IRISH COFFEE
When served, true Irish coffee always has three distinct layers: coffee, whiskey and cream.
You first use a straw to carefully sip a little of the whiskey. Then stir all the ingredients together.
200-250ml hot black coffee
30ml Irish whiskey, warmed
sugar to taste
lightly whipped cream
Using a tall heatproof glass, place a heaped teaspoon of sugar (or to taste) in a warmed glass and pour in the coffee.
Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
Use a spoon turned upside down and pour the warm whiskey over it so it flows down gently.
Then with the spoon resting across the glass, gently spoon lightly whipped cream over the back of the spoon into the coffee.
This way the cream will float on the top.
GLUHWEIN
Serves 6-8
Traditionally a festive drink in many parts of the world, gluhwein is suitable for a cold evening anywhere.
1 orange, sliced
2 bottles red wine
250ml water
125ml brandy
125ml castor sugar
1 stick cinnamon
pinch allspice
2-3 cloves
Combine orange slices, wine, water, brandy and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and add spices.
Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Just before serving, strain, and serve with slices of orange.
HOT CHOCOLATE PUNCH
Serves 6
1 litre full-cream milk
60ml castor sugar (or to taste)
200ml tequila
150ml coffee liqueur
45ml rum
250g dark chocolate
500ml cream, whipped
grated chocolate
Heat milk in a saucepan until just boiling.
Remove from the heat and add sugar, tequila, coffee liqueur, rum and chocolate.
Stir until chocolate is melted.
Divide between four tall heatproof glasses or mugs.
Top with a swirl of cream and some grated chocolate.
MIXED BERRY PUNCH (NON-ALCOHOLIC)
Serves 4-6
1 litre mixed berry juice
1 litre cranberry juice
2 cinnamon sticks
2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2-4 cloves
1 orange, cut into quarters
sugar or honey
fresh strawberries for garnish
Place all ingredients, except strawberries, in a saucepan and simmer gently until heated through.
Add sugar or honey to taste.
Strain and serve hot with fresh strawberries.
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