While the beer blog was lost a few months ago due to lack of time, I decided that a reboot was in order. There will be MAJOR changes coming in 2013 for the Craft Beer for the Average Joe blog. It may not be weekly, but there will be irregular updates made…and it won’t be just about beer. It’ll include cocktail recipes I create, or just find around the web and want to share with my readers, new stuff I see or get to try, stuff like that. And if all goes well, I’ll have a partner in crime. Maybe even adding a podcast to the mix. And to top it off, a new name: Journey to the Bottom of the Glass.
Anyway, onto the drink!
For the past 20 years, a small group of friends has gathered on the 23rd of December to celebrate Christmas. The event has a couple of names, but the one used most often is “The Eve before Eve.” The core of this group has been doing this since they were in high school together. New faces have been added (including mine – I think I first attended on the 3rd annual) through marriage, kids, new friends, etc. Military friends in town at the time are always invited, visitors from out of town, no one is turned away. But the core group remains the same, 20 years later.
A few years ago, we all started bringing dishes of some sort with us. Whether it was a snack, or a main dish, a side order, we all brought a little something. And for the past 5-6 years, I added my own special twist:
The Eve B4 Eve cocktail.
It’s always a surprise to the attendees. They always ask beforehand, but I never share. Sometimes the recipes are completely original, sometimes they’re inspired by other cocktails I’ve enjoyed, sometimes they’re well known. But I always try to keep them seasonal in nature. This year, I came up with something I was sure no one had tasted before (including me) and I thought was original. Turns out there’s a similar recipe out there, but not quite the same. And this year, more than one of the guests told me “I think of all the cocktails you’ve made, this one’s my favorite.”
So I decided to get 2013 off to a good start and share the recipe for a “Warmer Winter’s Night”:
6 oz. Warm Milk
1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
1 oz. ?Dekuyper Buttershots
3 tbsp. Your favorite powdered hot chocolate mix. (I’m a fan of Swiss Miss)
Reddi-Wip (go for the extra creamy, it’s delightful!)
Heat up your milk using your preferred method. Since I am usually making this for two and we have large mugs, I use the awesome Cocomotion from Mr. Coffee. But I realize most people don’t have a Cocomotion, so I would advise using the microwave for about 90 seconds.
While the milk is warming, pour the Baileys and Buttershots into the mug.
Add the milk – do a fast pour to mix the milk and liquors.
Stir in your hot cocoa mix.
Top with whipped cream.
Voila! Warmer Winter’s Night!
If you’re like me and really like the butterscotch flavor, you can add to taste. For me, I normally add about 1.5 oz. For everyone else, I do the 1 oz. and they seem to prefer that.
Word of warning: This is EXCELLENT for helping you get to sleep at night.
Enjoy!
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