10 Hot Cocktail Recipes to Make Today

This nutty cocktail is like a boozy pecan pie warmed and poured into a glass. Pecan-infused scotch is simmered with port, apple cider, honey syrup, cinnamon and cloves for a warming concoction that’s a soothing pleasure to drink. Best of all, it’s garnished with a soft caramel candy that will make you feel like a kid again—or at least a kid at heart.

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Gotta save room for the ultimate hot cocktail. Known for curing colds and being the best way to warm yourself from the inside, the Hot Toddy is on winter cocktail menus across the world. The flavor is easy to improvise on with additional fruits, liquors and spices, but start with this classic combination of whiskey (you decide on bourbon, scotch, rye or Irish), lemon and cloves.

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An upscale spin on the Irish Coffee, the Northern Exposure is the perfect nightcap or sipper for defrosting after an afternoon of wintry fun. Whiskey and Kronan Swedish Punsch liqueur give a boozy kick to cinnamon syrup and coffee. A mound of whipped cream sweetens the lot and provides a festive presentation.

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It’s tea time. And at this tea party, chai goes tipsy when mixed with cachaça and ginger liqueur. Lighten everything with some fresh lemon juice, and garnish with a lemon wheel stuffed with cloves and a cinnamon stick. Of course, the best presentation is in a teacup, but any mug will do.

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Give your traditional Hot Toddy a fruity spin with this beautiful purple cocktail. It’s simple to make, so it’s perfect for lazy snow days. Plum liqueur, bitters and hot water are all you need. Just mix them together and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

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This boozy hot cocoa definitely isn’t for kids. Finely chopped semisweet chocolate mixes with hot milk to create a base for your favorite spirit. Try it spiked with Kahlúa liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream liqueur, peppermint schnapps, Green Chartreuse liqueur or bourbon. No matter what you mix it with, though, be sure to top with plenty of marshmallows.

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Carnivores, this soup-like cocktail is a dream come true! Duck stock lends its rich, meaty flavor to the savory drink, which is seasoned with salt and pepper. Dolin Génépy des Alpes liqueur and absinthe add the necessary dose of booze.

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This French cocktail combines France’s calvados (apple brandy) with red wine from Rioja, cinnamon syrup, lemon and water. The resulting cocktail is deep pink, subtly sweet and perfect for Paris-themed parties (or any parties, really) or sipping on your own.

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Add a little spice to your night with this peppy punch. Rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice and bitters are given a spicy, herbal lift from muddled green cardamom pods. It’s a little complex to assemble but worth the effort when you’re serving a crowd.

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Tequila works as well in hot winter cocktails as it does in cool summer drinks. Mix the agave spirit with spiced apple cider (made with your choice of spices). When warm, pour the mixture into an Irish Coffee glass, then add a float of heavy cream and nutmeg for a dash of spiced richness.

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