Warm Up Your Winter Nights with Hot Scotch Punch Recipe
Imagine coming in from the chilly outdoors to a warm, spicy scent that immediately fills your senses. You walk into the kitchen to find a pot of steaming hot Scotch Punch on the stove, and your whole body relaxes. This recipe is a classic British favorite that’s perfect for any winter gathering or for simply enjoying after a long day.
The combination of lemon, sugar, black tea, and scotch whisky make this cocktail recipe one that is sure to impress even the most discerning whiskey lover. The hot toddy and scotch punch are already delicious drinks on their own, but this particular recipe takes them to a whole new level.
Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party, lounging around with friends and family, or just need something warm and comforting on a cold winter day, this hoppin’ hot scotch punch recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. So pull out your favorite mug, gather around the fire, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hot scotch punch recipe is the perfect warming drink for cold winter nights. It’s a punch with a twist – the smoky flavor of scotch whisky really sets it apart from other punch recipes. Trust me, you’ll love how the flavors of black tea, honey, and lemon all work together to create a warm and cozy concoction.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a steaming mug of hot scotch punch in no time. I promise that this will become your new go-to cocktail recipe for any winter gathering or cozy night in with friends.
And if you’re not a big fan of whiskey, don’t worry! The recipe includes substitutions and variations so you can customize the punch to your taste. You can use Irish whiskey, blended scotch, or even try it with coconut water or apple cider. Trust me, each variation is just as delicious as the original.
You’ll also appreciate the versatility of this recipe. It can be served hot or cold depending on your preference. If you’re hosting a holiday party, why not make a batch of hot scotch punch to keep guests warm? And if it’s a warmer day and you’re looking for something refreshing, simply add ice cubes and it becomes hop scotch cocktail.
So why wait? Try making a batch today and gather around with friends and family to enjoy this hoppin’ hot scotch punch recipe that is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit. Trust me – it’s going to be the best thing you taste all season long!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this hot scotch punch recipe:
Scotch Punch
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 1 cup honey syrup (made by dissolving 1 cup of honey in 1 cup of hot water)
- 4 cups strong black tea, chilled
- 2 cups blended scotch whisky (Glenlivet is a good choice)
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 bottle hard apple cider
Oleo Saccharum
- Peel from 3 cups of citrus fruit (lemons, oranges or combination of both)
- 1 cup sugar
Garnish
- Cinnamon sticks
- Lemon slices
The ingredients list may seem long, but most ingredients are readily available in any grocery store. You can also substitute some of the ingredients with similar ones that you already have on hand.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Create Oleo Saccharum
The first step in making the Hot Scotch Punch is to create the oleo saccharum, which serves as the base of the punch. You will need:
- Peels from 3 lemons
- 1 cup of sugar
Place the peels and sugar in a large bowl and use your fingers to gently rub them together until well combined. Then cover it and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has become syrupy.
Step 2: Brew Black Tea
While you are waiting for the oleo saccharum to be ready, brew some black tea. Boil 4 cups of water and steep 3-4 bags of black tea for about 5 minutes. Once brewed, remove the bags and set it aside.
Step 3: Create Honey Syrup
In a small pot over low heat, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup of honey. Whisk constantly until honey is fully dissolved into water. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix all ingredients
Now it’s time to put everything together! In a large pot, combine:
- The brewed black tea
- The lemon oleo saccharum
- 2 cups of whiskey, ideally blended scotch or Irish whiskey
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of honey syrup
- 2 cups of hot water
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Stir everything together until well combined. Warm it up over low heat for a few minutes, but avoid boiling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot punch into mugs and add a cinnamon stick as a garnish if desired. This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. Best enjoyed with good company and some warm blankets!
Substitutions and Variations
For those who prefer a less boozy cocktail, you can replace the whiskey with apple cider, cranberry juice or coconut water. Another alternative is to make a hot milk punch by substituting the whiskey with hot milk and adding a dash of nutmeg.
If you don’t have black tea, try using green or herbal tea instead. The lemon juice can be substituted for lime or orange juice, but keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the drink.
For those who are not fans of honey, you can make a simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water. This can be used instead of honey in the recipe.
