About Barware

A hot toddy is a drink that is usually associated with relieving the symptoms of colds or sore throats. The hot toddy is a spirit-based drink with an added sweetener, such as honey or sugar. As well as being used for medicinal purposes, the hot toddy can also be used to help a person relax in the evening. It is also used when people have been exposed to cold weather or have incurred a shock to the system.

There are varied accounts of the origins of the hot toddy. Popular thinking holds that the hot toddy came from Britain by way of India. In India, the juice of certain palm trees was called tari. This juice was made into a dark, sweet alcoholic drink. The English in India at the time replicated the drink by using spices, fruit, and alcohol and introduced it to Britain. Variations on the drink itself are abundant. The main alcohol used is usually some form of whiskey, but different types of alcohol are acceptable. A hot toddy can be used to relax after a shock, and this effect is mainly accomplished by the alcohol. Use your Christmas barware cups to serve this drink. Or glass barware cup will also do just fine.

Hot buttered rum is among a family of spiced drinks popular during the holiday season. The drink is made with butter, rum, sugar, and spices, and diluted with hot water which warms it. After a day in brisk winter weather, a hot buttered rum can be a pleasant way to warm up and relax. Usually, hot buttered rum is served in thick ceramic mugs which will retain the heat without cracking. The drink tends to be sweet, with a strong kick from the rum that makes it quite delicious.

Like many hot alcoholic drinks, hot buttered rum has its origins in Europe. Spiced drinks made with various alcohols have been around for thousands of years. Hot buttered rum probably entered the scene in the 1700s, when the potent liquor began to be imported from the Jamaican colonies. When water supplies were potentially dangerous, people often consumed a great deal of alcohol, and came up with creative ways to prepare and serve it. In the winter, warming drinks were vital in poorly insulated, cold buildings. Use your Christmas barware cups to serve this drink. Or glass barware cup will also do just fine.

Eggnog is a libation traditionally served during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Eggnog is made from cream or milk, egg yolks and sugar. Those who imbibe may choose to add brandy or rum to their eggnog. Those who drink eggnog are customarily supposed to drink to each other’s health, though after a few glasses of spiked eggnog, most will drink to anything.

Eggnog, which translates to “egg inside a cup”, actually has a bit of history behind it. It was derived from an English drink called posset. The posset contained eggs, cream and wine or other spirits. It was only a matter of time before it took on a life of its own.

Eggnog became popular in the early 19th century and was mostly enjoyed by the upper classes. During that time in London, only those who were well-to-do could afford to drink a glass of milk, let alone serve it at parties. Revelers enjoyed mixing it with a little alcohol to give it an extra “kick. Nowadays most people don’t make up their own eggnog. They purchase a carton or a case at their local supermarket or liquor store and spike it once their guests have arrived. It’s a convenient, delicious way to toast to good health and good friends. It’s lucky for us that eggnog caught on! Use your Christmas barware cups to serve this drink. Or glass barware cup will also do just fine.

It is the time to fill out that Christmas list with the last few items to purchase for the season. Make wure you buy some Christmas barware, swizzle sticks, stemware and the like. Even a Christmas drink coaster will be an excellant and inexpensive gift for that person with the home bar setup.

At this time of the year there is always a great selection of barware gifts in the stores and on-line websites. I have to admit I enjoy web browsing just to see the large number of items that are available. And Christmas barware is just one of those things that fit in with the tree, and other decorations around your home.