Although it will be Autumn until December 21, the truth is that up here in Canada, the first winter snowfalls arrived in mid-October and the cold weather settled in early in November. This means that it is time to switch up my Cocktail Bazaar with servings that reflect the coming of the cooler Christmas Season. And as this much cooler weather arrives, it is not unusual for me to sip on a nice cup of hot chocolate in the evening.
Here is a delicious recipe which mixes a steaming cup of Hot Chocolate with Smirnoff Peppermint Twist and a dollop of Triple Sec. The indulgence is the creation of Kendra Darling (Simply Darrling) and it is a wonderful seasonal addition to my Cocktail Bazaar.
The serving is perfect for the upcoming Christmas Season when friends and family gather.
Orange & Peppermint Hot Chocolate
1 oz Smirnoff Peppermint Twist
1/2 oz Triple Sec
8 oz Hot Chocolate
Whipped Cream with Caramel Drizzle
Candied Orange Peel
Combine Hot Chocolate, Triple Sec, and Smirnoff Peppermint Twist in a large mug
Stir to mix
Top with Whipped Cream and Caramel Drizzle
Garnish with a strip of Candied Orange Peel
Enjoy Responsibly!
If you are interested in more of my cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!
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Smirnoff Peppermint Twist is a limited seasonal offering from Smirnoff Co. bottled at 30% alcohol by volume. It features a ‘scratch and sniff’ bottle allowing you to enjoy the seasonal scent of peppermint and candy cane before you even open the bottle. You may read my full review of this flavoured vodka here:
Review: Smirnoff Peppermint Twist
I hope you enjoy the review, Chimo!
When I mixed a small batch for myself, I found the serving quite tasty, although perhaps it goes down just a little too easily. Make sure when you share this recipe with your friends that advise them to enjoy responsibly and choose a designated driver ahead of time for the ride home.
We can however, look at both the word Kamikaze, and the Kamikaze cocktail, in a different light. You see, the term kamikaze actually came about in 1281 when the Mongols under Kublai Khan tried to invade Japan. The Mongol soldiers were being carried by ships across the Japanese Sea when the Mongol fleet was destroyed by a tsunami off the coast of Japan. The tsunami wind was referred to as a kamikaze or “spirit wind” by the Japanese who were seemingly saved by this divine intervention.
I liked that the recipe provided an unusual complement of flavours; but unfortunately I am not a fan of strawberries or strawberry flavoured foods and beverages. My wife, who knows me well, suggested that I substitute a raspberry flavoured beverage in place of the strawberry. Since Fanta makes both a strawberry and a raspberry soda, the switch was quite easy.
Note: Bulleit Bourbon is produced at the Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The brand traces its heritage back to 1830 when tavern keeper Augustus Bulleit (after a few experimental trials) created the brand and began to market it locally and eventually to areas outside of Kentucky. According to the Bulleit Bourbon website, the spirit is produced from a rye heavy mash with of course corn as well as malted barley. It is bottled at 45% for the North American Market. 
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