The Errant Æsthete

From the pages of Food & Wine, three heartwarming recipes to soothe and entice the coldest of temperaments. For ski savants, a Snowstorm Cafe with hot brewed coffee, Cognac and Frangelico. For the world weary, Hot Chocolate with Rum made with heavy cream and dark rum and for the yuletide party, how about a French spin on a hot toddy made with apple brandy. [Link]

 

SNOWSTORM CAFE

Bartender Denis Côté created this drink as a warmer-upper for guests who’ve just returned from skiing or snowboarding on Aspen Mountain, which is right outside the lounge.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces hot strong-brewed coffee
• 1 ounce Frangelico
• 1/2 ounce Licor 43 (sweet citrus- and vanilla-flavored liqueur) or Navan
• 1/2 ounce Cognac
• 1 large dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
• 3 coffee beans

Directions

1. In a mug, mix the coffee with the Frangelico, Licor 43 and Cognac. Top with the whipped cream and garnish with the coffee beans.

HOT CHOCOLATE WITH RUM

Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk with the cream and rum and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate and let stand until melted. Whisk until smooth, pour into warmed mugs and serve. (Serves 6)

APPLE-BRANDY HOT TODDIES

A hot toddy is basically a shot or two of any potent spirit added to a cup of hot water. At Paley’s Place in Portland, Oregon, bartender Suzanne Bozarth puts a French spin on this warming drink with apple brandy, such as Calvados.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups apple brandy, preferably Calvados
• Eight 3-inch cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. In small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey until dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice and apple brandy. Set a cinnamon stick in each of 8 mugs or heatproof glasses, pour in the hot liquid and serve. (Serves 8)