9 Warm Cocktails to Sip This Winter

As the mercury drops (and drops), you need all the warm comfort you can find. So why not use some of that ample indoor time to craft a drink that’s warm, boozy, and all sorts of flavorful? Here are a few worth imbibing.

1. HOT BUTTERED RUM

This classic warmer features all the pleasant winter spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and dark brown sugar. What seals the deal, though, is the generous helping of dark rum and the half stick of butter. This recipe, courtesy of Epicurious, should get the blood flowing.

2. WARM BOURBON CIDER

Apple cider, that wondrous cold-weather beverage, has a boozy best friend in bourbon. Delish’s take on the drink adds nutmeg, cinnamon, and ground ginger for good measure, and makes enough to serve any guests who happen to drop by.

3. HOT SPICED WINE

Like a wintertime sangria, this drink—also known as mulled wine—combines the signature ingredient with spices, citrus, and other lively ingredients. If you’re handy in the kitchen, try this heady take from Food & Wine that adds in cherry brandy, cardamom, and black pepper. Or, try making a slow cooker version.

4. HOT MILK PUNCH

Before you write off the combination of milk and alcohol, consider that this drink has been warming souls since the 17th century. Traditionally served cold, it can also be made warm and frothy, as The New York Times demonstrates. If you’re interested in the classic version, try Mary Rockett’s Milk Punch recipe, which dates from 1711.

5. STOUT HOT CHOCOLATE

There are many ways to booze up hot chocolate, but we’re featuring this one because it also calls for the perfect cold-weather beer. The Floating Kitchen has this unbeatable recipe, which calls for whole milk, unsweetened cocoa, dark chocolate, and 12 ounces of Rogue Chocolate Stout. A scoop of ice cream further sweetens the deal.

6. REMONTEL TODDY

The hot toddy has been a preferred nightcap and cold remedy for generations of drinkers. For a fresh take, try this Mexican-inspired riff from Serious Eats that includes agave nectar, ginger beer, mezcal, and mole bitters. It has a sweet, smoky flavor that’s sure to please.

7. HOT COCOA AND WHISKEY

The name tells you everything you need to know. Follow The Kitchn’s instructions and use Irish whiskey along with homemade whipped cream.

8. LAST STOP DARJEELING

Tea cocktails are—there’s really no other way to say it—hot right now. Across the country, mixologists are livening up Earl Gray and company with sweeteners, spices, and proper doses of rum, gin, and other spirits. Try this recipe from Town and Country, which combines Darjeeling tea with Orleans Cider Bitters, dry sherry, and agave nectar.

9. SPANISH COFFEE

Fresh-brewed coffee, rum, and Kahlua come together to make this eye-opening cocktail. The best part? You get to light it (carefully) on fire. Imbibe offers this recipe courtesy of Huber’s in Portland, Oregon.

All images via iStock.