Unless you happen live in a climate that remains nice and warm year round, you’re likely going to be exposed to the colder elements during the late fall and winter seasons.

As I write this, I’m situated in Toronto, Canada. The temperature is dropping and the leaves are falling – fast. Here, we annually witness a chunk of our population (commonly known as snowbirds) happily fly away to warmer weather locales within North America and beyond, to effectively spend their days in shorts and sandals (sometimes with socks) whilst sipping cocktails, smoking cigars and basking in the sun.

This year however, is different.

At the time of writing, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. Numerous travel bans, restrictions and advisements have been put in place, which will result in many of those who fly south being forced to stay put for the duration of the colder months.

No refreshing beers on a golf course in Florida. No wine on a seaside terrace in Spain. No cigars by the beach in Cuba – just wind, ice and snow.

Winter conditions can make enjoying cigar in comfort a challenge

Thankfully, The Gentleman’s Flavor has curated a superb list (if we do say so ourselves) of 5 Warming Cocktails To Beat Cold Weather to assist you in situations that may include things like watching football while smoking cigars in a cold garage or sitting around a bonfire , and so on. We’ve also enlisted the help of cocktail whiz Will Anderson to curate a few warming libations that are sure to put a big warm smile on anyone’s face.

Will Anderson: a conjurer of devine & intriguing cocktails

Before getting started, we first recommend finding yourself a few double-walled vacuum-insulated mugs or tumblers, which will miraculously keep your hot beverage hot for hours on end. Though we’ve included images that depict the use of glassware, it’s for styling purposes only. Trust us, these heat-insulated drinking vessels make all the difference in keeping your hot libation – hot.

Double-walled vacuum-insulated tumblers are excellent for keeping a drink hot for hours

With that being said, it’s time to reach into the closest liquor cabinet and procure a toasty libation or two from our list of:

5 Warming Cocktails To Beat Cold Weather

Spiked Apple Cider

To create this you’ll need:

  • 100% Natural Apple Cider (3/4 cup)
  • All spice seasoning (1 teaspoon)
  • Lemon Heart Blackpool Spiced Rum (2 oz)
  • A cinnamon stick 

To prepare: In a pot, bring the apple cider and all spice to a boil, the reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Pour contents into an insulated tumbler, add spiced rum and stir. Add cinnamon stick to garnish. 

Southern Hot Toddy

To create this you’ll need:

  • Fresh lemon juice (2 teaspoons)
  • Honey (1 tablespoon)
  • Four Roses Bourbon (2 oz)
  • Hot water (1/4 cup)
  • Lemon Slice (to garnish)

To Prepare: Pour bourbon, honey and fresh lemon juice in your insulated tumbler. Add hot water and then stir until honey is fully dissolved. Add lemon slice to garnish. 

When the world gives you lemons – you make yourself a hot toddy.”

Will’s Sugar Shack Hot Toddy

To make this you’ll need:

To prepare: Combine maple syrup and Ancient Grains Whisky in a mug. Add in boiling water and stir thoroughly. 

Hot Mulled Port

To make this you’ll need:

  • Brandy (2 oz)
  • Cinnamon stick (2 sticks)
  • Clove (6)
  • Honey (1 tablespoon)
  • Fonseca Tawny Port (3/4 cup) 
  • An orange (sliced into rounds)
  • Star Anise (optional)

To prepare: In a pot, combine all ingredients and simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low for 10 minutes. Add additional cinnamon stick and orange round to garnish.  

Will’s Winter Espresso Martini

To make this you’ll need:

  • Creme de Caçao (1 oz)
  • Mr. Fox Vodka (1 oz)
  • Espresso Coffee (5 oz)
  • Whip cream (optional)
  • Chocolate Shavings (optional)

To prepare: Add vodka and Creme de Caçao to a mug. Pour over the hot espresso. Top with whip cream and sprinkle chocolate shaving (optional, but makes this drink downright awesome).

Stay Warm And Enjoy

Over the colder months, certain situations may require you to be outside the warmth of the home, especially if you enjoy a good cigar and choose to not smoke it indoors. With a global pandemic still causing uncertainty, the option to escape to a warmer climate, or even a public lounge are not readily available options at the moment.

So as the popular saying goes, “tough times don’t last; tough people do”. As times like the present require us to be more creative and resourceful than ever, there’s no better time to get creative and mix up a delightfully warming concoction, take a moment to relax and make the most of the situation, ‘cuz when the world gives you lemons – you make yourself a hot toddy. TGF

-Kurt Bradley