{"id":15473,"date":"2022-01-03T14:12:21","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T19:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?p=15473"},"modified":"2023-11-05T14:13:40","modified_gmt":"2023-11-05T19:13:40","slug":"10-best-winter-drinks-cocktails","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/tips\/10-best-winter-drinks-cocktails\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Of the Best Winter Drinks and Cocktails To Stay Warm (and What Foods to Pair Them With)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Top Cozy Winter Drinks and Cocktails to Snuggle Up With<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s cold outside, and the best way to combat winter weather is with a warming drink. But leave the hot chocolate for the kids, and instead, opt for a strong red wine<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, some bubbly, or even a spirit for a little extra heat. From sherry to mulled wine and scotch, these are our recommendations for beverages you should be indulging in this winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best
Mulled wine can be concocted in a variety of ways, and makes for the perfect hot alcoholic beverage to enjoy fireside during the winter season.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mulled Wine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Call it what you want: gl\u00fchwein, vino caliente, or vin chaud, but hot wine<\/a><\/strong> is one of the best ways to warm up, especially if you’re outdoors during inclement weather. Simmer up a batch for a holiday party or for a romantic night in with your significant other. Mulled wine is easy to make at home, and you can add pretty much whatever you want to it. Common ingredients include wine, brandy, oranges, cinnamon sticks, lemon, sugar or maple syrup, and anise. Mix, heat, and flavor to taste with additional spices and fruits as needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The joy of mulled wine? It can be paired with almost anything — or you can drink it alone, too! But here at Winetraveler, we prefer to pair it with equally strong and warming foods, like beef stew, blue cheese, or ravioli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moscato d’Asti<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This Italian sparkling white wine<\/a><\/span><\/strong> is a dessert wine hailing from the province of Asti in Italy. Made from the Moscato Bianco grape, Moscato d’Asti<\/a> is sweet and has a low alcohol content, apt for those wanting to enjoy a little extra of this dessert wine without getting too tipsy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pair this dessert wine with savory foods like cheeses or cured meats — the salt content will balance the sweetness of this drink. Or, serve it alongside winter-inspired desserts with cardamom or ginger. Our top choices would be ginger snaps or carrot cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Explore the Sparkling Styles and Regions of Asti and Moscato d\u2019Asti<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sauternes
These raisiny-looking grapes found in France’s southern Bordeaux region yield one of the most delicious, unfortified sweet wines in the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sauternes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drinking ‘rotten’ wine sounds terrible — but not when the rot is noble! This unique French style of sweet wine comes from grapes suffering from Botrytis cinerea<\/em>, or noble rot. This causes the grapes to become raisined, relieving them of the majority of their water content, therefore concentrating and enhancing the remaining sugar and flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sauternes<\/a><\/strong><\/span> can be paired with a wide variety of dishes and desserts. You can either opt for lighter, fruity treats such as pear tarts, peach pie, apricot cheesecake, or even roasted pineapple. Alternatively, it’s famously known as an excellent complement to foie gras and other liver-based appetizers. Lastly, one secret pairing Winetraveler discovered while visiting the incredible region of Sauternes in Bordeaux<\/a><\/strong>, is that it works remarkably well alongside sushi and sashimi. Give it a try and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 30 Top Bordeaux Wineries You Can\u2019t Miss on Your Next Trip to France<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amaretto<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This Italian liqueur comes from Saronno, made from almonds and fruits like peaches or apricots. Ingest Amaretto cautiously as it contains around 25% alcohol. Serve this versatile drink as an aperitif, dessert, with food, or over ice. It’s also ideal to add into sangria or to make cocktails with, the most famous of which is an Amaretto Sour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pair Amaretto with any of those leftover holiday cookies, forest fruits like raspberries, or chocolate-inspired desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best
Single Malt Scotch is one of our favorite choices for a strong spirit during the winter season.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Single Malt Scotch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This strong whiskey comes from Scotland, and in order to be considered single malt, it must be distilled with a pot still distillation method at a single distillery and made from malted barley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drink single malt scotch all by its lonesome — the strong flavors allow it to be enjoyed both neat or with a drop or two of water (which helps to diffuse the aromas). But if you’d prefer to pair it with food, try something with high-fat content, like cheese, grilled meat, or olives. Smoked salmon also makes for an excellent pairing alongside single malt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 10 Best Scotch Distilleries To Visit in Scotland<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n