1. The Hot Toddy
This timeless winter warmer typically features tea and honey. However, this version delivers a generous boost of vitamin C, making it an ideal remedy for the season's colds.
1 ½ oz Bourbon whiskey
½ lemon
1 orange
½ Teaspoon (+/-) fresh grated ginger
1-2 teaspoons honey
¼-½ cup water
Dash of cloves, nutmeg, cayenne.
Squeeze the citrus into a small saucepan. I prefer mine fairly pulpy, so feel free to let some larger fruit pieces drop in. You can break them up later, which gives the drink a lovely thickness! Combine all ingredients in the pot and season to taste. Adjust the water amount to your preference; I like a strong citrus flavor, so I use ¼ cup. Heat until warm. You can skip the cayenne if spice isn't your thing; the ginger alone provides a pleasant kick. Pour into your favorite 6-8 oz mugs and settle in for a cozy winter evening!
2. The Old Fashioned
Another classic. This cocktail has many variations—none too tricky, but some are better than others. This "Pre-Prohibition Old Fashioned" skips the muddled fruit, which, while tasty in the Hot Toddy, I find clutters this drink.
2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz simple syrup* OR 1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes of bitters
Orange twist
Given its simplicity, this is the perfect chance to use your finest whiskey. If using simple syrup, shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice before straining into a rocks glass. If using a sugar cube, muddle the sugar and bitters in the rocks glass before adding the whiskey. Changing the type of bitters alters the flavor; aromatic bitters are traditional, but orange bitters can give it a more pronounced citrus note. While there are pricier options, Angostura is the most popular and reliable choice, available almost everywhere. Serve in a rocks glass over ice. (I recommend using one large cube, two, an ice ball, or ice stones. Smaller ice, like from a standard maker or tray, melts quickly and waters down the drink.)
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3. The French 75
If you're after something more elegant (think etched-glass coupes and cocktail attire!) or simply a lighter option, this is a fantastic winter alternative to the whiskey-heavy selections you'll find in many places.
2 oz Champagne or sparkling wine (the drier, the better)
1 ½ oz gin
1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon simple syrup*
Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake well, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass, and top with chilled champagne. This drink is potent yet light, ideal for a frosty night!
- Simple syrup is readily available in any cocktail section, but you can also make it quickly! The basic ratio is equal parts sugar and water. Ideally, heat them in a pot over low heat, but in a pinch, you can microwave them in a container and shake it up for a fast fix.
Get cozy with a good book, settle in for a Netflix marathon, or wow your guests with your bartending skills! Cheers!
