Mother Nature recently reminded us it is still winter in Colorado. We finally made it through the coldest weather of the year, in which we saw temperatures below zero for several days in a row. The return of the cold and snow had us conceptualizing a cocktail that would take the bite out of a late winter’s day. Sitting by the fire and watching the snow fall is infinitely better with this Spiced Winter Warmer.
We concocted an original simple syrup for this cocktail, mixing cloves and allspice with maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary over the stove. The aroma that filled the house reminded me of Alie’s stovetop holiday potpourri. We mixed up the cocktail while the syrup was still warm; the warmth brought out the best flavors in both the syrup and the whiskey. You can refrigerate the syrup, but this beverage is better served warm. Please don’t get the simple syrup too hot because it will burn and stink your house up for days (trust us on this one).
The type of whiskey you use will impact the flavor. We tried this cocktail with several different whiskeys, and the simple syrup complimented each. With a bonded straight bourbon, it tasted like a spiced old-fashioned. A Texas bourbon, bitters, and syrup brought out the strong caramel flavor of the whiskey. A double rye whiskey delivered an explosion of spice on our palettes. Regardless of which whiskey you choose, the result will always be delicious.
If you aren’t sure which whiskey to choose, check out our What is Whiskey article to help you choose. https://wildernesswhiskeywomen.com/what-is-whiskey/
Spiced Winter Warmer
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Whiskey
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- 2 tbsp Spiced simple syrup
- 1 sprig Rosemary
- 1 slice Orange
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, combine the orange bitters, whiskey, and flavored simple syrup.
- Stir ingredients to combine.
- Serve with rosemary and an orange slice.
Spiced Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 each Cinnamon sticks (about 4")
- 1 sprig Rosemary
- 1.5 tbsp Maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp Cloves
- 1/4 tsp All spice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the simple syrup, water, sugar, maple syrup, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and spices.
- Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Turn the stove down to low and allow the syrup to warm for at least 10 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from heat and set it aside.
Happy Exploring!
Kris
Ohhhh- this sounds even better than a hot toddy!