1. Hot Toddy. A simple mix of spirit, lemon, sweetener, and hot water, the Hot Toddy is a versatile template. My traditional recipe uses bourbon and honey.
2. Irish Coffee. There’s a reason this is a classic. I use Dead Rabbit‘s recipe: 1.5 oz. Irish Whiskey, 1/2 oz. Demerara syrup, and 4 oz. coffee topped with lightly whipped heavy cream.
3. Hot Buttered Rum. I made this for the first time this winter, and it is fantastic. I thought adding butter to a drink seemed a bit weird, but trust me: butter makes everything better.
4. Mulled Wine. I used to not be a fan of Mulled Wine, and now I can’t get enough of it around the holidays. It’s so easy to make, especially in a batch for company, and it warms you up to your core.
5. Icky-Poo Tonic. This is a recipe I got from Joy the Baker that my husband and I have come to rely on when we get colds. A mixture of orange juice, bourbon, honey, and hot water, it soothes your throat and your aches and just makes you feel better. The name is ridiculous, but it stuck.
6. Warm Spiced Vanilla. By now you’ve probably noticed that I don’t really own a wide variety of glassware for hot cocktails. 😉 This delicious mixture of bourbon, Bailey’s, milk, and lots of other good stuff is a long-time favorite for cold weather.
7. Vert Chaud. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, mix some hot chocolate with Green Chartreuse, top it with a bit of whipped cream, and enjoy. My favorite part is lighting the Chartreuse on fire in the mug to warm it up.
8. Mexican Hot Chocolate with Mezcal Whipped Cream. This one is probably my favorite recipe on this list. It’s ridiculously decadent and delicious. Ancho Reyes gives rich hot chocolate some spice, and whipping Mezcal into the cream adds a dreamy bit of smoke to the mix.
9. Montenegro Toddy. I mentioned how versatile a Hot Toddy recipe can be – here’s the perfect example. Amaro Montenegro is a great addition for some complexity and bitterness. Try it with your favorite amaro.
10. Ursa Major. This hot tea cocktail is made with honey-bourbon liqueur that is sooo good in a hot drink. You can substitute bourbon and honey if you don’t have it. Some Allspice Dram adds a perfect seasonal touch.