5 Winter Cocktails To Warm You Up During These Chilly Times [Photos]

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Traditionally, aged spirits such as whiskey and rum are the best choices for cocktails styled for the winter. The richness of darker spirits and the spice profiles give complexity and heat to these concoctions. This isn’t at all an exact science, and we believe you should drink whatever you want when you want. Rules-based drinking just sounds kind of weird, right? Right.

But there is something about the body and mouthfeel of some of the spirits that make up the cocktails we’re taking part of for this entry. They are also considered classics in the cocktail world, and we’re delighted to take this journey with Wisdom, one of Washington, D.C.’s finest bars. Although Wisdom fashions itself as a gin bar, the excellent staff has the experience to handle whatever we’re asking for.

For this journey, master mixologist Chris Pearson deftly weaved these winter warmers up for us and we thank him for his service.

Check out our detailed breakdown for five winter cocktails that will keep you warm before you bundle up and take on the chill on the following pages.

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Photo: D.L. Chandler/Hip-Hop Wired

1.  The Martinez

Source: D.L. Chandler / Hip-Hop Wired

Imagine if a Martini and a Manhattan decided to hook up, you’d eventually end up with a Martinez.  According to Mr. Pearson, the Martinez is considered a “lost cocktail,” which essentially means it once enjoyed prominence and fell out of favor. But it’s roaring back on many cocktail bar menus across the country. The recipe calls for gin, sweet vermouth, Cointreau, and Angostura bitters. Like many drinks served up, it’s meant to be sipped and savored. Don’t forget the twist.

2. The Manhattan

Source: D.L. Chandler / Hip-Hop Wired

The origins of this classic cocktail are all over the map. Some accounts say it was formed in the late 1800s just as the Martinez was, while others say it didn’t make its presence known until the 1920s. No matter when it was born, it remains a standard and crowd favorite among whiskey drinkers who want to approach the spirit from a different angle. Mr. Pearson made a variation for us that pushed back on the traditional rye whiskey recipe and instead combined rye and bourbon, bitters and sweet vermouth with a twist.

3. Sazerac

Source: D.L. Chandler / Hip-Hop Wired

The Sazerac originated in New Orleans in the late 1800s and is a variation of another drink made similarly but with cognac. The interesting thing about the Sazerac is that it looks like a light drink that won’t hit you and the lack of rocks in the glass also throws some people off. This potent blend of rye whiskey, an absinthe rinse, muddled sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters, and a twist is a cocktail to savor and have long talks over.

4. Old Fashioned

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The Old Fashioned is a drink that’s built within the glass and stirred while being served over the rocks. Its roots are said to have begun in Louisville, Ky., but claims to its fame have been made by other regions. It’s a simple drink to make but there is still an art to making the perfect balance of booze, bitters and, sweetness. It’s also a good way to break folks into enjoying whiskey.  The recipe calls for either bourbon or rye whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and that crucial element of a twist over the rocks.

5. Hot Toddy

Source: D.L. Chandler / Hip-Hop Wired

Instead of mulled wine, hot cider, and other warmed drinks, we went with the classic go-to of the Hot Toddy. We’re sure you’ve heard of folks suggesting a Hot Toddy when sick, and everyone has their own recipe, including some that feature honey to soothe sore throats and rough coughs. Wisdom’s version of this drink features rye whiskey, demerara simple syrup, lemon juice, and Peychaud’s bitters.