These Hot Cocktails Are Perfect for a Winter Warm-Up

Hot Toddy Cocktail
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Some people love winter. Some people also do “polar bear plunges” for fun. While it’s not our place to tell anyone they’re right or wrong on matters of opinion, this article is for those who think the best part of cold weather is hiding from it, keeping as warm as possible and looking out the window at a winter wonderland while thinking, “Not today.”

When we think of classic hot cocktails, there are a few drinks that spring to mind. Most of these hot cocktails have been passed down through families for generations. While many things have changed since your grandmother first perfected her hot eggnog recipe, it’s nice to know that a good hot cocktail is timeless. The list of the most classic hot fall cocktails includes mulled wine, hot buttered rum, hot cider cocktails, hot cocoa cocktails, and the granddaddy of them all: the hot toddy.

To that end, we’ve compiled a list of 16 of the best hot-and-boozy concoctions to keep your core temperature up until spring arrives.



The Classic Hot Toddy / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Classic Hot Toddy / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Classic Hot Toddy Recipe

Often a blank canvas for a variety of innovative upgrades, the classic Hot Toddy recipe is still the best entry point to the world of warm cocktails.

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The nightingale cocktail
The Nightingale / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Nightingale Mulled Wine

Grenache, brandy, Cointreau and whole spices add welcoming warmth to this holiday drink, courtesy of Nightingale in Minneapolis, where they know the cold.

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Hot Buttered Rum with Cinnamon Stick
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The Original Hot Buttered Rum Recipe

While a buttered cocktail may seem off-putting to some, there's a reason this seasonal hot rum classic has endured for centuries. Learn how to make it here.

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The Chai Hot Toddy / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Chai Hot Toddy / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Chai Hot Toddy

Most of the ingredients for a classic chai spice blend are in your pantry already. Just add tea, cream and brandy for this perfect cold-weather cocktail.

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Two earthenware mugs filled with mulled wine and garnished with orange and cinnamon
Glühwein, the German mulled wine / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
Learn How to Make Glühwein, the Traditional German Mulled Wine

Looking to change up your mulled wine this season? Curious what Feuerzangenbowle is, and also enjoy setting things on fire? Then it's time for you to explore this German winter tradition.

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Venetian Coffee
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Venetian Coffee

Coffee and cream? Yes, please. This eye-opener is usually made with coffee from Bacari PDR’s sister venue, Nature’s Brew.

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Irish whiskey hot toddy is one of the best Irish whiskey drinks
Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Ichabod Crane, an Irish Whiskey Hot Toddy

This Irish whiskey-powered Hot Toddy brings together pumpkin puree and a unique walnut liqueur called nocino for a warm, winter specialty unlike any other.

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Norwegian Gløgg with raisins and sliced almonds
Classic Norwegian Gløgg / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
How to Make Authentic Norwegian Gløgg, a Mulled Wine Treat

While many cultures have a tradition of heating spiced wine to stay warm throughout the winter, savory aquavit sets apart the Norwegian version of this Scandinavian staple.

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Try this toddy with Montenegro amaro.
The Toddy Montenegro / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Toddy Montenegro

Montenegro, an amaro with 40 herbs and botanicals, is the secret ingredient in this Hot Toddy, created for those willing to take a journey to the dark side.

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Hot Mentha Mess Recipe
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Hot Mentha Mess

If you like Mexican hot chocolate, here’s your winter drink. Bold Bourbon is balanced by cocoa and the kick of cayenne.

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The Yule Tide Toddy / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Yule Tide Toddy / Photo by Meg Baggott, styling by Dylan Garret
The Yule Tide Toddy

What do maple syrup, apples, cinnamon and Bourbon have in common? They all make this delicious update to the classic Hot Toddy your new winter cocktail.

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Hot Eggnog in enamel mug
Photo by Tom Arena
Hot Eggnog Recipe

Hot eggnog? Don’t scoff, this wintertime warmer can help you beat the cold on a snowy day while doubling as a delicious, boozy dessert.

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Hot Toddy with a twist
"Hot Tadashi", hot toddy Credit. / Photo by: Tom Arena
The Perfect Hot Toddy Cocktail With a Saké Twist

Hot saké is a natural fit for this warming cocktail. Learn how to make this easy "hot toddy with a twist" cocktail.

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Woman holding pumpkin spice latte
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A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe, With or Without Booze

This recipe turns fall's staple drink, the pumpkin spice latte, into a sweet and savory cocktail. Or, skip the booze to make a non-alcoholic PSL instead.

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Boozy Hot chocolate
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The Best Boozy Hot Chocolate Recipe

Hot cocoa and hot chocolate are often used interchangeably. This recipe combines cocoa power and real chocolate with rum for a warming drink.

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Photo by Victoria Shes / Unsplash
Kentucky NyQuil

This recipe—essentially, a ginger-tinged warm lemonade—takes the winter edge off nicely.

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Published on November 2, 2022