Are you feeling autumnal (but not the cold that comes with it)? We are all guilty of complaining about the heat in summer and then complaining when it ends. Whether you embrace or dread the woolly jumpers and frosted mornings, these hot cocktails will welcome you into the colder months with warmth. They are the perfect mix between a well-earned beverage and a mug that warms not just your hands, but your soul too. These cocktails will impress your mates for a Friday night in or simply keep you company for a cosy evening on the sofa.

 

Source: Giphy

1. The go-to Hot Toddy

An absolute classic, with slightly unclear origins but likely as a product of British imperialism in India in the 19th century. The British took this hot cocktail on for the same purpose you’re reading this blog right now – to keep warm against the elements (while ensuring there’s still alcohol involved)!

Source: Meg is Well

Ingredients:

  • 240ml hot water
  • 1 tea bag
  • 2 shots (60ml) of whiskey (bourbon, whiskey, or even rum work!)
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 lemon slice
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Method:

  1. Pour hot water into mug and steep tea for two to three minutes.
  2. Remove tea bag and add honey, whiskey, and lemon juice.
  3. Stir.
  4. Garnish with lemon slice.
  5. Enjoy!

Source: Town and Country Mag

 

2. Hot Choc with a kick

This one will stop you feeling quite so CHILLI… enjoy a take on the age-old guilty pleasure, a childhood favourite now exclusive to the over 18s. This spiced red wine hot chocolate is a definite winter warmer.

Source: Downshiftology

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Red Wine
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • Marshmallows for topping

The method for this one is super easy, minimal effort required! Mix all the ingredients together in one big pot, heat it on the hob (don’t let it boil) until steam rises, then Bob’s your uncle, you’ve got yourself a tasty treat to warm your up on a frosty evening. One of our favourite hot cocktails!

Source: Afternoon Espresso

 

3. Pumpkin Pillow

Rest easy with the Pumpkin Pillow, this one’s for Halloween! It’ll help to calm your nerves on this spooky night. With a recipe that’s easy to increase and make in batch, there is plenty to share. While an acquired taste, this hot cocktail will surprise your taste buds with its sweet and creamy finish.

Source: The Crumby Kitchen

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot Drambuie
  • 45 ml pumpkin puree
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 120 ml steamed whole milk (or choice milk-base)

Method:

Steam milk, pumpkin puree and spices together until hot. Double-strain into cup. Stir in Drambuie. Top with additional milk foam and ground nutmeg.

 

4. The Doctor’s Orders

This one helps to sooth a sore throat and to fend off the symptoms of a cold, but also lets you indulge in an alcoholic drink. A proper comfort hot cocktail and just what the doctor ordered!

Source: The New Potato

Ingredients:

  • ¼ shot Bache-Gabrielsen American Oak cognac
  • 1 large tsp honey
  • 8ml simple syrup
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Hot water
  • Cloves (optional)

The method is rather simple, which is perfect if you are feeling slightly under the weather! Just mix all the ingredients together, add the hot water and the cloves if you fancy.

5. Be At One’s Shoreditch Sangria

Okay, admittedly this isn’t a hot cocktail BUT if you want to keep summer alive while embracing winter, we highly recommend Be At One’s Shoreditch Sangria. It combines the taste of fruity summer sangria with winter spices and is absolutely divine. The wacky mix of red wine and gin may sound unusual, yet it works a treat and is guaranteed to get your head spinning (in a very good way).

Source: Just Opened London

Ingredients:

  • 4 shots of Plymouth Sloe gin
  • 1 bottle of Malbec wine
  • 1 Pomegranate
  • Spiced Pear
  • Sliced Orange
  • 1 cup of Blackberries
  • 3 cups of Angostura bitters

Method:

This recipe makes 6-8 cups of sangria.

  1. Pour the wine into a large pitcher, squeezing the juice form the orange into the wine.
  2. Add in all fruit (minus the blackberries) and the gin. Leave to chill overnight.
  3. To serve, add in the Angostura bitters and the berries.
  4. Enjoy!

Source: Be At One

Hands up if you want some hot cocktails!

Source: Giphy

If  we’ve inspired you with these hot cocktails and you’re planning an autumn or winter event, why not contact us today to find out more!

Author: Bronwyn Wheatley