- Story by Tess van Straaten

Sitting at the bar of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel香蕉视频直播檚 Snug Pub on a stormy winter day, I slowly sip a delicious drink that warms me from the inside out. It香蕉视频直播檚 a sazerac, which is a New Orleans version of a whiskey or cognac cocktail. The Snug香蕉视频直播檚 concoction, called a winter sazerac, is made from rye, Fernet-Branca bitters, and spicy cinnamon and clove syrup.

香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 a big fan of simple, classic cocktails and this is just a more modernized, wintry version,香蕉视频直播� says Oak Bay Beach Hotel food and beverage manger Christian Sealey. 香蕉视频直播淩ather than the traditional addition of Peychaud香蕉视频直播檚 bitters and a sugar cube, I add Fernet-Branca and the cinnamon/clove syrup. It香蕉视频直播檚 the perfect winter warmer because it warms the soul!香蕉视频直播�

A short stroll away, at Vis-脿-Vis Bouchon & Bar on Oak Bay Avenue, I sample their winter hot toddy offering 香蕉视频直播� a tart and lemony Calvados toddy.

香蕉视频直播淭his cocktail was created by Sylvain Gorron, who used to work for us,香蕉视频直播� explains Vis-脿-Vis and Penning Farthing Pub manager Nancy Stewart. 香蕉视频直播淗e香蕉视频直播檚 from Bordeaux and travels the world with his partner. The Calvados adds a lovely sophisticated flavour to our hot toddy.香蕉视频直播�

Sitting outside on the patio, warmed by the overheat heaters, I sip this distinctly different winter warmer, which is made from apple brandy, lemon juice and syrup. Fortified against the cold, I walk a few blocks to de香蕉视频直播檒ish in South Oak Bay for a non-alcoholic, flu-fighting elixir.

香蕉视频直播淭his is a great flu-buster, which is how it came around for us to serve it in the shop,香蕉视频直播� explains de香蕉视频直播檒ish co-owner Mark Davies. 香蕉视频直播淐ustomers coming in with colds and flu actually inspired it and it香蕉视频直播檚 a healthy alternative to apple cider. An elixir a day keeps the doctor away!香蕉视频直播�

The Snug Pub香蕉视频直播檚 Winter Sazerac

1 3/4 oz Rittenhouse rye

1/4 oz Fernet-Branca

3/4 oz cinnamon and clove syrup

Absinthe to rinse (1/4 oz)

Orange twist

Combine rye, Fernet-Branca and syrup in a shaker over ice and stir until well chilled. Add absinthe to a coupe glass, swirl around and discard. Strain cocktail into glass and twist orange peel over it to release the oils and use as a garnish

Vis-脿-Vis香蕉视频直播� Calvados Toddy

2 oz De Vine Barrel Aged Apple Brandy Pomme or Calvados brandy

1 oz lemon juice

1/2 oz honey syrup

1/2 oz house syrup

Top with hot water

Orange wheel garnish

Combine brandy, lemon juice and syrups in a specialty coffee mug. Top with hot water, stir, and garnish with an orange or lemon slice.

The De香蕉视频直播檒ish Elixir

3 litres of water

Juice of 6 lemons

150 grams of peeled and sliced ginger

2 Tsp ground tumeric

(or 50 grams fresh tumeric peeled and sliced)

1 cup of honey (vary to suit your sweetness level)

Bring all ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Pour into large container and cool overnight. Strain into new container and use as needed. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Warm before serving and garnish with a slice of lemon.