Warm Up to Winter With the Perfect Cocktail

BY BRIGETTE M.T. SANCHEZ

There’s something about curling up by a fire as the snow falls outside. With a good book or a good friend, it’s a wonderful way to spend a winter evening. Add a cocktail specially crafted to bring out the flavors of the season, and you have the perfect evening.

INGREDIENTS

1 oz silver tequila

1/4 oz Drambui

1/4 oz Licor 43

3 oz apple chai tea (see below)

1 oz water

Pour 3 oz of the apple chai tea mixture and 1 oz of water into a mug and heat until hot. Add the liquors, stir, and enjoy.

To make your apple chai tea mix combine 4 cups of Mott’s apple juice, 1 sliced apple, 5 star anise, 3 cinnamon sticks, and a dash of nutmeg. Bring all ingredients in a pot to a slow boil till apples are soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add 6 vanilla chai tea bags (Twining Chai Tea is perfect for this) and let the mixture cool. Refrigerate overnight. Remove star anise, cinnamon sticks, and tea bags. The apple chai tea will remain good for two weeks in the refrigerator.

Brigette M.T. Sanchez is the founder of Ideal Mixology and head bartender at Fiorella’s Cucina. She enjoys bringing people together for warm, fun, and memorable experiences. Brigette was nominated by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association for “Stars of the Industry: Bartender of the Year” for her unique cocktail creations and unrivaled hospitality.