Warm Cocktails for the Big Chill – Drinks to help you survive Winter!
I feel for the folks in the Northeast who have suffered with this bone chilling weather; we had a few days of -15 weather in Colorado a couple of weeks ago and that’s a cold that goes beyond cold and reaches into the realm of painful. When even the dogs that always like to wander around the yard a bit hurry and do their business to get back inside before their little paws freeze. It’s a time when soup becomes one of the few things that can help us warm from the inside out and the idea of a cold cocktail results in an additional shiver.
So, I’ve got some solutions for this Friday Cocktail (or make without the booze for your Friday Mocktail!). Whether you think you’re freezing to death or are lucky enough to live in a place where winter is simply a bit chillier in the evening, these Warm Cocktails for the Big Chill are my favorites when the weather is frigid. From holding a warm mug in your hands to the hint of warmth from the adult beverage that’s included; I’m sure you’ll find one of these to your liking. Settle in tonight and enjoy one of these and I know the Polar Vortex will be put at bay!
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Tequila
This first cocktail really came about because of Starbucks. I will never forget the first time I tried their Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. I had ordered coffee and my daughter ordered the hot chocolate; I took one sip and I was hooked. I still enjoy one occasionally with a shot of espresso and so it was not that big a leap of faith to try it with tequila. Tequila in warm drinks is magical; it adds another element of warmth you really have to try to understand. It’s not just for margaritas anymore!
Hot Chocolate with Coconut Rum, Toasted Coconut and Homemade Chocolate Drizzle
I made this cocktail for a holiday get together. I used a Mounds Bar for inspiration. Enough said? I love taking a childhood treat and transitioning it into an adult beverage; what can I say. Guess Heath Bar something or another is in order soon isn’t it? In the meantime, indulge in this. Warm, boozy and childhood memories all wrapped up in one nice little package.
Mexican Hot Chocolate with Tequila and Cayenne Pepper
Another variation on a theme…this hot chocolate combines cinnamon, tequila and some cayenne pepper to ward off the chill. Vortex Schmortex.
Hot Buttered Rum
OK, true confession time. This is completely and totally decadent. I know it is not the standard bar version of Hot Buttered Rum; it’s infinitely better. So rich with the flavors of vanilla, butter and rum…you’ll forget your toes are freezing! The batter makes enough to keep in the fridge for emergencies and I think this Vortex thing qualifies, don’t you?
Mexican Coffee with Chocolate and Tequila
Honestly, if we could wouldn’t we all just skip on down to Cabo San Lucas about now? Not possible? Then try this cocktail from there. Coffee is combined with Kahlua, cinnamon and Tequila and it will warm you to the bone. If you’re braver than me, go for the flames but I’m a chicken and the cocktail alone is worthy. And safer. And so good.
Bundle up when you’re going out but make sure you buy the ingredients for one of these cocktails first. Seriously, you need one. I know I do!
Your website looks delicious but I cannot find any recipe. Why do you make it so difficult to get a particular recipe?
This a compilation post Elizabeth so the page doesn’t have a recipe but instead lists several posts that fit the headline offering warm cocktails. Each one of those shown is linked to an individual page so clicking on the text title for each cocktail or the accompanying photo will take you to that post where there is a printable recipe. Hope that helps!
Hi Barb! Oooh…. can’t decide which one I want to try first – the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Tequila I think – especially since the hubs received a very good bottle of Tequila for Christmas from a client! Now, all I need is a bit of chill weather (sorry, but 88 degrees doesn’t qualify) and I will be good to go!!!
Another beautiful post!I have serious drink envy. I seriously need to invest in a bottle of tequila! Gorgeous post
Yes you do…it is WAY more versatile than most folks know; not just for margaritas Claire! 🙂
Oh wow, all of these look incredible! We’re in the middle of a heatwave here in Western Australia but that wouldn’t stop me from drinking some of these heavenly, creamy warm concoctions. The salted caramel one and the coconut rum one in particular look divine… perfectly presented and delicious. Thanks for the inspiration, I will DEFINITELY be bookmarking these for progressive consumption as soon as the weather cools down! xxx
A progressive consumption sounds like a plan…too bad you are so far away!
These will keep people warm! Cheers!
Hope so…think we could all use a dose of warmth…tired of the Brrrrr!!!
We’re hearing all about the polar vortex way down here. I’ve never had tequila in a hot drink but I can’t wait for the cold to arrive to try it.
Putting Tequila in a Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate sounds like an awesome idea. I’m going to have to try it. Hmm. Maybe use the whipped cream vodka instead?
I really don’t remember it being this cold for so long and this Winter is the first I’ve heard of the term polar vortex. I’ve just about had enough of wearing four layers of clothing every time I take the dog for his walks! To come home to one of these each day for the next few days will certainly go a long way to taking a bite out of this Winter. They are all deliciously warm and inviting.
Everything you said? Me too. And they are. And you should have one. With me would be best of course. 🙂
Total and utter chocolate indulgence… but I figure that life is short, so why not!!! Love it.
Absolutely Lizzy; as with everything else in moderation. Meaning no more than one per night. 🙂
I want to start at the top and work my way down. I’ve had the salted hot choco (as we call it) and it is good, but I never thought of adding the espresso. I’m not much of a coffee drinker but that sounds mighty good. As for the drink drink-well, we do have a bit of tequila in this house. Since I’m out of St Germain, I might just have to put Manservant’s tequila to good use. Yes, sitting in front of the fire tonight is looking pretty good!
You know where to come to get one right? I might have some tequila; as in several bottles. 🙂
Oh my, these drinks are totally decadent! I will be trying one tonight! Probably the hot chocolate with tequila and cayenne 🙂
Thank you.
Great choice Alice…let me know what you think!
Boy, it’s been cold here in St. Louis! A few days ago the high was zero – very unusual for here. It’s going to be in the 40’s today, thank goodness – melt some of the snow. And any one of these drinks would definitely be welcome after shoveling all the white stuff. Nothing like a hot drink – with some booze! – to warm one up. Good stuff. 😉 Thanks.
Denver’s weather is so different from the mountain/ski resort weather that I think a lot of folks would be shocked at how mild some of our winter days can be. But not lately. We’ve had the same snow on the ground for a week; it typically warms to melt off within a day or so. I’m sure ready; it snowed the day after I moved in and it’s been packed so nicely by people driving on it. Right now all I can do is chip at the ice on my driveway!
They’re all fabulous, and I don’t know which one to choose!! I’m almost thinking one of each? I do have to say that the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Tequila sounds amazing… I may have to indulge tonight! <3
You do one of each you have to invite me over! Both of the chocolate drinks with tequila are so good. I remember my daughter’s trepidation at the notion and I also remember her almost guzzling it down. I think her words were, ‘Who Knew?’ Exactly! Let me know if you try one Prudy.