Did you think that your slow cooker only served one purpose?
You know, to make tough cuts of beef tender or all-day spaghetti sauce,
well, it’s not, it can do a lot more and by a lot more we mean-make tasty and
festive Christmas drinks.

That’s right, in addition to turning out delicious drinks, your house will also be filled
with an aroma that will rival any potpourri, scented candle or chemically-laden air
freshener.

The 3 Christmas Drinks:

a) Spiked Citrus Cider!
Break out the bourbon and brown sugar for this drink.
To make:
Add 12 cups of apple cider, (not the vinegar), 1/2 cup of brown sugar,
12 orange slices, 2 cinnamon sticks and 7 cloves to a small slow-cooker (4 Qt.)
Turn in on low and allow the ingredients to mesh for 4 hours.
After 4 hrs. remove the spices and if you’re not ready to serve, turn the slow-cooker
to low or warm. Add 2 cups of bourbon and adorn each glass with a sprig of rosemary.
Enough for 8 servings.
Important tips: If serving to kids, make sure to leave out the alcohol.
And if you don’t have a slow-cooker or crockpot, a large pot with a lid will
also work.

b) Spiced Chai Latte!
Tea with different spices is definitely a hit in most parts of India and after
making it, you’ll see why.
To make:
Roll 5 cinnamon sticks, 10 whole cloves and 5 star anise in a cheesecloth.
Tie it with string or twine; toss into a slow-cooker along with 6 black tea bags,
1/3 cup of top quality honey, and 10 cups of rolled oat milk; heat on low
for 4 hours. Reduce the heat to low and remove the tea bags and spices.
Serve as it, or if calories aren’t an issue, place a dollop of whipped cream
and a little ground cinnamon on top.
Enough for 8 servings.

c) Zesty Mulled-Wine!
A number of people drink mulled wine for its medicinal benefits, but if
you’re feeling fine and just want a warmed wine cocktail, this is for you.
To make:
Combine 2 (750 ml) bottles of dry red wine, 1 cup of apple juice, 1/2
cup of Brandy, 1/2 cup of dark honey, 10 cloves, 2 star anise, 4 cinnamon
sticks and the zest from one orange. Add all ingredients to a small slow-cooker,
cover and turn the heat to low. Heat for an hour and after the hour, turn it off or
turn it to low to keep warm. Cut up some thin orange slices and place them
on the side or on top of the wine.
Enough for 6 servings.

Good Luck, Good Drinking and Good Health!

Sources:
* First For Women Magazine, Jan. 3rd Edition
* The Whisky Advocate, The Magazine
* Imbibe Magazine
* Wine and Spirit Magazine
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