Drink it Like it's Hot

While it may be unseasonably warm today, that is no reason not to complain about the cold weather looming just past November. You know, the kind of cold where your nose and any exposed extremities feel like they are going to freeze off on your walk to work. Well, it’s coming. And this year we’re going to be prepared. We’re stocking our apartment with flannel sheets, thermal-lined pants and our favorite recipes of hot cocktails.

There are many reasons we love hot cocktails. They’re comforting, soothing and pack ample amount of well-hidden alcohol. With just a few sips, we’re warmed both inside and out. It’s almost enough to make mittens and snow boots unnecessary. So, here are a few delicious cocktails that will keep us toasted this winter season…

Hot Buttered Rum
This rich, decadent beverage has everything going for it: butter, brown sugar and rum. Great after dinner or for breakfast, hot buttered rum is our holiday season staple.

2 measures of dark rum
1 tsp of brown sugar
½ tsp of ground ciniamon
½ oz of unsalted butter

Mix the rum and sugar in a tall glass. Add the cinnamon and butter, and then fill with hot water. Stir well to dissolve the butter and sugar.

Irish Chocolate Velvet
Yes, it tastes as lavish as it sounds. Maybe better. Picture the most luxurious hot chocolate you’ve ever had – now add alcohol. Repeat as necessary. (recipe serves 4)

8 fl. oz of heavy cream
14 fl. oz of milk
4 oz. of milk chocolate
2 tbsp of cocoa powder
4 tbsp of Irish whiskey
whipped cream

Place the milk and chocolate in a pan and heat gently. Stir until chocolate has melted. Add in the cocoa and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Irish whiskey. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.

Hot Tea Toddy
Sometimes all you want is a nice soothing cup of tea, and sometimes all you need is a shot of alcohol. This drink makes both those happen. It’s a classic, likely for that very reason.

6 tsp light rum
½ tsp of honey
½ tsp ground cinnamon
slice of lemon
1 cup hot black tea (or whatever tea you like)

Add all ingredients to a pan and gently warm until just about to boil. Pour out into a mug.

Monks Coffee
Is there anything those monks can’t do with alcohol? First Champagne and now coffee, they’ve got skills. This coffee is full of rich and nutty flavors with a hint of orange.

¼ oz. amaretto
¼ oz. crème de cacao
¼ oz Frangelico
¼ oz. Orange liqueur
coffee
whipped cream

Add liqueurs to hot coffee. Stir and top with whipped cream

There is something comforting about being prepared for the chilly road ahead. Kicking back with a hot buttered rum and fuzzy slippers isn’t all that bad. Throw in some pie and a fleece blanket and we may even find there is nothing to complain about. For now.