Chilly nights require something more robust and full-bodied than wine
Credit: Juba Photo
Fire pits have become hot, in every sense, as more of us brave the cold than usual, heading out to our gardens in the evening. Mine’s more a big metal bowl rather than an actual pit, but it has the same effect, and in these difficult times I’ve found comfort in sitting under the stars beside a crackling, glowing pile of logs. With a glass tumbler in gloved hand, from time to time.
What to put in it, though? A “normal” table wine just doesn’t cut it on a frosty January night. Unfortified red or white isn’t hearty enough to cope with the strange mix of hot and cold temperatures, and the smoke-filled air (both a little palate-numbing); instead you need to turn up the volume with something more robust and full-bodied. And probably sweeter as well, since sugar helps to drive out the cold. Port seems too Christmassy, so I’m turning to liqueurs instead.