10 Top Hot Drinks

This drink is arguably the most famous hot cocktail of all time—not to mention our favorite remedy for a cold—and it’s super simple to make. The original Hot Toddy (also called the Whisky Skin) doesn’t call for any fancy ingredients, just a mix of boiling water, sugar, lemon and whiskey. Our recipe also calls for a few cloves and uses complex turbinado sugar, but it's just as easy. And, best of all, it works with Scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon and rye.

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We’ve tried many recipes for the delicious and classic Irish Coffee, but this one, from top mixologist Jack McGarry of famed New York bar The Dead Rabbit, is our favorite. The secret is a bit of Demerara sugar syrup and hand-whipped cream. You’re bound to love this recipe as much as we do!

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Having a party? Whip up this spirited fall drink that features apple cider, pomegranate, cognac and a bit of rum. The best part? It can be served hot or cold.

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End your day with this boozy take on Mexican hot chocolate. Add a measure of añejo tequila to a cup of steaming chocolaty goodness and then top it off with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of chili powder. The heat and spice will be sure to thaw you out.

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It’s not often that gin ends up in a hot drink, but this is an exception you’ll love. Make a big bowl of this warm punch that combines Hendrick’s Gin, Madeira wine, fruits and spices for a houseful of guests. It will keep you and your friends warm and happy all night long!

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The best part about Hot Buttered Rum is that once you make a batch of the batter—which contains butter, of course, plus ice cream and spices, and can last you all winter—it’s a snap to fix a drink. In addition to a tablespoon of the batter, the recipe calls for a jigger of rum and some boiling water. We have it on good authority that a cup or two of this steaming goodness will cure nearly all ailments.

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We fully support adding a little liquor to a cup of coffee, especially if there’s a chill in the air. And this recipe is perfect for a frigid evening and can be made in a jiffy. It calls for a bit of the orange-and-cognac liqueur Grand Marnier and a few ounces of coffee. Sweeten the mixture with some brown sugar syrup and whipped cream if you like. After a few sips, you’ll be completely warmed up.

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If anybody knows about surviving winter, it’s the Scandinavians. So try the classic Nordic concoction Glögg, which combines dry red wine, port and vodka with spices, sugar, raisins, oranges and figs. It’s also the perfect beverage for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Skål!

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This time of year, friends and family have a habit of just dropping in at unexpected times, so be sure to keep this recipe from top barman and Liquor.com advisory board member H. Joseph Ehrmann handy. All you need to do is warm up a pot of red wine and a little bourbon or brandy with a few common ingredients like cinnamon sticks and star anise. Your guests will never know how quickly it comes together!

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Tequila isn’t just for summertime Margaritas. Don’t believe us? Try all-star bartender and Liquor.com advisory board member Jacques Bezuidenhout’s aptly named Heated Affair. The complex cold-weather drink mixes the agave-based spirit with hot spiced apple cider and tops it off with some rich cream, freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick. You’ll never look at the Mexican liquor the same way again!

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