While we enjoy skiing and ice-skating, our favorite cold-weather activity, hands down, is mixing up a round of hot cocktails. While a snifter of cognac or a dram of Scotch can certainly make you feel warmer, nothing is as comforting as a steaming mug of a delicious and boozy concoction. So as the nights get ever longer (and ever more freezing), fix one of these amazing warming drinks. Cheers!
Hot Toddy
This drink is arguably the most famous hot cocktail of all time—not to mention our favorite remedy for a cold—and it’s super simple to make. The original Hot Toddy (also called the Whisky Skin) doesn’t call for any fancy ingredients, just a mix of boiling water, sugar, lemon and whiskey.
The Hornitos Hot Shotty
End your day with this boozy take on Mexican hot chocolate. Add a measure of añejo tequila to a cup of steaming chocolaty goodness and then top it off with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of chili powder. The heat and spice will be sure to thaw you out.
Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch
It’s not often that gin ends up in a hot drink, but this is an exception you’ll love. Make a big bowl of this warm punch that combines Hendrick’s Gin, Madeira wine, fruits and spices for a houseful of guests. It will keep you and your friends warm and happy all night long!
Hot Buttered Rum
The best part about Hot Buttered Rum is that once you make a batch of the batter—which contains butter, of course, plus ice cream and spices, and can last you all winter—it’s a snap to fix a drink. In addition to a tablespoon of the batter, the recipe calls for a jigger of rum and some boiling water. We have it on good authority that a cup or two of this steaming goodness will cure nearly all ailments.
Grand Coffee
We fully support adding a little liquor to a cup of coffee, especially if there’s a chill in the air. And this recipe is perfect for a frigid evening and can be made in a jiffy. It calls for a bit of the orange-and-cognac liqueur Grand Marnier and a few ounces of coffee. Sweeten the mixture with some brown sugar syrup and whipped cream if you like. After a few sips, you’ll be completely warmed up.
