The classic Charles Dickens Punch is a fiery and flavorful concoction that was a favorite of the renowned author himself. While the exact recipe may have varied over time, the basic elements remain the same: a blend of rum, brandy, lemon, sugar, and hot water that is set on fire.
Eggnog is a creamy, festive cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season. It's made with a base of eggs, sugar, milk, and cream, and is typically flavored with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Alcohol, such as brandy, rum, or bourbon, is often added to give it a kick.
Flips originally comprised rum or brandy, beer and molasses or sugar, mixed together then heated with a red-hot poker which caramelised the drink and made it bubble and froth. Over time, a tin or copper vessel known as an ale-warmer replaced the poker. Helped by sailors, the Flip crossed the Atlantic where President George Washington became a notable Flip drinker. Here is one of the first complete recipes for a flip from The Cooks Oracle:
To make a quart of Flip: Put the Ale on the fire to warm, beat up three or four Eggs with four ounces of moist Sugar, a teaspoon full of grated Nutmeg or Ginger, and a quartern of good old Rum or Brandy. When the Ale is near to boil put it into one pitcher, and the Rum and the Eggs, etc into another; turn it from one pitcher into another until it is smooth as cream. The Cooks Oracle, 1822
Glögg is a popular Scandinavian mulled wine made with red wine, port, spices, fruit and nuts. Make this comforting hot cocktail when the weather is cold to warm you up and lift your spirits.
The 18th-century British Admiral Edward Vernon, nicknamed Old Grog for the grogram fabric cloak he wore, attempted to prevent scurvy among his men by serving them a pint of rum a day. The dark navy rum had nothing to do with scurvy, but it did lend itself to “the swinish vice of drunkenness”. As a result, Admiral Vernon ordered that the sailors tot of rum be mixed with water, lime juice, and brown sugar–making the world’s first cocktail. The drink was named Grog after Admiral Vernon.
The Old Fashioned is arguably the most well-known whiskey cocktail in the world. Essentially just a slug of bourbon that’s been lightly sweetened with sugar and modified with a couple dashes of bitters, it’s dead simple to make, but within this basic template is a world of opinions and flavor.
The Prescription Julep is a classic cocktail that dates back to the mid-1800s. It's a refreshing and complex drink that combines the flavors of rye whiskey, cognac, mint, and sugar.
The Sherry Flip is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1800s. It is a rich and creamy drink that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter day. The cocktail is made with sherry, egg, sugar, and spices.
Wassail is a warm, spiced beverage with a rich history dating back to ancient England. It's traditionally made with mulled cider, ale, or wine, sweetened with honey or sugar, and flavored with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It is often spiked with brandy and/or sherry.
Cocktail Recipes