The colder weather has us bundling up and cozying under multiple blankets by the fire. What better way to coax ourselves out of bed each morning than a deliciously comforting morning cocktail? With a range of winter morning sips below from a creamy and energizing Irish Coffee, to a savory and filling Bloody Mary, a twist on the Spiked Spiced Cider and more. Whatever your beverage of choice is, it’s sure to be the perfect start to any ski day, holiday vacation, or just an average morning (we won’t tell anyone if you don’t)!
Glendalough Irish Coffee
- 2 oz. of Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey
- 2 Teaspoons of Demerara Sugar
- 4 oz. of Freshly Brewed Coffee
- Topped (slowly) with Heavy Cream
- Garnish: Coffee Beans
Method: Pour freshly brewed coffee into an Irish coffee cup. Add the Demerara sugar and whiskey. Stir all ingredients and top with heavy cream. Garnish with coffee beans.
Ho-Ho-Hot Chocolate
- 2 oz. Crystal Head Onyx
- 6 oz. Hot Chocolate
- Bar Spoon Ancho Chili Powder (optional)
- Toasted Marshmallow
Method: Build Crystal Head Onyx and warm hot chocolate in a glass and stir. For extra flare, add ancho chili powder. Garnish with toasted marshmallow and grated cinnamon.
Tanteo Chipotle Irish Coffee
- 2 oz. Tanteo Chipotle Tequila
- 5 oz. Freshly Brewed Coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon Granulated White Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar
- Whipped cream for topping
Directions: Add fresh coffee to glass, stir in white and brown sugar until dissolved. Add Tanteo Chipotle Tequila and stir. Top with whipped cream.
Cutwater White Russian (SRP: $12.99 per 4-pack) 14% ABV
This elevated twist on a classic abides by the old-school recipe. Cutwater’s award-winning Vodka with coffee cream liqueur has big notes of vanilla and chocolate.
Available for purchase on Drizly
Seagram’s Classic Bloody Merry
- 2 oz. Seagram’s Extra Smooth Vodka
- 4 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 1⁄2 oz. Olive Juice
- 1⁄4 oz. Balsamic Vinegar
- 1-2 Dashes Tabasco
- 1⁄2 oz. Tomato Juice
- 1⁄2 oz. Lemon Juice
- 1⁄2 tsp. Horseradish
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Method: Rim a pint glass or mason jar with salt and fill the glass with ice. Combine all ingredients in the glass over the ice and stir with a cocktail spoon. Garnish with a celery stalk, skewered cocktail olives & onions, lime and lemon rounds.
Sweater Weather by Judy Elahi, Corporate Bar Director, 101 Hospitality, Micheles, Baker’s Daughter, & Gravitas, Washington, DC
- 2 oz Starward Two-Fold Australian Whisky
- 0.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 0.5 oz. Secret Spice syrup*
- 1.5 oz. Apple Cider
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 dashes. Pink Salt Saline Syrup**
- Apple slices dipped in grated nutmeg
Method: Combine all ingredients except Starward and garnish in a saucepan. Heat on very low until simmering. Remove from heat, add Starward and stir to combine. Pour into a heatproof mug, garnish and serve.
*Secret Spice Syrup
- 2 parts sugar
- 1 part water
- 1 pinch Espelette (or Sweet or Smoked Paprika)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch Szechuan & pink peppercorns
- 1 pinch Aleppo pepper
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat to combine. Let cool, strain spices and store for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
**Pink Salt Saline Syrup
- 2 parts Pink Himalayan Salt
- 1-part hot water
Combine both ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Cool and use in cocktails.