Ingredient
Vanilla
A vanilla pod or good extract — for the soft sweetness behind eggnog, vanilla bourbon, hot chocolate and spiced milk punches.
Flavour profile
Vanilla rounds off any cream- or milk-based winter cocktail without making it taste like dessert. A split pod infused into warm milk for a few minutes is the most luxurious approach; a teaspoon of good extract is the practical one. Avoid imitation vanilla in anything where the cocktail is the point — it tastes one-note and slightly chemical when warmed.
Recipes featuring vanilla
Hot Vanilla Bourbon
A gentle hot bourbon cocktail with vanilla syrup, honey, lemon and a cinnamon stick to stir.
Christmas Eggnog
A classic homemade Christmas eggnog with silky custard, dark rum and bourbon, finished with freshly grated nutmeg over the top.
Hot Bourbon Milk Punch
A warm, velvety bourbon milk punch with brown sugar, vanilla and a dusting of fresh nutmeg.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Deep, glossy hot chocolate made with real dark chocolate and a measure of your favourite spirit — the ultimate grown-up winter treat.