By Marc-André Latour

The brief, dark days are here and with the coming of the cold, we feel a great need for comfort. Welcome to the winter cocktails, whether before a meal or to extend the evening after a cosy supper.

At the chalet, the combination of Teas and Scotch* remains a favourite, particularly near the fire. And to really make it a home run, here are two “Made in Québec” recipes created this fall with the friendly team at La Maison du Brasseur (on rue St-Georges, in Saint-Jovite sector).

Le Banzaï!

1½ oz. Canopéegin
¼ oz. maple syrup
¼ oz. lemon juice
1 teaspoon of matcha Japanese tea*
Ginger kombucha
Pieces of crystallized ginger

Moisten the outside rim of a glass with lemon juice.
Dip the rim in a plate of maple sugar
Place all ingredients except the crystallized ginger in a blender.
Stir very gently, just enough to say, twice: “Banzai, I’ll swig you down like a samurai would”.
Pour into the glass and garnish with a skewer of pieces of crystallized ginger

Le Boiling Kettle
120 ml (4 oz) black tea or oolong*
60 ml (2 oz) Chic Choc spiced rum
30 ml (1 oz) maple syrup
2 star anise (or 1 cinnamon stick)
Orange zest

Moisten the outside rim of a toddy glass with lemon juice.
Dip the rim in a ½ maple sugar, ½ cinnamon mixture.
Infuse your tea with boiling water and steep four minutes in the glass.
Add the rum and maple syrup and shake.
Decorate with the spices and orange zest.
You’ll soon hear the kettle whistling again during the evening, guaranteed.

The Morning After

For the following day, to ensure the return of your inner samurai.

Boomerang

125 ml (4 oz) ginger kombucha
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon DoMatcha*

Moisten the outside rim of a glass with maple syrup.
Dip the rim in a plate of maple sugar.
Using the back of a spoon, make a paste of the matcha and 1 tablespoon of warm water.
Dilute with 1 oz. warm water and the maple syrup. Then add the ginger kombucha to the glass.
Garnish with a skewer of pieces of crystallized ginger.

And now, let’s celebrate Life. Happy Holidays to you all!

* Japanese green tea DoMatcha available at La Rosée, on the rue Saint-Jovite.

* Write me for suggestions for pairing and obtaining supplies at lessenceduthe1@gmail.com.