Warm up this winter with hot cocktails from around the world.

Hot cocktails have long been a special treat in winter, with a wide variety of styles and preparation methods. Each way of enjoying a hot cocktail reflects the unique cultural nuances of different countries and regions around the world. Above all, these cocktails not only provide warmth, but also offer a distinct and enjoyable experience amidst sub-zero temperatures.

Hot butter rum cocktail

American sailors brought rum from the Caribbean islands to the Americas and gave it a special life. With the addition of butter, sugar, and heating, rum was no longer just an ordinary aromatic liquor but became a source of warm energy. In some variations, cloves, pepper, marshmallows, nutmeg, or even crushed apple cider are added to this cocktail.

Sbiten

Sbiten has been a popular drink among all social classes in Russia since the 12th century. "Sbiten" in Russian means "beaten," and this is precisely how the cocktail is made.

Made primarily from honey and other flavorings, sbiten boasts a strong, distinctive aroma. However, nowadays, bartenders add alcohol to this drink instead of using honey yeast as in the old versions. The added alcohol can be red wine, vodka, or any other Russian spirit. The alcohol is mixed with honey, then boiled with ginger, star anise, cardamom, and garnished with mint or cinnamon leaves.

In Russia, sbiten is typically served in a large teapot called a samovar and can be enjoyed with ice in the summer.

Canelazo

Hot canelazo is a popular drink in cold mountainous regions and South American countries such as Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. Canelazo can be understood as a mixture of sugarcane liquor, anise, cane sugar, boiled cinnamon water, and sometimes fruit juice.

Traditionally, Canelazo was drunk on holidays like Christmas. However, this cocktail is now widely sold from mobile carts on the streets and has gradually become a signature drink of Ecuador.

mulled wine

No one knows for sure where mulled wine actually originated, but it has become incredibly popular in Europe (and around the world) during the winter months. This drink is a blend of red wine, citrus juice, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of rum.

Mulled wine has many different names in various countries, such as Vin Chaud in France, glühwein in Germany, sıcak şarap in Türkiye, glogg in Norway, etc. Basically, all variations have similar recipes and some added flavorings like black pepper and honey.

Toddy is hot.

Although there are many different theories, the Scots have always believed that this popular drink is named after a spring in Edinburgh called Tod's Well. Made from a mixture of tea, water, honey, flavorings, and whisky, hot toddy has long been considered a remedy for the common cold or flu. The pleasant aroma of tea combined with the warm, comforting taste of whisky creates a soothing drink that calms the senses during the cold winter months.

Hot sake

It's difficult not to mention Japanese sake on a list of drinks perfect for winter. Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine, and the ancient method, dating back to the 3rd century, has given it a rustic and pure flavor.

The Japanese believe that when sake is served hot, its flavor is milder and much healthier. The ideal temperature for serving sake is slightly warmer than body temperature, and it should release a pleasant aroma.

My Tong