot Toddies with Earl Grey tea lately, and now I need to add this cocktail to the rotation.
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