“Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . .”
With the winter solstice marking the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter, we think it’s a perfect time to talk drinks that will warm you up.

Timberline Cider (Thomas & Sons Distillery)
2 oz Bluebird Alpine Liqueur
5 oz hot cider
.33-.5 oz lemon juice
After sampling this drink at Portland Night Market, it’s a new favorite. Make up a larger batch, keep it warm in your favorite Hydroflask or Klean Kanteen, and head out to enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Government Camp!



Women Who Whiskey Holiday Cocktail
At a recent Women Who Whiskey event at Bull Run Distillery, we sampled a warm whiskey cocktail that embodied all things Christmas. Combine Bull Run American Whiskey, Bull Run Aquavit, Raft 5 spice syrup, cranberry bitters, and spiced simple syrup. Heat on the stove or in a slow cooker. Contact Bull Run for exact recipe, or just start combining until you love it.



Sleigh Ride (Crater Lake Spirits)
Last month we traveled to Bend for a distillery event with High Proof PDX and although the weather was pretty nice--especially for Bend in November--having a warm drink was still a must. Combine Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka and hot cocoa, finish with whipped cream.



Hot Buttered Chai (Cascade Alchemy)
At the same event in Bend, Cascade Alchemy wowed us with this take on a Hot Buttered Rum. Combine Cascade Alchemy Chai Tea Vodka (which tastes so much like Chai tea we can’t even handle it), hot buttered rum mix, hot water, and garnish with chocolate shavings.

One of the easiest party drinks to make is Spiced Wine in a slow cooker. This recipe, from Well Plated, combines the best Christmas spices and won’t take up room on your stovetop.
Ingredients:

  • 1 (750ml) bottle red wine (choose something fruity but not too sweet—Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon all work well)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • Orange slices, for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks, for garnish



Looking for something holiday-themed and cold? Take a peek at this list of 30 Christmas Cocktails from Country Living magazine.

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