The Enchanted Chronicles of New York

A Whimsical Winter Cocktail Delight

Get ready to embrace the spirit of winter with this enchanting twist on an old-fashioned classic. This delightful concoction not only warms your spirit but also fills your home with a magical aroma that’s sure to evoke the coziness of the season. The secret lies in the homemade mulled syrup, inspired by a unique recipe from Dave Mitton of The Harbord Room in Toronto. Feel free to play with the ingredients and make it your own—just like I did!

Time Required

Prepare to spend approximately 30 to 40 minutes crafting your winter elixir, from making the syrup to shaking up your cocktails.

Ingredients List

Ingredients for Winter Warmth Syrup

• 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup raw demerara or turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar, if needed)
• 1/2 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 pear, peeled, cored, and diced
• 12 walnut halves
• 3 broken cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 whole nutmeg

Ingredients for Each Cocktail

• 1 piece of orange peel (approximately 1 by 2 inches)
• 3/4 ounce of Winter Warmth Syrup (from the previous recipe)
• 2 dashes of bitters (preferably orange bitters, but explore other flavors!)
• 2 ounces of your choice of bourbon, rye, or Canadian whisky

Cooking Instructions

Creating the Winter Warmth Syrup

In a medium saucepan, blend all the syrup ingredients while heating over medium flame. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to infuse those lovely winter flavors. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool. Strain this fragrant syrup into a clean bottle, cover it, and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for about two weeks, yielding around 2 cups of deliciousness.

Shaking Up the Cocktail

To whip up a cocktail, start by placing the orange peel, your homemade syrup, and bitters into a lowball glass. Muddle these ingredients together to release their aromatic oils. Next, pour in your choice of whiskey and add a substantial ice cube to keep it chilled. Lastly, don’t forget to share this wonderful drink with friends for the best experience!