Photo courtesy of Bread & Wine
Winter is the perfect time for a cozy cocktail by the fire, and National Hot Toddy Day is the ultimate holiday for such a drink. On January 11, celebrate the coziest of holidays by tipping one (slowly) back at a Chicago favorite, or make a warm, sweet draft in the comfort of your own home …
If you’re looking for a Hot Toddy on a budget, The Windsor {160 East Huron, Chicago; 312.943.777} is offering their selection of hot cocktails, including the Peppermint Coffee Toddy, Spiced Rum Toddy, Bourbon Cider Toddy, and Brandy Cider Toddy for just $8 (instead of their usual $12). For those who want to stay home and make a Hot Toddy in their own kitchen, The Windsor has also shared the recipe for their Bourbon Cider Toddy…
Bourbon Cider Toddy:
In a mug, pour 1-1/2 ounces of bourbon (they recommend Four Roses) and 4 ounces of hot apple cider. Add 1-1/2 ounces of honey and stir until dissipated. Stir in 1/2 ounce of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a little extra warmth, garnish with a lemon wheel, and you’ve got yourself a Toddy!
For those who want a hot drink, but aren’t fans of the traditional toddy, Bread & Wine {3734 West Irving Park Road, Chicago; 773.866.5266} has you covered! The restaurant is celebrating its fifth anniversary this week, complete with celebratory dishes and deals, all of which would pair perfectly with their Red Wine Hot Chocolate as an after-dinner drink.
Their team “wanted to make something that combined two things people love separately, but wouldn’t normally combine together. Something that would warm people up during the deep freeze of the Chicago winter, while still satisfying the need for a glass, or two(!) of wine after a long day.”
To make their Red Wine Hot Chocolate at home, we have just what you’ll need …
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
In a saucepan over low heat, combine 2/3 cup Pinot Noir and 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and whisk until they’re completely combined. Whisk in 1/3 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup half and half or coconut creamer until combined. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of sea salt. There is an option to add sugar as well depending on how sweet you’d like your drink! Pour the drink into mugs and top with either mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cinnamon or whipped cream and orange zest.
Mott Street {1401 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago; 773.687.9977} has a number of unique iterations on the traditional Hot Toddy, so there is plenty of room for exploration throughout the winter! From their “Bond in Tokyo” featuring sake to the “Mr. Fawn’s Winter Considerations” with Boomsma, Fernet Branca, chocolate, and marshmallows, you’re sure to celebrate in style.
The family restaurant also shared another cocktail recipe with us so you can stay cozy all winter long!
Mott Street Dragon Balls
In a mug, combine 2 ounces of Old Fitz Bonded Wheated Bourbon, 1/2 ounce Rosemarried Campari, and 1/2 ounce 3 Amaros. Stir, add ice, and garnish with a smoking rosemary or clove.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
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