Winter is in full swing, and one thing's for sure: We're COLD. Like us, you are probably blanketed, slippered and snuggling by a roaring fire. And if you're not, you're probably dreaming about it right now.
But how exactly does one turn up on Thirsty Thursday when they are freezing cold and not really in the mood for an iced beverage that will, in all likelihood, freeze your mouth off? Until you're a little warmer, ditch the cold cocktails and join us in the beautiful world of warm, soothing boozy drinks that will warm you up on even the chilliest night. Plus, you can make a lot of these in a big batch, so they will be perfect for your New Year's party.
1. Apple Spiced Bourbon Toddies
Fresh apple cider? YES. Ok, if you don't have that kind of time, just buy apple cider from the store and jazz it up. It will still taste incredible with spices, citrus, BUTTER and bourbon -- or applejack brandy, if you want to be unique.
2. Hot Honey Lemon with Vodka
Under the weather? This drink will fix you right up in no time.
3. Hot Spiced Wine
Even red wine can be festive when you jazz it up with a little citrus and spices.
4. Spiced Pumpkin Cider
Add some bourbon or spiced rum to adultify this creamy, indulgent drink. Craving something even sweeter? Grab some flavored vodka, like vanilla or whipped cream, and dump it in.
5. Thin Mint Irish Coffee
If you've never thought to combine the chocolate minty heaven that is a Thin Mint cookie with the boozy pick-me-up-ness of Irish coffee, you must give it a try! It's such an indulgent treat!
6. Cinnamon Plum Cider
Prunes? Yes, prunes. They'll bring the most delicious sweet earthiness (and a cool color) to your standard apple cider that you'll never go back to the boring stuff.
7. Hot Gin Punch
This is what people used to drink in the 1700s, when gin used to be gross and flavored with turpentine. If this mixture could make actual poison palatable, then we're pretty sure you'll be a huge fan of this drink, whether you are a gin fan or not.
8. Dirty Chai Toddy
Want something that will give you a nice caffeine boost to get you moving? We have just the thing. Sure, you might already know how well chai and espresso go together (if you've never had a dirty chai, now is your chance to be blown away!), but have you ever dumped bourbon into the mix? Try it and thank us later.
9. Gimme S'more
One does not simply dump brandy into one's hot chocolate. Instead, one dumps brandy, marshmallows and graham cracker liqueur into one's hot chocolate and gets a nice buzz going off of the mother of all s'more recipes.