Winter Drinks

When the weather outside is frightful, mix up a batch of one of these hot adult drinks to share with friends and family.

Recipes by Sarah McCullen Godwin

Mulled Red Wine

2 oranges, plus more orange slices for garnish

1 bottle dry red wine

8 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

2 star anise

3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

¼ cup brandy or Grand Marnier, optional

Thinly slice 1 of the oranges; juice the remaining orange. In a medium saucepan, combine sliced oranges, orange juice, wine, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, honey and, if desired, brandy. Cook over low heat until just barely simmering, about 15 minutes. Pour wine mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug, discarding fruit and spices; and garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick, if desired.

Coconut Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons coconut vodka

Whipped cream, optional

Chocolate shavings, optional

In a medium saucepan, heat milk and chocolate chips, whisking constantly, until choclate is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in coconut vodka, and serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.