As the festive season approaches, a new contender has emerged to challenge the traditional dominance of mulled wine. For those who find the classic warm beverage less than appealing, a stunning creation known as the Cuban Winter offers a powerful and flavourful alternative.
Why This Cocktail Beats Mulled Wine
When most people imagine Christmas drinks, they picture cosy mugs of mulled wine by a roaring fire. However, travel reporter Vita Molyneux confessed she finds mulled wine generally repugnant, sparking her search for a tipple with more punch.
Her discovery came in the form of a spectacular winter cocktail developed by Havana Club Rum. Dubbed the Cuban Winter, this beverage provides a sweet, spicy, and warming experience that she believes is the perfect festive alternative, albeit significantly stronger than its traditional counterpart.
The Cuban Winter Recipe Revealed
Created on November 27, 2025, this simple yet delicious cocktail combines dark rum with homemade cinnamon syrup and fruit juices for a truly festive experience.
To make the cinnamon syrup, you'll need:
- Half a cup of caster sugar
- Half a cup of boiling water
- 2 cinnamon sticks snapped in half
For the cocktail itself, gather these ingredients:
- 10ml cinnamon syrup
- 150ml each of pineapple and apple juice
- 50ml Havana dark rum
- Fresh apple to garnish
How to Prepare Your Festive Drink
Begin by preparing your cinnamon syrup. Place the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil over medium heat. Add your cinnamon sticks, turn down the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered, and allow it to steep for at least one hour before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, pour your two juices and cinnamon syrup into a saucepan and heat on low. Slice your apples as desired and place them in a heat-resistant glass or mug. Add your rum to the mug. Once the juice mixture is heated through - being careful not to boil it - pour it over the rum and enjoy immediately.
This warming cocktail serves as the ideal solution to various Christmas dilemmas, from dry turkey to family squabbles. As Vita Molyneux suggests, it contains enough rum to help you forget your Yuletide woes while providing that essential festive warmth we all crave during the holiday season.
