Liquid Gold – Mulled Pineapple Cocktail On A Wintry Night
Hosting a party is always an enjoyable experience, even without a specific reason to celebrate. The book Winter Cocktails is a godsend when you want to host one during winter. It offers a plethora of party-friendly recipes.
One recipe that stands out is the Mulled Pineapple Cocktail. Aptly named ‘Liquid Gold,’ this drink combines rum, brandy, mulled pineapple juice, and a sweet yet spicy pineapple garnish.
For the uninitiated amongst you, let’s start off with an understanding of this culinary process called “mulling.”
Mulling is a process that involves infusing flavors into beverages by simmering them with a combination of spices or other aromatic ingredients.
The tart sweetness of pineapple pairs well with the mulling spices, offering a warm, aromatic cocktail that could potentially make you forget the winter chill.
Some interesting variations
The Mulled Pineapple Cocktail could be just the beginning of an exciting journey with warm winter cocktails.
Go ahead and try variations of this drink by swapping pineapples with oranges or ripe apricots.
If you want a non-alcoholic version of this drink, try the mocktail version of the mulled pineapple cocktail by simply skipping the dark rum and brandy or by simmering the drink with nonalcoholic substitutes of rum.
The trouble with Aleppo peppers
Aleppo peppers are a type of chili pepper originating from the Middle East, known for their fruity and moderately spicy flavor. They can add a unique and slightly tangy kick to dishes and lend a unique warmth to this dish.
Can’t find Aleppo pepper? A very likely obstacle, given that it is not found in regular local stores.
If you haven’t been able to find Aleppo peppers, simply use a DIY substitute of the same by combining sweet paprika and cayenne pepper. For More Explore – Aleppo Pepper substitutes
Liquid Gold – Mulled Pineapple Cocktail
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
- Heat Proof Cups
- Skewers
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 cubes fresh pineapple 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp whole allspice berries
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 2 nos. cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups pineapple juice
- 6 ounces dark rum
- 2 ounces brandy
- 1 nos. vanilla bean pod split in half lengthwise, seeds scraped out
Instructions
For the Pineapple Garnish
- Cut the pineapple into half and then cut it down into small cubes.
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange pineapple cubes in a single layer.
- Combine sugar, 1/4 tsp Aleppo pepper, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle pineapple cubes with sugar mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Rearrange pineapple in a single layer and broil until caramelized, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer tray to cooling rack.
- When cool enough to handle, skewer at least 3 pineapple cubes onto each of 4 short skewers or sturdy toothpicks.
For the Mulled Pineapple Juice
- Place allspice, peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add 4 cups pineapple juice, 6 ounces dark rum, 2 ounces brandy, and 1 nos. vanilla bean pod and seeds and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to lowest setting and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard solids. To serve, place one pineapple skewer in each of 4 heat-proof cups. Ladle juice into cups.
Notes
- Look for ripe and juicy pineapples with golden skin and a sweet aroma. The ripe fruit will add natural sweetness to the drink.
- To enhance the flavor of the mulling spices, toast them lightly before adding them to the cocktail. This step helps to release the essential oils and intensify the flavors.
- Using freshly squeezed pineapple juice will elevate the taste of your cocktail. Invest in a good-quality juicer or use a manual citrus press to extract the juice.
- While the recipe suggests a pineapple garnish, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. You can add a citrus twist by including a slice of orange or lemon.
- Alternatively, a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of ground nutmeg can also enhance the presentation and flavor of the cocktail.
- Pair the cocktail with snacks that complement its flavor. Consider serving it with cheese platters, spiced nuts, or even small bites of grilled pineapple.
