3 Winter Drinks to Instantly Make Your Patio or Deck Feel More Festive

‘Tis the season for entertaining. With more family and friends coming to your house to enjoy your outdoor living space, adding that extra special touch will help you make lasting memories in your home and on your patio. Festivities are often remembered by more than the sights and sounds. The flavors and tastes help to embed memories into your guests’ minds. To make your holiday entertaining easier, here are three go-to drink recipes that are perfect for patio parties.

1. Black Bear for Brunch

This espresso-infused cocktail is perfect for serving up brunch on your patio. The Black Bear cocktail is a popular Apres Ski drink in Whistler, B.C., because of its warmth, holiday flavors, and punch of coffee flavor. Each cup holds spiced rum, Canadian whiskey, maple syrup liqueur, a shot of brewed espresso, butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon.Here’s the Whistler way to recreate your own Black Bear beverage at home:

• 1 ½ oz Spiced Rum

• ½ oz Canadian Whiskey

• ½ oz Maple Syrup

• 1 Shot Espresso

• 1 tsp Softened Butter

• ¾ tsp sugar

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 ½ oz hot water

You can top the drink with foamed milk and grated nutmeg for extra creaminess and flair.

1. Hot Toddy for Lunch

A hot toddy is a perfect drink to add comfort and warmth any time of the day. Better yet, it’s fast and easy to prepare, making it the perfect drink to whip up in a pinch. Add boiling water to a heatproof mug to make a classic hot toddy. Then, mix in 2 oz of your liquor of choice. Popular hot toddy liquors include scotch, bourbon, rye, Irish whiskey, dark rum, cognac, or amaro. Stir in ¾ oz light honey or maple syrup. Mix until the honey is dissolved, and then top with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick.

1. Mulled Wine for Dessert

Bring a little taste of Europe into your home with mulled wine. This warm, spiced wine is often found at Christmas markets all across Germany and Scandinavia. The warm flavors and sweetness will warm your guests as the temperatures drop. To make mulled wine, gently simmer: 

• 2 sliced clementines

• 1 sliced lemon

• ¾ cup caster sugar

• 6 whole cloves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 fresh bay leaves

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 1 vanilla pod

• 2-star anise

Cover all of the ingredients with red wine and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the remaining red wine from that bottle, plus another bottle of red wine. Heat through and serve.