The year’s later months are his preferred season. It is not the cold itself that gives him pleasure but his reaction to it, his mammalian pursuit of large meals and little movement that mirrors a moderate form of hibernation. He oversleeps yet yawns often; he fills his belly yet yearns to eat; the days are dark and dank yet strangely he is happy. His existence is a warm bedroom hiding from the shivering evening behind a foggy window.
He has been in a bathrobe all day and has even donned a light green beanie his girlfriend bought him the previous spring; he is adequately warm but he's also a glutton for more comfort. The early darkness is quickly swallowing daylight and he is all too happy to flick on the bulbs overhead - the signal that another winter's night has come. He emerges from his bedroom dragging slippered feet over carpet, sluggishly taking steps like a dozing bear emerging from its cave. He does not rush as pace is not needed. Continuing in the spirit of decadent leisure he commences the evening with one of his favourite winter drinks - a Chocolate Citrus Irish Coffee - one best suited for a night that is flexible on bedtime.
He takes his steaming glass back upstairs and sits by the foggy windowpane. He might read a book, watch a movie, or dawdle and do absolutely nothing. All are valid. He likens himself to a snoozing dog, where inertia is expected.
Chocolate & Citrus Irish Coffee - Ingredients & Recipe
- 300ml/8oz of freshly brewed coffee, ideally espresso and boiling water.
- 10g of Macaw Kakau 70% Dark Chocolate, melted.
- 30ml/1oz of Liberator Double Port Finish.
- 1 teaspoon of creme de menthe.
- [Mix the above.]
- 1 Citrus Peel, orange or grapefruit, squeezed over the glass and used to wipe the rim, imparting its citrus oils and aroma.
- 50ml/1.5oz of Cream, shaken and poured onto a spoon over the coffee so it creates a head.
- Chocolate shavings to garnish.
