What I’m Drinking: Pliny’s Hand Warmer
When I first posted this drink, many many moons ago, I talked about how it was a favorite of legendary legend Pliny the Elder (who wrote the Naturalis Historia and more). Well, maybe it wasn’t his favorite per se, but the name is inspired by him, and beyond any of my silliness, this is a lovely drink to have this time of year, whether you’re reading very very very old authors or not, due to its warming peppermint tea base, which is just the ticket for a chilly November morning. Or afternoon. Or evening! Especially when combined with Planteray’s Original Dark rum, which delivers notes of smoke, citrus, banana, and spice that play quite nicely with the tea, and with Averna amaro, whose herbally goodness also plays quite nicely. Pliny himself would be happy to sip it, and you will be, too.
Pliny’s Hand Warmer
1-1/2 ounce Planteray Original Dark rum
1 ounce Averna amaro
5 ounces hot peppermint tea
Wide orange twist, for garnish
1. Add the rum and the Averna to a mug that’s been warmed with hot water. Stir briefly.
2. Add the tea, stir again, and warm up. Garnish with the orange twist.
A Note: you could also add a little fresh peppermint as a second garnish, if you can find some during the wintering.
