Early November is one of my favourite times of the year, the cobwebs & the fake blood splatters that mark Halloween (not to mention the trick or treaters) have been replaced by the smell of bonfires and the crackle of fireworks bursting in the night sky. It’s great to mix up a batch of hot toddy’s, mulled wine or hot buttered rum to keep you warm when you’re out watching the fireworks but it’s also nice to have something to sip on when you get back into the warm so here’s a couple of hot and cold smokey bonfire night recipes!

"The Bonfire Boulevardier"

This is a twist on a favourite classic, often described as a Whisky Negroni… We’ve swapped out the bourbon for some smokey & spicy Talisker 10 to give us a hint of bonfire smoke in the air. The extra spice in the Sacred Vermouth stands up to the Talisker brilliantly without overpowering things, all in all a rather nice sipper - If you’re a fan of Negronis & Manhattans then give this a whirl!

Photo courtesy of Sarah Anne Ward
http://www.sarahanneward.com

45ml Talisker 10
30ml Sacred Spiced English Vermouth
30ml Campari
Orange twist to garnish

Combine all the liquid into a mixing glass, add lots of ice and stir about 30 times (adjust to your preference of dilution!)

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and squeeze an orange peel twist over the drink to release the oils, dropping into the drink when you’ve done (remember to remove the bitter pith).

Sip while wearing a smoking jacket & slippers while watching the fireworks out of the window. Or stir this up while your waiting for the below cocktail to heat up on the stove!

For the original Boulevardier recipe visit:
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/case-study-the-boulevardier/?_r=0

"Remember Remember"

So, now for something hot to fill your flask with - there’s nothing wrong with mulled wine, but we all like a bit of variety and there will be LOTS of mulled wine being offered over the next couple of months… This is a deliciously comforting spicy concoction, guaranteed to keep your insides toasty no matter what the weather…

This recipe is for 2 drinks worth - to make a batch of it, just multiply accordingly depending on the size of your flask.

60ml Lairds Straight Bonded Apple Brandy (Calvados or Apple Jack would do if you can’t find this)
250ml Cider (I like somerset cider - go for the cloudy type rather than Magners / Bulmers, summer is gone!)
2 tablespoons set honey
25ml lemon juice
4cm piece of fresh ginger, grated or chopped
Mulling spices: Cinnamon sticks, whole clove, pinch nutmeg & allspice - to taste.

Add the cider, lemon juice, ginger and spices to a pot and gently heat for about 10mins. Add the brandy for another couple of minutes tip it’s nice and hot then strain straight into a flask (or into a mug if you want to drink it straight away). Have a taste, if you need it sweeter add more honey.

Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick if you’re serving straight away!

Article originally posted here: http://www.twistlondon.com/2013/11/bonfire-night-cocktails/