25 Days of Christmas Cocktails, Day 12: Hot Sipping Caramel

Indulgent doesn’t begin to describe this rich winter sipper. Salty caramel plus a generous pour of calvados make for pure snow-day bliss. Whip up a batch for your next holiday party and let the merriment begin.

Hot Sipping Caramel
6 oz. calvados (or more to taste)
1 cup half and half
1 batch salted caramel sauce (see below)
Tools: saucepan, whisk, barspoon
Glass: mug
Garnish: whipped cream

Add the half and half and the salted caramel sauce to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the caramel is liquified and the half and half is mixed in. Divide calvados evenly between four mugs. Top with the warmed caramel mixture and stir to combine. Top with the whipped cream and serve.

For the salted caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm ¾ cup heavy cream. In a separate pan, cook 2/3 of a cup granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it melts and turns golden in color, about 9 minutes. Stir in the warmed cream, along with 1 tablespoon of butter and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.  Caramel sauce will hold for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Serves 4

Anu Apte, Rob Roy, Seattle