Skip The Mulled Wine And Make Mulled Whisky Instead For Winter Evenings
Winter cocktails are all about working with mulled wines and spice infusions. But Scottish cultures have had a long tradition of preparing warm winter drinks using whisky as the base. In days of yore, festive gatherings would prominently feature whisky, warmed by the hearth and circulated among guests. The modern mulled whisky spells a revival of this Scottish tradition – robust, rustic and well-suited for contemporary winter evenings.
The complexity of Scotch whisky’s malty flavours responds beautifully to the spiced infusions, which make this an excellent alternative to the classic mulled wine drink. Deeply rooted in Highland tradition, a lot goes into perfecting the mulled whisky, right from choosing spice combinations to monitoring temperatures that retain the spirit’s character.
Mulled Whisky Vs Mulled Wine
Whisky brings a very layered approach to the mulled winter cocktail, which is quite distinct from the sweet and grapey nuance of a quality red wine. A deeply coloured mulled whisky definitely carries a richness, a smoky depth and a robust character, that holds up wonderfully to the aromas of assorted spices. What’s more, the vanilla and caramel-like undertones of whisky bring a very full, wintry effect into the cocktail that resonates with the Highland touch of preparing a warm drink in cold weather.
Choosing The Right Whisky
While varieties of Scottish whiskies abound, each one has a different flavour note to contribute in the making of a good mulled whisky cocktail. Choosing a whisky for making the mulled drink involves understanding which flavours work best with spice infusions and one’s own flavour preferences.
– The Highland whisky, preferred by most, is a smooth, slightly sweet dram that perfectly complements the flavours of different spices used for the infusion.
– For its part, the Speyside Scotch is known for its fruity nuance which builds a careful elegance into the cocktail. This works with citrusy garnishes like lemon wheels or orange slices.
– Then there is the more robust Islay whisky, preferred by those whose palates are accustomed to whisky’s smoky and peaty character. However, this is a Scotch best avoided especially while making a batch cocktail for a diverse group of whisky connoisseurs.
– Blended Scotch whisky becomes an excellent alternative for the amateur trying to revive the age-old Scottish tradition. It is also a budget-friendly alternative for brewing a batch cocktail at a winder do.
Mulling Whisky At Home
To prepare the mulled whisky at home, an amateur can work with different methods. One of them involves simply heating the whisky in a saucepan and infusing it with spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. However, making mulled whisky in a saucepan involves paying very close attention to the temperature, because if the alcohol is placed on high heat, it has a tendency to boil. This makes the whisky lose out on its flair and flavour.
The other method is using the slow-cooker technique. All the ingredients can be added to the container inside the slow-cooker for preparing a batch of mulled whisky. Setting the temperature to the necessary level, the whisky will slowly warm up and the flavours of the spices will be released gradually into the spirit. Once the cocktail is ready, it can rest in the slow-cooker on ‘warm’ in order to maintain its temperature.
Also Read: Make 4 Winter Whisky Cocktails Spiced Up With Desi Flavours
Flavour Infusions
While classic spice infusions like cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg are the more traditional alternatives for making mulled whisky, other ingredients also complement the spirit’s flavours to better bring forth its complexity. These include spices like bay leaves and dry ginger and citrusy elements like an orange wheel or lemon juice, which bring tang and brightness into the mulled whisky. Ingredients like honey lend it a floral note whereas apple cider brings a sophisticated fruity touch into the cocktail.
Many times, a few raspberries and a splash of cream liqueur is added to the mulled whisky at the end for a velvety, soft touch. A drizzle of honey introduces a floral note into the whisky whereas a roasted cinnamon stick added to a smoky Scotch builds into its inherent depth and complexity. Whatever the flavour addition, a carefully crafted mulled whisky can be an excellent slow-sipping drink during winter weather, garnished with cinnamon dust and served to an intimate group in round mugs.
Key Takeaways:
– Bring back the Scottish tradition of having mulled whisky instead of mulled wine this winter season, as a warm cocktail served during cold weather.
– Mulled whisky carries a robust depth and complex character which goes really well with the spices that are infused into the winter cocktail.
– Scotch whisky’s complex character responds well to the aromas released by the spices, turning the exquisite dram into quite a sophisticated, festive, wintertime blend.
FAQs:
– Which are the different types of whiskies that can be used to make the mulled whisky winter cocktail?
Whiskies like the Highland Scotch, the Speyside Scotch and the blended Scotch are among some variations that can be used to make the mulled whisky winter cocktail.
– How can the mulled whisky cocktail be prepared easily at home?
There are a couple of ways to make the mulled whisky cocktail. One of them is heating the whisky and spices on a saucepan. The other is the slow-cooker method, which involves gradually warming up the whisky with the spice infusion to the desired temperature.
– What are the different types of spices that can be added to the mulled whisky cocktail?
Along with the usual spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, other spices like bay leaves and dry ginger can also be used to accentuate the flavours of the mulled whisky cocktail.
All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
