CAUTION: CONTENTS HOTS
Grabbing drinks is a social affair, but sipping a warm cocktail is a memory. It brings with it a time, place, or occasion—a moment to cherish. The rise of mixology culture has resulted ininnumerable recipes for steaming libations. At their origin is the “toddy,” the concept of which appears to be rooted in Indian tradition before being commandeered by the British. The hot toddy may have debated origins, but it’s indisputable that heated beverages appear to have medicinal properties—whether it’s a cure for feeling under the weather or a formula for facilitating a good time, they seem to heal and warm sippers in more ways than one. So, as the temperature drops, raise a glass with one of these hot cocktails that will definitely ramp up the heat.
School House
Restaurant & Tavern
Old à la Mode Shooter | $12
Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, house-made apple cider, lightly whipped sweetened cream, and house-made salted caramel.
During the holidays, restaurant guests are greeted by house-made hot apple cider reception. This shooter takes that custom up a notch. Subtly sweet and perfectly spiced, it’s warming without any burn. The “SH” initials in caramel atop soft whip make for an exquisite finish.
The Palms
Hot Toddy | $12
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, hot water, fresh lemon juice, honey, a dehydrated orange slice, and a cinnamon stick.
The presentation is what distinguishes this classic in this instance. A traditional concoction of whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon juice is topped with a dehydrated orange slice and cinnamon stick, yet every lady’s glass comes with a miniature rose clipped to the rim.
Annesso Pizzeria
Baci Espresso | $13
Amaro Averna, Kahlúa, Baileys Original Irish Cream, espresso, simple syrup, Luxardo Amaretto Di Saschira whipped cream, and shaved dark chocolate.
Italian for “espresso kisses,” the ingredients meet in a frothing pitcher and are steamed to perfection. The outcome is presented in a quaint glass that showcases a striking ombre effect beneath lightly whipped, boozy cream with shaved dark chocolate on top.
The Howlin Wolf
The Pimm’s Fire | $14
The Original Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, Rich Sin (house-made cinnamon syrup), ginger syrup, honey, a dehydrated apple, and a cinnamon stick.
Where do you envision sipping this concoction? Fireside, obviously. Served in a traditional punch cup, its cinnamon stick garnish is fire-lit and allowed to smoke briefly before extinguishing atop a dehydrated apple slice, facilitating a multi-sensory experience.
Westwoods BBQ
& Spice Co
Gin Hot Toddy | $12
Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, hot water, house-made simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick.
Gin drinkers, this one’s for you. Empress Gin goes in first, the addition of simple syrup and hot water makes it light blue, and a squeeze of lemon juice turns the libation lavender drop by drop. A quick swirl with a cinnamon stick creates a subtly spiced finish.
Cellar Door
Autumn Moon | $13
The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, steamed milk, hot water, house-made salted caramel, flamed orange, and nutmeg.
Inspired by Jerry Thomas’ Blue Blazer, two Blazer mugs are required for mixing: one containing rum is lit on fire, yielding a blue flame, and the other with water is heated by transferring the liquids back and forth—the flame follows! Once assembled, it’s dangerously delicious.
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer Don Dizon
