In the Spoon series Spoon Feed, we give tips and tricks on entertaining & hosting and seasonal & trending topics all through the lens of food.
It’s always tough to say goodbye to summer (especially when it’s the Summer of Spritzes), but nothing eases the dread of back-to-school season quite like pumpkin-flavored everything, hayrides, Halloween decorations, spooky movies, and hot cocktails.
We’ve compiled a list of 11 hot cocktails and recipes to make them at home so that you can keep warm as the nights get colder. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of wine, tequila, bourbon, rum, or cider, we have a cocktail for everyone.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered Rum is a holiday cocktail classic typically made with rum, butter, hot water or cider, a sweetener, and various spices (usually cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). The adult version of what I’d imagine Harry Potter’s butterbeer to taste like, Hot Buttered Rum is a… well, hot, creamy cocktail perfect for warming up by the fireside.
Spiked Hot Cocoa
Some of my fondest memories from cold days in childhood ended with a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with more marshmallows than I could count.
Adults can level up their cup by combining rum, cream liqueur, and crème de cacao mixed with cocoa powder for the best spiked hot cocoa. And don’t forget the marshmallows, of course.
Hot Toddy
A Hot Toddy has the warm, relaxing feeling of hot tea, but with a kick. To make one, combine black tea, bourbon, spices, and lemon for a bev that’s sure to soothe your throat and wake you up.
Tequila Toddy
If you prefer tequila to bourbon, don’t fret: Patrón has a hot version of the cocktail that features their Añejo Tequila with honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Mulled Wine
I’ve never laughed harder at reality television than when Bachelor Zach Shallcross found out that mulled wine isn’t mold. There’s absolutely no mold in this warm, spicy wine, which is typically made by simmering red wine with warm spices, including cinnamon, and orange. We have a great recipe for mulled wine, aka vin chaud, btw.
Irish Coffee
To put it simply, Irish coffee is spiked coffee with cream. It’s easy to make; all you need is black coffee, sugar, Irish whiskey, and whipped cream. For an extra kick, you can swap the regular cream or half & half with Bailey’s. Find a traditional recipe here.
Spiked Hot Apple Cider
It’s time for hayrides, pumpkin patches, and apple cider…so why not spike it? This Spoon University article features five different boozy variations on your favorite fall beverage, including a maple cider for something sweet and a Jäger version for something spicy.
#SpoonTip: If you’re a fan of wine, try our boozy Apple Cider Sangria.
Dirty Chai
Now, this is my kind of Dirty Chai. Sub your espresso shot with coffee liqueur for an even more adult take on the classic Indian tea.
#SpoonTip: add milk to make it a dirty chai tea latte.
Hot Mudslide
Another cold cocktail that might be just as good, if not better, hot. This two-step mudslide recipe from Delish gets a warm touch thanks to homemade hot chocolate, plus some extra heat thanks to Bailey’s, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
Eggnog
As a food writer, it’s embarrassing to admit that I was today years old when I learned that eggnog is technically supposed to be served warm. (If cold eggnog is wrong, I don’t want to be right.)
I typically have this holiday bev straight out of the grocery aisle, but it can be whipped up at home with heavy cream, dark rum, whiskey, and of course, eggs.
Cafe Foster
Picture Bananas Foster and coffee, but make it spiked. In cocktail:uk’s recipe, combine banana liqueur, dark rum, and coffee for a sweet, warm, and rich cocktail reminiscent of the iconic dessert.