Winter is not over yet, and we have witnessed the intense cold front that is moving into parts of the world where it isn’t even supposed to get cold at all. Before you get all up in arms about the ‘end of the world’ or climate change issues, there is a way to tackle this situation in a much more mellow and satisfying manner – with alcohol.
Why not live like our ancestors and enjoy a hot alcoholic beverage or two to warm up your belly and relax your soul? Here are our favorites (and where to get them):
Warm Old-Fashioned
A lot of warm cocktails call for Bourbon, but few are as perfect as the classic Warm Old-Fashioned. Made with your favorite Bourbon (Maker’s Mark is always a good choice if you’re a neophyte), this adds a sugar cube, dash of bitters, some club soda, an orange slice, and hot water in order to create a refreshing yet warming drink. Where should you get one? If you’re in New York City, seek out the exceptional mixologists at the nearly impossible to get into Angel’s Share in the East Village. Angel’s Share, 6 Stuyvesant St., 2nd fl, New York, NY 10003 Tel: 212-777-5415
Hot Toddy
If Bourbon is not your thing – and tea is – then there may be nothing better than a Hot Toddy. Traditionally made by mixing Brandy (but one can also use Rum or even Whiskey) with your favorite tea (though English Breakfast or Earl Grey are recommended), and finished with honey and lemon, this is a subtle drink that will quickly make you feel warm and fuzzy. We recommend Montgomery Place if you’re stuck in the cold in London. Montgomery Place 31 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2EU Tel: +44 20 7792 3921
Irish Coffee
Need a boost of caffeine in your cocktail? Before you ask for a gross Red Bull infused drink, however, why not ask for a the time-tested original Irish Coffee? Combining a dark blend of delicious black coffee with a shot of strong Irish Whiskey (or any Whiskey or Whisky of your choice), a pinch of sugar and a generous topping of Whipped Cream, this may be the ultimate fantasy drink for Starbucks fanatics. Finding yourself in Prague during the cold wave? Then stop by Bar and Books. Bar And Books Týnská 1053/19 Praha 1-Staré M?sto Tel: 224 815 066
Glogg
The Swedes understand cold weather, and so you should trust them to have some warm drink recipes that will do the job. Their traditional Glogg – made of Muscatel wine, Port wine, AND Brandy – is definitely not short of booze. Spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, raisins, and almonds, this is a complex drink that delivers a more mellow experience than the typical one-two punch of a single shot cocktail. If you’re flying into Stockholm, check out 1900 Bar for an authentic experience. 1900 Regeringsgatan 66, Stockholm Tel: 0046 8 20 60 10
Tom and Jerry
We’ve profiled hot coffee, warm mulled wine and tea. But what about warm milk? The Tom and Jerry is currently at the top of our list for milk based cocktails, and mixes Jamaican Rum, vanilla extract, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, sugar, and a dash of nutmeg to finish. But what really separates this drink from the pack is the addition of two beaten egg whites and yolks (beaten separately) to add thickness and a frothy texture. Yum yum. If you love winter in Paris, head over to Le Forvm for a few of these. Le Forvm 4 Boulevard Malesherbes 75008 Paris, France Tel: 01 42 65 37 86
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