362821 Mon Jan 22 19:24:36 -0800 2007 12 31 Home Cooking 0 2214880 Now that it finally feels somewhat like winter, I'd like to ask what people's favorite beverage to warm themselves up. I got the hot chocolate (spiced and regular), cocoa, mulled cider, chai, am looking for more ideas. Either with or without alcohol is fine, as long as it's tasty. The only ingredients I don't like are those weird nectar things that cocktail books always call for and they have no use except in very specific mixes, but I'm open to all other suggestions. BTW this sounds stupid but after all this time hanging around Chowhound I finally saw that there was a "Features" link that has recipes, and one of them actually had a drink idea - but it's a cold one. Mon Jan 22 19:24:36 -0800 2007 16085 zorgclyde 1 2215074 This really gets the blood pumping. :) It's an old Balkan tradition. You will need Slivovitz (plum brandy) and sugar. For each demitasse of beverage, use one generous teaspoon of suger. Carmelize in a small saucepot over high/medium high heat. Once your sugar is nice and caramelly, add in the Slivovotz. (You may want to do 1/2 portion Slivovitz and 1/2 portion water if you've never had this before---it's strong.) As it heats up, the sugar will completely melt into the booze. This hot Slivovitz is traditionally served at a huge bonfire on Christmas Eve. And any other time it's cold. It will warm you through to the core. And is tasty, indeed! It's always been a hit with my friends but I dilute it, otherwise it an hit you very hard. Mon Jan 22 20:07:33 -0800 2007 2214880 57912 venera 1 2215080 i boil red hots with apple juice and add rum.yummy! http://www.shoplateda.com/ Mon Jan 22 20:09:07 -0800 2007 2214880 11854 LaLa 1 2215107 I like hot toddys made with fresh lemon juice, bourbon, and sugar in boiling water. My other standby is homemade chai, not a mix, not a concentrate. Mon Jan 22 20:16:06 -0800 2007 2214880 24126 amyzan 2 2215283 Homemade chai is so much better than a mix!!! Mon Jan 22 20:53:55 -0800 2007 2215107 10703 wendy8869 1 2215136 Apple cider or hard milled cider Place the cider in a large pot with whole nutmeg and orange rind and let it warm over the stove. Creates a wonderful scent and is very satisfying. Mon Jan 22 20:22:15 -0800 2007 2214880 36312 HillJ 1 2215273 I like a heaping tablespoon of marmite dissolved into hot water. Mon Jan 22 20:51:55 -0800 2007 2214880 45908 orangewasabi 1 2215292 Hot Buttered Rum is yummy. Do a search for the recipe. Mon Jan 22 20:56:42 -0800 2007 2214880 20483 jenniebnyc 1 2215309 i like hot buttered rums! hbr mix: brown sugar butter cloves nutmeg cinnamon (freeze or refrigerate) add the mix to hot water and rum and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and sprinkle nutmeg for color Mon Jan 22 21:00:34 -0800 2007 2214880 56307 amopdx 2 2215676 that'd be the one !!! yum Mon Jan 22 22:31:58 -0800 2007 2215309 20483 jenniebnyc 1 2215862 hot ginger tea with a squirt of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey. the warm buzz goes a long way. Mon Jan 22 23:17:13 -0800 2007 2214880 26657 bijoux16 1 2216130 Here's what I drink when I get a cold..its chock full of vitamin C and iron: 8 ounces hot water 3 T lemon juice 2 T blackstrap molasses Splenda to taste I think its delicious! Tue Jan 23 00:29:44 -0800 2007 2214880 41181 Rhee 1 2219351 This is my favorite cold weather drink: http://www.icookieat.com/icookieat/2007/01/chocolat_chaud_.html It's incredibly yummy hot chocolate. Tue Jan 23 15:53:17 -0800 2007 2214880 39583 smari