Mixology Monday: Hot Stuff

We needed to break out our ice scraper this morning. That was an unpleasant reminder that the hot weather is on hold for a few months, so we'll turn our attention to some hot drinks instead. Whether you're settling down in front of a fireplace or tailgating, these hot drinks will pair perfectly with the season.

Bacon, Bourbon, and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
4 thick-cut slices of bacon
1/2 teaspoon corn starch
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
pinch kosher salt
3 cups whole milk
4 ounces milk chocolate chips
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
4 ounces Frangelico
4 ounces Maker's Mark Bourbon
Whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts for garnish

Yields 4 servings

1. Cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour fat into a small bowl and stir in corn starch with a fork.

2. In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in reserved bacon fat/corn starch mixture, milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat until, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture.

3. Add Frangelico and Maker's Mark. Pour into individual serving cups. Top with whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and a strip of bacon. Serve immediately.

Hot Night in Normandy

Ingredients
1 c. sugar
1 c. fresh lemon juice
2 c. Cruzan Black Strap Rum
2 tbsp. butter
Zest of one orange
½ gal. good quality apple cider
1 whole nutmeg
1 tbsp. cloves
1 stick cinnamon
2 c. Cruzan White Rum
1 c. Busnel Calvados (alternative: Laird's Applejack)

Put the sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Do not stir. The sugar will melt and turn brown. When it starts to steam add the Black Strap, stirring. Next add the butter. Take off heat. Now you have caramel. You can use the same pot, throw the zest, cider, and spices (grate the nutmeg) in on top of the caramel. Leave over low heat for about an hour. Add the liquor, strain, and enjoy.

Hendrick's Hot Gin Punch

Of course we have to have a punch bowl recipe. And while we see a range of whisk(e)y drinks in the cold months, the gin here is a nice change of pace.

Ingredients
24 oz Hendrick's Gin
24 oz Madeira wine
6  Lemon twists
1  Orange slice
3 chunks Pineapple
3 oz Honey
1 oz Fresh lemon juice
3  Cloves
1 pinch Ground nutmeg
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 tsp Brown sugar

Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.

To serve, pour the hot mixture into a punch bowl or teapot and garnish with orange slices studded with cloves.

Pair with gingerbread.