Piping Hot Cocktails

Forget fancy gifts or long, heavy meals; all we want for the holidays is a piping hot cocktail. One so steamy that it would melt a snowman — or at least stop a teeth-chattering chill.

Fortunately, there are plenty of such libations. A favorite of ours is Liquor.com contributor Wayne Curtis' fortifying Hot Buttered Rum. The secret to the drink is a decadent frozen batter, which can be made ahead of time and pulled out whenever you need a glass.

Another great way to warm up is to spike your coffee. While we're fans of master mixologist and Liquor.com advisory board member Dale DeGroff's simple and classic version of Irish coffee, and we also like to make a Grand Coffee (pictured above) with a bit of citrusy Grand Marnier and a dollop of whipped cream.

But if you really have to defrost, we suggest fixing a boiling Hot Toddy. Whether you choose award-winning author and Liquor.com advisory board member David Wondrich's historic variation, the Whisky Skin, or his fruity spin, the Apple Toddy (it actually calls for half of a baked MacIntosh apple), you'll be feeling toasty very soon. Cheers!

This story was originally published at Piping Hot Cocktails. For more stories like this, subscribe to Liquor.com for the best in all things cocktails and spirits.