There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm cocktail on a chilly winter evening. What makes it even better? Fresh, garden-grown herbs that elevate your drinks from ordinary to unforgettable. With your Stack & Sprout hydroponic garden, you have the perfect arsenal of fresh flavours to craft winter cocktails that delight your guests. Here are some delicious recipes and tips to inspire your holiday entertaining.
Why Use Fresh Herbs in Winter Cocktails?
Fresh herbs add depth and complexity to drinks, offering vibrant, aromatic flavors that dried or store-bought alternatives simply can’t match. Whether it’s mint for a cooling finish or rosemary for a woodsy aroma, your Stack & Sprout garden provides year-round access to the freshest ingredients.
1. Classic Herb-Infused Hot Toddy
The hot toddy is a winter staple, and with fresh herbs, it becomes a showstopper.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 ½ oz whiskey
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (picked freshly from your Stack & Sprout)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- In a heatproof glass or mug, combine whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
- Pour in hot water and stir gently.
- Lightly crush the rosemary sprig between your fingers to release its aroma, then add it to the glass.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for added warmth and flavour.
2. Minty Spiced Hot Chocolate
A rich and indulgent drink with a minty twist, perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (or a dairy alternative)
- 2 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 ½ oz peppermint schnapps
- Fresh mint leaves (picked freshly from your Stack & Sprout) for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the dark chocolate until fully melted. Add sugar to taste if desired.
- Stir in the peppermint schnapps.
- Pour into a mug and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
3. Thyme & Ginger Mulled Wine
This crowd-pleaser combines sweet, spiced wine with herbal notes of thyme for an unforgettable winter warmer.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme (picked freshly from your Stack & Sprout)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except thyme in a large pot and heat on low, ensuring the mixture does not boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the thyme sprigs during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Strain and serve warm, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
4. Basil-Spiked Spiced Apple Cider
Fresh basil might seem like a summer herb, but its subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with warm apple cider and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 oz bourbon (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves (picked freshly from your Stack & Sprout)
Instructions
- Heat the apple cider with the cinnamon stick and cloves until warm and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- If using bourbon, add it to a mug and pour in the cider.
- Gently muddle the basil leaves and float them on top for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Tips for Herb-Infused Cocktails
- Harvest Freshly: Pick herbs from your Stack & Sprout garden just before using them for the best flavour.
- Muddle with Care: Gently press herbs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils without tearing them.
- Pair Wisely: Match herbs with complementary flavours—mint with chocolate, thyme with citrus, or basil with spices—to create balanced drinks.
Fresh herbs from your Stack & Sprout hydroponic garden bring life and warmth to winter cocktails, making them the highlight of your gatherings. With these recipes, you’ll delight your guests while staying cozy all season long.
Cheers! 🥂