If you don’t have oleo saccharum on hand, you can make it by muddling lemon peels with sugar and letting it sit for a few hours, then straining out the liquid.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version of this drink, omit the whiskey and add extra black tea or hot water. You can also add cinnamon sticks or cloves for added flavor.
Remember, this recipe is meant to be adaptable to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with different substitutions and variations to create your perfect hoppin’ hot scotch punch!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Hot Scotch Punch, there are no hard and fast rules to follow. This drink is versatile enough to be served in various ways, depending on your preference and occasion. One way to serve this punch is hot, as the name suggests. Serve it in a mug or teacup that can withstand the heat.
If you’re looking for a more festive presentation, consider serving the Hot Scotch Punch in a punch bowl. This is particularly useful if you’re serving for a larger group of people. Add a cinnamon stick or two to the punch bowl for garnish when you’re ready to serve.
When it comes to pairing this drink with food, you can’t go wrong with sweet or spicy snacks. The sweet and tangy notes of the punch pair well with shortbread cookies or a slice of pie, particularly one with apple or cranberry flavors.
For something more savory, nuts – especially those spiced with cinnamon – are perfect. Cheese also pairs well with this cocktail. A rich and creamy Brie or a sharp cheddar will complement the flavors of the Hot Scotch Punch perfectly.
While it’s true that whiskey can be consumed alone as an after-dinner relaxant, sharing a hoppin’ hot scotch with friends makes for even greater pleasure. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with food, this cocktail is sure to warm up a chilly evening and keep everyone in high spirits.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made a batch of hot scotch punch, you may want to store any leftovers for future use. The good news is that this drink recipe can be made ahead and stored for later consumption.
To make the most out of this recipe, be sure to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. Doing so will preserve its flavors and ensure that it stays fresh.
To reheat the hot scotch punch, simply transfer it from the refrigerator to a saucepan or pot, and heat on low heat until warmed through. Be sure not to boil the punch after reheating because this could alter its taste.
If you’re hosting a party or entertaining guests, making a large batch of hot scotch punch ahead of time can be a real life-saver. Not only does this help to reduce last-minute stress when preparing drinks, but also it allows you to enjoy more time with your guests.
Additionally, keeping a warmed up batch on standby makes it easy for your guests to grab refills without having to wait for their drinks to be freshly prepared. So plan ahead and keep your hot scotch punch ready-made for whenever you need it!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the best hot scotch punch, there are some tips that I highly recommend following:
First, make sure to use the best whiskey or scotch that you can afford. The quality of your whiskey will greatly affect the overall taste of your punch. For a blended scotch cocktail recipe, I highly suggest using Glenlivet.
Next, when making the oleo saccharum (a sugary mixture used in many classic hot toddy recipes), be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice and allow it to sit with the sugar for at least an hour. This helps to release the oils from the lemon zest, creating a flavorful syrup for your punch.
When mixing in hot water, always try to use water that is just off-boil or slightly lower than boiling temperature. Water that is too hot could ruin the flavor profile of your punch.
For those who prefer a sweeter hot scotch punch, try adding honey syrup instead of granulated sugar. This creates a smooth and velvety texture for your drink and provides a more complex sweetness.
Lastly, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, try substituting apple cider or coconut water for whiskey. You can also add cranberry or orange juice for added flavor.
Keep these tips in mind and take note of any other suggestions that work best for you. It’s all about finding the perfect balance of flavors to create a delicious hoppin’ hot scotch punch!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Hot Scotch Punch recipe is an ultimate crowd-pleaser that will never disappoint you. This delightful drink provides a rich and warming sensation with every sip, making it an ideal choice for those chilly nights or when you just need a good mood booster. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to your preferences. Whether you prefer sweet or tart flavors, you can easily adjust the amount of sugar and lemon according to your liking.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family and impress them with this delicious Hot Scotch Punch recipe. It’s a perfect choice for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to game nights. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and substitutions to find the perfect taste that suits you best. Trust me; once you taste this delectable drink, it will become your go-to punch recipe.
Hot Scotch Punch Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 liters freshly made black tea, hot plain
- 1 lb sugar, cubed
- 1 (700 ml) bottle Scotch whisky
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat but do not boil the whisky.
- Pour the hot tea over the sugar and lemon and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the hot (but not boiling) whisky and stir. Serve hot.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.