Try these spicy hot cocktails and keep warm all season long

‘Tis the season to be cozy, fa la la la la. And steaming hot beverages (ideally complemented by a cracklin’ fireplace, a good book, or great company) are the quickest way to get yourself there. 

This year, go beyond the expected and feed the hot sauce fiend inside of you (and your friends) by spiking these popular holiday quaffs with a dash of Aardvark Habanero Sauce. It brings the heat without overpowering the drinks’ unique, bursting flavor.

Raise a mug – and try Habanero Wassail, (Extra) Hot Buttered Rum, and Aardvark’s Favorite Hot Chocolate! And as a quick PS., keep in mind that measurements and proportions are suggestions; don’t be afraid to keep mixing until you get the perfect balance for you!

Habanero Wassail

Just the fragrance wafting through your home as you warm up this traditional holiday concoction will put you on cloud nine. So will the fact that it’s about the easiest thing to make, ever. Want to redden your nose? Add a tipple of bourbon or rum. YUM.

Number of Servings: 6
Heat Level: Three flames

Ingredients

8 cups fresh apple cider (filtered or unfiltered)

2 cups orange juice (ideally not from concentrate)

Two tablespoons Secret Aardvark Habanero Sauce

4 – 6 cinnamon sticks

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.

Simmer for five minutes over medium heat to combine ingredients

Reduce heat and simmer on low for up to 60 minutes

Pour liquid through a fine strainer into mugs

Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange wedge

A cartoon of a cup of hot buttered rum

(Extra) Hot Buttered Rum

You haven’t had hot buttered rum until you try it spiked with heat. Mix up some batter and keep it in the fridge to impress your friends on the spot all season long. Just add boiling water—and rum, of course—and BOOM! 

Number of Servings: 6
Heat Level: Three flames

Ingredients

1/2 cup of salted butter (softened)

1 cup of brown sugar

2 tablespoons of Secret Aardvark Habanero Sauce

1 tablespoon powdered cloves

2 tablespoons apple pie spice

1 bottle of spiced or regular rum (e.g., Captain Morgan’s, Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum, or Ritual Zero Proof rum alternative)

Orange slices for garnish

1 cinnamon stick per serving for garnish

Instructions

Combine butter, hot sauce, sugar, and pie spice. Sit at room temperature for 30 – 60 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoons of mixture per mug of beverage  

Pour approx. 1/2 – 1 cup of boiling water into each mug; stir thoroughly.

Add one shot (1.5 ounces) of rum of your choice to each mug and stir again until all contents combine.  

Garnish with orange slice and cinnamon stick

Special note: The butter, hot sauce, sugar, and pie spice mixture can be refrigerated for 1 – 2 weeks; make some extra scoops!)

A cartoon of a mug of hot chocolate

Aardvark’s Favorite Hot Chocolate

If you’re new to mixing chocolate and spice, wow, do we ever have a surprise for you. Add spice to a creamy hot chocolate and… forgedabboutit!! A little dose of our Hab sauce makes this steamy, frothy beverage dance in your mouth. Adding a shot of booze (e.g., brandy, rum, or whisky) is optional.

Number of Servings: 6
Heat Level: Three flames

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup white sugar

6 cups whole milk

2 tablespoons Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce

Whipped cream to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Combine ingredients (except whipped cream) in large saucepan. Turn to medium heat.

Whisk the mixture, stirring constantly until thoroughly combined. Don’t let the milk burn.

Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. Serve…and ahhhh!