Hot ideas for chasing away those winter blues

[Photo provided to China Daily]

A hearty beverage can sometimes be the best medicine

As winter chills head our way, it is well past time to put away those ice-cold drinks and whip up some warm ones. As the nights get longer and colder, there is no better way of regaining or retaining your heat by having a few liquid concoctions with friends.

Here are five. You may be tempted to have one or two at the outlets named or do them yourself at home.

1 Hot cocktails

"Hot cocktails are not in great demand in China because in most Chinese people's eyes, cocktails are regarded as cold drinks," says King Lin, a senior bartender at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel.

"But as the cocktail culture in China spreads, more people will love to try different ones, and customers can come in and customize their own."

Lin makes two hot cocktails right away for us and says that though they have yet to make it to the menu, he can easily improvise to meet customer needs.

In fact, most of the base liquors including grappa brandy and cognac can be heated up to drink on their own, he says.

"Usually high temperature will help the drink release its original bouquet and flavor by itself. You get a spicier and tangier feel to the palates and noses while having it hot.

"Chinese in general fancy cocktails that are sweeter, lighter and fruitier. It calls for some effort to make a balanced drink, but one that is hot."

The first one he makes is called Forget.

"I gave it this name because I hope people, by drinking it, can really forget or put aside so many other things on a busy day, relax and drink for themselves."

Bombay sapphire gin, with cherry blossom syrup, cherry petals and jasmine tea is heated in a transparent teapot. When served, a little yellow lemon juice is added, giving it a light and elegant coat.

The other one is called Deep, for which the base liquor is cognac.

"It's made by distilling wine," Lin says. "It is a velvety rich drink with a dark, warm tan-like color and seems to carry a sense of deepness."

For this one, Lin says, just warm the glass with very warm water instead of heating the drink with fire to achieve an optimum temperature that helps bring out the hidden flavors and grape aromas in the drink.

Then it is mixed with home-made syrup stewed with red dates, and light sweet scented osmanthus flowers. To finish, dip a small amount of red wine on the surface.