5 Hot Beverages To Sip On A Thanksgiving Evening
Thanksgiving is the time to invite friends and family over to one’s home to mark this evening just when the holiday starts. This night is all about munching on good food prepared especially for the festive season. Winters begin to make an appearance at this time and hot drinks like toddies and warm rum punch are often prepared.
There are a whole host of warm beverages that one can prepare in the cool weather while acting as host at a thanksgiving gathering. These cocktails and non-alcoholic blends are difficult to prepare in advance as they need to be served warm so ensure that mugs, garnishes and other apparatus are at hand once the party is underway for a smooth service.
Here are some alcoholic and non-alcoholic warm beverages that can be sipped on thanksgiving evenings:
Mocha Irish Coffee
A well-known cocktail prepared using 30 ml of good quality whisky or bourbon and freshly brewed espresso, Irish coffee is a suitable cocktail to sip on in winters. The drink is classically finished off with a dollop of whipped cream which infuses a creamy texture into the otherwise earthy mix.
Aromatic and rich notes of coffee interact with the spicy and bitter notes of whisky and the slightly sweet addition of coffee liqueur making for a warm concoction in winter weather.
Such a drink’s flavours can be built upon by infusing it with a dash of chocolate liqueur and dark chocolate shavings to give it a mocha finish.
Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy
While hot toddy is often brewed in winters, it is complete with the spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise, and can be imbued with a more aesthetic quality by adding a drizzle of maple syrup to the recipe.
Such a hot toddy can be prepared using 45 ml bourbon topped off with hot water and spices. The drink can be garnished with a cinnamon stick to highlight the spicy flavours a bit more.
Maple syrup can be added as a drizzle atop the serving glass or can be included as a sweetener in the preparation of the hot toddy to give it a festive touch.
This cocktail can be served in mug-like tumblers on a windy winter’s night.
Pumpkin Spiced Latte
A tasty and creamy drink that is made by blending pumpkin puree with good quality espresso and a dash of warm milk, this hot non-alcoholic beverage can be served at thanksgiving alongside freshly baked gingerbread cookies.
The creaminess of the yellowish pumpkin puree brings an extra textural layer into the classic latte recipe. It also adds a sweet touch to the coffee so one can simply sip on this drink as it is without the addition of sugar.
It is possible to garnish the latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder for a spicy touch. Also add a hint of whipped cream to the recipe for a creamier finish.
Masala Chai
Another non-alcoholic drink that can be brewed particularly during winters is a classic masala chai. Infuse the flavour of different spices like cardamom, cinnamon, star anise and others into the making of this classic beverage.
The drink can be served with a side of cinnamon cookies or oatmeal cookies which can also be dipped into the masala chai.
Pour the freshly brewed tea complete with milk and sugar in a kettle and serve it in tea cups for an elegant touch.
Amaretto White Hot Chocolate
Put an imaginative touch to a classic hot chocolate recipe during a thanksgiving gathering. Use good quality white chocolate to prepare this drink and into the warm beverage, add about 30 ml amaretto, the sweet Italian liqueur made from apricot kernels or even bitter almonds.
Amaretto is classically full of an almond-like tasting note so it is possible to build on similar flavours by adding a dash of orgeat syrup to the recipe.
The amaretto white hot chocolate can be topped off with whipped cream. Some mint leaves can be used as a garnish to introduce a contrasting sharp taste into the beverage.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
