The coldest season of the year is almost here. With the onset of winter, the kitchen is sure to turn into a space infused with happiness and warmth.

Winter calls for numerous delicacies that add a dash of warmth and feel like a hug in a mug during those short days and long, cold nights. Here are two beverages to try out in your Veneta Cucine kitchen:

* Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is an alcoholic concoction believed to promote health and avoid sickness. It originated in the 2nd century and was created by the Romans. They would heat wine to defend their bodies against the cold winter. When Romans began conquering a majority of Europe, they made sure to spread their love for mulled wine all over.

Ingredients for Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine:
* 500ml pomegranate juice
* 25 grams caster sugar
* A handful of frozen blackberries (or any frozen berries that are available)
* 1 cinnamon stick
* 1 star anise
* 4 cloves
* 3 black peppercorns
* 1 orange, quartered

Instructions:
Step 1: Add pomegranate juice, caster sugar, blackberries and apple juice in a saucepan.
Step 2: Heat the saucepan on low flame.
Step 3: Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, peppercorns and orange.
Step 4: Heat gently till the concoction simmers, stirring once in a while.
Step 5: Taste for sweetness and add more caster sugar if required.
Step 6: Strain into heatproof glasses and consume while it is still warm.

* Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate or hot cocoa is an ever-popular winter beverage that personifies hug in a mug. Believed to have been first made by the Mayan people nearly 2000 years ago, this beverage gained popularity in Europe and many other parts of the world. Today, hot chocolate is served in different varieties, like the very thick Cioccolata Calda in Italy and the thinner hot cocoa in the United States.

Ingredients:
* 2 cups milk
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips
* 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a saucepan.
Step 2: Place the saucepan on a medium/medium-low flame and whisk the mixture continuously till well combined.
Step 3: Heat the mixture till it is warm (but not boiling).
Step 4: Add chocolate chips and whisk continuously till the chocolate chips melt and combine evenly in the milk.
Step 5: Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
Step 6: Transfer the hot concoction into a glass and serve hot. You could additionally top it with marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.

Make winters cosier with Veneta Cucine’s kitchens which are designed to offer you luxury and comfort. Experience the warmth for yourself and your loved ones with Veneta Cucine. Visit the website to know more!