4 Quick Nutmeg-Flavoured Beverages To Try This Fall
Nutmeg is a very common spice that is used in beverages which adds complexity, nuttiness and a slightly spicy edge to whatever it is added to, be it alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. It pairs very well with a range of spirits, often enhancing seasonal flavours such as citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla.
It’s also a spice that is commonly associated with the season of autumn.
Read on for four beverage recipes that incorporate nutmeg and are reminiscent of the flavour of fall.
Nutmeg Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned is a cocktail that gains extra depth and flavour from the addition of nutmeg.
To prepare the drink, simply combine 60ml of the bourbon of your choice, 1 sugar cube, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass. Add in a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the mix and then muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and the nutmeg until the cubes have dissolved and all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Next, add ice and stir the mix for 20-30 seconds till it’s chilled.
Strain the cocktail mixture into a rocks glass over (preferably) a large ice cube. Express and squeeze in the oils from a fresh orange peel over the drink and drop the peel into the glass as a garnish.
You can put the finishing touches on your cocktail by lightly dusting on some freshly grated nutmeg on top for that added aroma and depth.
Nutmeg Brandy Alexander
This is a cream-based cocktail that expertly balances brandy and the slightly spicy flavour of nutmeg.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, mix 30 ml of brandy, 30 ml of crème de cacao (chocolate liqueur), and 30 ml of single cream.
Shake the mixture vigorously until it is chilled.
Next, strain the drink into a chilled coupe glass and top the whole thing off with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
The result? A drink that is suited for after-dinner sipping as a nightcap.
Nutmeg Negroni
Nutmeg can add an interesting twist to the bitter, herbal notes of a Negroni.
To prepare, mix 30 ml of gin, 30 ml of sweet vermouth, and 30 ml of Campari in a mixing glass with ice. Stir gently till the mixture is thoroughly chilled and then strain it straight into a chilled lowball glass over (preferably) a large ice cube.
Finish it off by sprinkling in a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg on top and then garnishing the drink with an orange peel twist.
Nutmeg Apple Cider Punch (Mocktail)
Nutmeg as a spice pairs very well with apple, which is a fruit that is generally considered very autumnal in nature.
To make this non-alcoholic punch that’s suitable for gatherings–take a large saucepan and mix in 1 litre of fresh apple cider, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Simmer the whole mixture over low heat for approximately 10-15 minutes in order to allow all the flavours to blend together. After some time, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down slightly.
You can either serve this mocktail in warm heatproof glasses or chill the mixture and serve it over ice. Garnish each glass with a thin apple slice and a light sprinkle of nutmeg for that added flourish of flavour.
Drink responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
