Ingredient

Vanilla

A vanilla pod or good extract - for the soft sweetness behind eggnog, vanilla bourbon, hot chocolate and spiced milk punches.

Flavour profile

  • Soft-sweet
  • Creamy
  • Floral
  • Round
  • Warming
Vanilla pods, one split open to show the seeds, on a wooden table

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

A glass of homemade Christmas eggnog dusted with freshly grated nutmeg
Christmas Cocktails

Christmas Eggnog

A classic homemade Christmas eggnog with silky custard, dark rum and bourbon, finished with freshly grated nutmeg over the top.

Total 4 hours 25 minutes
A mug of thick spiked hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate
Warm Cocktails

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.

Total 10 minutes

Every recipe with vanilla (15)