When the clouds start pouring down, it’s time to throw on your coziest sweater, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, pull out your favorite book, and sip away at the delicious goodness of a warm cocktail. We get that a cup of decadent hot cocoa or hot tea is a staple in this season, but it’s time to switch things up for some fun. We’re talking about the most delicious, heart-warming cocktails that feel like literal hugs. So, clean your favorite mug and prepare to relish on the most perfect rainy-day remedy.
6 Hot Cocktails To Try When It’s Raining Cats And Dogs
- Classic Hot Buttered Rum
- Hot Chocolate Lumumba
- Mulled Wine
- Hot Apple Toddy
- Baileys Hot Chocolate
- The Irish Coffee
Classic Hot Buttered Rum
Who said that a classic buttered rum can be enjoyed only during Christmas? This classic hot cocktail is easy to make and warm enough to uplift your spirits. Hot cocktails might seem difficult to prepare, as they involve a lot of careful preparation, but hot buttered rum stands out as an exception. Enough said! Grab your coffee mugs and start making it immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces of spiced rum
- ¾ ounce of honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 ounces of hot water
- Grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick to garnish
Instructions
- Grab your favorite coffee mug from the shelf.
- Add the spiced rum to it.
- Add butter over the rum.
- Now, pour honey as per taste, into the mug.
- Top it off with hot water to melt the butter completely. Stir it gently to mix the ingredients.
- Garnish the drink with some grated nutmeg and cinnamon stick.
Also Read: The Science Behind Hangovers
Hot Chocolate Lumumba
Let’s normalize having some boozy hot chocolate on days when getting up from the bed feels like a heavy task. With just three ingredients, this hot drink is easy to make and fun to drink. The Lumumba is the perfect drink to begin your tryst with hot cocktails. Variations of it replace the rum with brandy, or hot cocoa with cold, so you can play around as per your liking. The result would always be incredible!
Ingredients
- 6-8 ounces of milk
- 1 ½ ounces of rum
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream to garnish
- Milk froth to garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, pour milk and simmer it until bubbles appear. Then turn off the flame.
- Add a generous dose of chocolate chips and let it melt completely. Stir occasionally to incorporate the chocolate into the milk.
- Pour the cocoa powder into the milk, and whisk until well-combined. Make sure that you dissolve the lumps, if any.
- Now, grab a glass and pour the rum into it.
- Transfer the chocolate/milk mixture into the glass. Mix it well with the rum.
- Garnish with some milk froth.
- Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream. A cozy, hot, and delicious glass of Lumumba is ready to be served.
Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is a classic recipe that one can’t really go wrong with. It’s not only meant for holiday parties, but also on days when the clouds get dark and things get lazy. The universal appeal of mulled wine has resulted into a hundred different variations and recipes in several cultures. If you’re a wine connoisseur and looking for a hot drink this rainy season, we’re sure you’ll love this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of dry red wine
- ¼ cup of brandy (orange liqueur could also be used)
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar or honey
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
Instructions
- Add wine, brandy, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and sugar/honey into a large saucepan. Stir briefly to combine.
- Simmer the mixture on medium heat first, don’t boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, filter out the drink.
- Serve it hot with some cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
Also Read: 5 Hot Toddy Cocktails To Try On National Hot Toddy Day
Hot Apple Toddy
Meet the Hot Apple Toddy, the ultimate snuggle-in-a-mug that’s here to rescue you from the rainy-day blues. This sultry mix of spiced apple cider, smooth bourbon, and a hint of honey is like a warm hug from your favorite person – if they were also really good at making cocktails. Garnished with a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh apple, this drink isn’t just delicious; it’s practically a reason to look forward to stormy weather.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces of apple cider
- 2 ounces of apple brandy or whiskey
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Cinnamon stick, 2 -3 cloves, and lemon wedges (to garnish)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, warm the apple cider over medium heat until it’s steaming.
- Heat your Irish mug to keep your drink warm for longer, then set it aside.
- Pour honey into the warmed mug, followed by a generous splash of apple brandy or whiskey.
- Add the hot apple cider to the mug and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a lemon wedge on top.
- Enjoy your delicious hot apple toddy, the perfect cozy companion for a rainy day!
Baileys Hot Chocolate
As if one hot chocolate recipe wasn’t enough, we have another one ready, this time with the addition of Baileys. The recipe is quick to make, and great to serve as a welcome drink when you have friends over at your home. Just add some Baileys Irish cream to a pot of hot chocolate, and relish in some chocolate-y goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of prepared hot chocolate
- 2 ounces of Baileys Original Irish Cream
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate syrup (to garnish)
Instructions
- Pour hot chocolate in a mug.
- Add Irish cream into the mug.
- Top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with some chocolate syrup.
Also Read: Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail Recipes And Variations
The Irish Coffee
The Irish coffee is a legendary drink, and its classic recipe is refreshingly simple. With just four basic ingredients, you can create this delightful cocktail: smooth Irish whiskey paired with robust black coffee, sweetened just right and crowned with a luscious layer of cream. The result? A delicious blend that’s pure bliss in every sip.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of packed brown sugar, to taste
- 4 ounces of strong, hot coffee
- 1 ½ ounces of Irish whiskey
- 1 ounce of heavy cream, lightly whipped
Instructions
- Place the brown sugar in a warm Irish coffee glass, or any other heatproof glass.
- Add the coffee and Irish whiskey into the glass.
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Float the whipped cream over the drink, by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Do not stir further.
- Enjoy this decadent Irish coffee through the cream.
Summing Up
When the sky’s throwing a tantrum, there’s no better way to combat the gloom than with a hot cocktail in hand. From the classic charm of a Hot Apple Toddy to the rich decadence of an Irish Coffee, these steamy drinks turn any stormy day into a cozy, boozy retreat. So, whether you’re curled up by the fire or watching the raindrops dance on your window, these hot cocktails are your ticket to turning a dreary day into a delicious adventure. Cheers to finding warmth and a little bit of mischief in every drop!
FAQs
What Alcohol Makes The Best Hot Toddy?
Bourbon whiskey doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the Hot Toddy which is why it’s a go-to choice to make Hot Toddy.
What Alcohol Goes In Hot Buttered Rum?
Spiced rum or dark rum is a key ingredient for Hot Buttered Rum. Other ingredients along with this alcohol are honey, butter, and hot water.
What Is The Difference Between Hot Buttered Rum And A Hot Toddy?
Hot Buttered Rum is made with spiced or dark rum, honey, butter, and hot water. Hot Toddy, on the other hand, is made with whiskey instead of rum and other ingredients like lemon, honey, and cloves. So, both these drinks are different when it comes to their taste and the kind of ingredients used. However, both can be enjoyed especially during winter.
Why Is It Called Lumumba?
It’s named after Congolese politician Patrice Lumumba. However, there’s ambiguity over whether the name represents a genuine commemoration of the politician or if it derives from a veiled form of racism.
What Liquor Is Best In Hot Chocolate?
There are a few liquors that pair comparatively well with chocolate. These include rum, whisky, chili-infused tequila, Baileys Irish cream, and brandy.
Which Alcohol Should I Start Drinking With?
It is recommended that you should start having alcohol that has a low ABV or Alcohol-By-Volume. It denotes the level of ethanol (alcohol) in the drink. Baileys Irish Cream, beer, and wine are some spirits that have low ABV.
Do Hot Cocktails Exist?
Yes, hot cocktails do exist. Just like cocktails are consumed chilled or at room temperature, there are cocktails that are consumed hot.
