Holiday Cheer: Of Nogs and Gloggs and Syllabubs

It was, generally, a rare chance—and sometimes the necessary excuse—to indulge.

Today, we need no excuse to indulge. We have access to everything every day. What’s to look forward to at the holidays? Here’s one answer: frothy, spicy, boozy, homey adult beverages. There’s nothing everyday about them. Many take some planning and require an actual wait (how archaic!) before they reach their prime. Their ingredients tend to be of the season—ciders and apples and exotic spices once rare and dear.

Nobody would make—or want to drink—any of these at a summer picnic. They are for the brief days and long, slow nights of winter, best imbibed by candlelight or firelight. I prefer to indulge quietly, accompanied by good friends, thoughtful conversation and full hearts. But some of my pals say the favorite recipes they’ve shared with me can turn a standard holiday gathering into a jolly, jumping fa-la-la.

Here are five winter indulgences to try, with a bit of background on why they’re special.