Hot Bonfire Tips

Hot Bonfire Tips

Set your party ablaze with the hot bonfire tips

When my boys were young, I was determined to show them that they had the best mom ever, so I enrolled them in Cub Scouts. As it turned out, not one dad showed up to lead the Pack! That didn’t stop me, there was no way I was going to disappoint those adventurous little boys of mine, so I HAD to do it! Which wouldn’t have been so bad except I was one of only three moms who worked full-time. Oh, and did I mention that I was going to school at night also? I didn’t care, I knew what I had to do. I reluctantly agreed to be their Den Mother….oye!

I had no idea what a Den Mother was supposed to do but I remembered that when my brothers were in Cub Scouts, they did a lot of “camping” trips. “I could do that!” I thought, and after two years as Den Mother, I was the expert on all things camping. Admittedly, I would have preferred glamping, but my boys thought that the dirtier we were the more badges they earned.

Anyhow, the thing I loved about that time with my boys was how we all cozied up to the campfire and told stories and shared snacks. That experience has never left me, and now as an adult, with no more little ones, I still love the idea of a good campfire. Only this time, from the music to the drinks, we are just a wee bit, well let’s just say, more adult.

Every fall I relive those memories by hosting an amazing bonfire with all of my family and friends. Fully equipped with camp songs and cozy treats. It is something that everyone has come to look forward to each year. So, why limit all that wonderful fun to our youth when you can throw yourself a top-of-the-line adult bonfire? For us, this outdoor extravaganza is the beginning of the Fall season.

Another mark of the season is cozying up in a quilt around the blazing bonfire. The perfect party would include some really comfy blankets and quilts. Gather some of your prettiest throws and stick them into baskets or storage hampers like these from mDesign. Place them around the fire as well as throughout the area to keep your friends cozy throughout the evening. To ensure you have plenty of seating, place colorful poufs and these mDesign pillows around the pit for additional spots. Toss blankets and pillows around the pit area for those who like to lie down and chill.

Of course, the best part about any bonfire are the adult beverages. Each year I am challenged with new signature drinks and fun games and foods. But there are three signature drinks that are staples at my party, no matter what!

Let me share my favorite “secret” recipes with you. I’m sure they will be as much of a hit for you and your guests.

First, is the iconic Hot Toddy

This drink is a must-have, mostly because I think people like saying the word toddy. There’s something about asking for a toddy that makes us feel, well, important. The Cinnamon Tequila Hot Toddy is not only a big hit, but it is also a favorite of my mDesign boss, Ashley. She is the queen of anything tequila. (I don’t judge).

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ oz. anejo tequila
  • ¾ cup hot water
  • 1 ½ tbsp. cinnamon bark syrup
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Cinnamon stick, for garnish liqueur

For cinnamon bark syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, scraped
  • 3 cinnamon sticks

For the rim of the glass:

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon


STEPS:

Make the cinnamon bark syrup:

  • Combine sugar, water and 3 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • After 3 minutes of boiling, add the vanilla bean and scrapings.
  • Let boil for 1 to 2 minutes longer, then turn off the heat, remove the cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean, and set aside.

Prepare the cocktail:

  • Using a shallow bowl or small plate, combine sugar and ground cinnamon.
  • Use a fork to gently mix them together.
  • Next, wet the rim of a glass mug by dipping just the top of it (flipping it upside down) in a bowl of water.
  • Transfer to cinnamon sugar mixture, twist and remove your perfectly cinnamon sugar rimmed mug.
  • Fill the mug with tequila, cinnamon bark syrup, lemon juice, honey and hot water.
  • Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

Hot Toddy video and recipe are from Tastemade.

Second, no bonfire is complete without an amazing HOT CHOCOLATE recipe...

...and this one is my favorite!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 cups of milk
  • 1 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • 2 tsp. of vanilla
  • 1 cup of Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 to 2 cups of vodka
  • Whipped cream, chocolate chips, chocolate cookie straws for serving

STEPS:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat milk, cocoa, sugar and salt over medium heat, beating with a whisk often until cocoa is fully incorporated and the mixture is warm and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, liqueur, and vodka
  • Carefully pour the mixture into heatproof punch bowl. Serve immediately with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and chocolate cookie straws
  • Enjoy!!

8 Piece Cocktail Shaker Bartender Set

Last, but certainly not least, is THE HOT AND DIRTY MARTINI

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 dashes of hot sauce like TABASCO brand
  • 2.5 oz of Vodka
  • 1 splash of olive juice

STEPS:

  • Shake all ingredients well with ice. I use the mDesign martini set because it is compact and fits super nicely on our rolling carts. Just strain and serve.

Other Bonfire Must-Haves

For all other drinks, this stylish ice bucket is perfect. Place two or three around your entertainment space for added convenience.

In addition to the above drinks, another must-have is the essential s’more. No bonfire is worth its weight in marshmallows without it. mDESIGN TIP: Try providing different ingredient choices for making s’mores, such as colored marshmallows, dark chocolate, or mint-flavored chocolate. Display them colorfully in these mDesign apothecary jars or on our serving trays. Don’t forget to add the chocolate or cinnamon sticks on the side for your hot beverages!

Now you are all ready for the quintessential campfire!

Happy Hot Toddying! (I love that word!)

Shop the Look: Elevate your S'mores game with this divided bamboo tray.


Joyce Colovas is a content writer at mDesign
and an avid lover of all things fun and fabulous!

How do you stay organized? We’d love to hear your story!
There are many ways that you can contribute and be part of our family.

Add your social media photos to our website and more! Visit mdesignhomedecor.com and learn how you can help spread the word. Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our email list. Plus, follow us on social media.


Posted: Oct 16, 2019