Beverages

Since living in France and savoring the richness of “real” hot chocolate, I’ve found it a challenge to imbibe hot cocoa from a packet. Instead, I’ve taken to making it from scratch, and as an occasional indulgence it is well worth the effort. Without being overly rich or sweet, this...

The flavors and fragrances of this champagne are elegant and timeless, with a generous hint of spice, echoing the flavors of a mulled wine. The spiced syrup can be made well in advance, and its flavors will intensify as it rests. Yields enough syrup for one bottle of champagne or sparkling wine Ingredients 4 cups apple or white grape juice 1 teaspoon whole cloves, crushed 1 teaspoon crystallized ginger, chopped ½ teaspoon allspice berries, crushed 2 tablespoons orange zest, pith completely removed ¼ of one whole vanilla bean, left intact