When you think of hot or warming cocktails, hot vodka drinks may not jump to mind right away -- you might quickly think of an Irish coffee, hot toddy, or hot buttered rum. But if you want to warm up with a cocktail that isn't overpowered by a spirit's flavor, or if you're in need of something different, consider a hot vodka drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces coffee liqueur
- 2 ounces whole milk
- 2 ounces vodka
- Freshly brewed coffee, to top off
- Whipped cream for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Warm a mug by filling with hot water.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add coffee liqueur, whole milk, and vodka.
- Heat until warm, careful not to boil.
- After mug is warm to touch, pour out the water.
- Carefully ladle warm vodka mix into mug.
- Top off with freshly brewed coffee.
- Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a sweet, warming beverage on its own, but vodka gives it an extra kick of warmth. Consider using peppermint schnapps in place of vanilla or marshmallow infused vodka if you want a change!
Ingredients
- Hot chocolate mix
- 2 ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce vanilla schnapps
- Marshmallows and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare hot chocolate mix.
- Warm a mug by filling with hot water.
- After mug is warm to touch, pour out the water.
- In mug, add vodka, vanilla schnapps, and hot chocolate.
- Stir to mix.
- Garnish with marshmallows and cinnamon stick.
Crisp Toddy
A riff on the usual bourbon hot toddy, this recipe might change your mind about always using the classic recipe. If you prefer your toddy without tea, omit the first step and use plain hot water instead.
Ingredients
- Black tea
- 2 ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce orange liqueur
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce honey
- Lemon slice, cloves, and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare black tea.
- Warm a mug by filling with hot water.
- After mug is warm to touch, pour out the water.
- In mug, add vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and honey.
- Top off with black tea.
- Stir well, but carefully, to mix and dissolve honey.
- To prepare garnish, pierce lemon wheel or wedge with cloves.
- Garnish with pierced lemon wheel or wedge with cloves and cinnamon stick.
S'more Warmth
S'mores might be a summer snack, but that doesn't mean you don't miss it in the winter. This warm version hits the spot just right!
Ingredients
- Hot chocolate
- 2 ounces marshmallow or whipped cream vodka
- ¾ ounce Irish cream
- ¼ ounce cinnamon syrup
- Toasted marshmallows for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare hot chocolate.
- Warm a mug by filling with hot water.
- After mug is warm to touch, pour out the water.
- In mug, add vodka, Irish cream, and cinnamon syrup.
- Top off with hot chocolate.
- Carefully stir to mix.
- Garnish with toasted marshmallows.
Vodka Spiked Nutty Coffee
Enjoy this twist on the Irish coffee with a flavored vodka or add your favorite flavor of schnapps.
Ingredients
- 1¼ ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce hazelnut liqueur
- ½ ounce Irish cream
- Freshly brewed coffee to top off
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Warm a mug by filling with hot water.
- After mug is warm to touch, pour out the water.
- In mug, add vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and Irish cream.
- Top off with freshly brewed coffee.
- Garnish with whipped cream.
Fiery Hot Chocolate
This drink isn't for the faint of heart, but it will warm you in every way possible.
Ingredients
- Hot chocolate
- 1½ ounces whipped cream vodka
- ½ ounce Ancho Reyes, to taste
- Whipped cream and chocolate flakes to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare hot chocolate.
- Warm a mug by filling with hot water.
- After mug is warm to touch, pour out the water.
- In mug, add vodka and Ancho Reyes.
- Top off with hot chocolate mix.
- Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate flakes over top.
Warming Up with Vodka
Hot vodka drinks may not be your go-to, but vodka's blank palette means you can try new or different combinations that may be limited by the flavors of rum or bourbon. All the more reason to try a warm vodka drink.
