Warm Your Spirits: Favorite Alcoholic Beverages for a Cold Day

During the winter months, it's essential to find the perfect drink to warm you up on chilly evenings. Here are some of the favorite alcoholic beverages for a cold day, along with easy and flavorful recipes to try at home.

Hot Toddy

Create a comforting Hot Toddy with your favorite dark spirit. This traditional winter cure-all combines the warming properties of ginger, honey, and citrus, making it the ideal drink for when you're feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

1/2 lemon, sliced Fine slices of ginger 1 sprig of thyme Honey to taste Your favorite dark spirit Hot water

Instructions

Place the sliced lemon, ginger slices, and thyme sprig in a large teapot. Fill the teapot with hot water and add honey to taste. Let it steep for a few minutes, then spike with your chosen dark spirit. Serve and enjoy the comforting warmth on a chilly winter night.

Bullshot: Hot Beef Consomme with a Vodka Shot

For a more indulgent option, try the Bullshot, a hot beef consomme served with a shot of vodka. This hearty and warming drink is perfect for those who love a bit of luxury in their winter drinks.

Eggnog and Hot Chocolate

Soft eggnog without alcohol can be a soothing choice, especially for those looking for a lighter drink. For a classic and comforting option, opt for hot chocolate.

Mulled Wine and Warm Beverages for Him/Her

For the non-alcoholic drinker, consider Spiced Mulled Wine. Williams Sonoma offers a delicious mulling spice mix that can transform a bottle of wine into a fragrant, holiday-worthy drink. Simply bring the wine to a boil along with the mulling spices, simmer until fragrant, and enjoy the delicious aroma throughout your home.

For those who enjoy a bit of spirit, a warmed Honey Bourbon or Vodka Starka with ice water on the side, or a Hot Rum Ginger Wine, can be a delightful choice. While these are more suited for past pleasures, they can still be enjoyed during warmer months or in sunny locations like Florida.

Rusty Nails and Rusty Hammers

If you're looking for a rich and hearty cocktail to brace you for a snowy night, try a Rusty Nail or a Rusty Hammer. These cocktails offer a robust taste that pairs well with cold winter nights.

Recipes for Rusty Nail and Rusty Hammer

Rusty Nail 2 oz blended Scotch 1 oz Drambuie Lemon twist On the rocks Rusty Hammer 2 oz smokey Scotch Laphroaig 10 1 oz Drambuie Orange twist On the rocks

For an affordable and comforting option, you can't go wrong with Bailey's or a knockoff. This creamy, alcohol-based drink warms the soul and is perfect for those chilly evenings.

No matter which drink you choose, whether it's a warm and comforting Hot Toddy, a luxurious Bullshot, or a classic Rusty Nail, you're sure to find the perfect warm beverage to enjoy on a cold winter day. Cheers to a cozy and welcoming season!