Cozy Cocktails for Your Snow Day

Cozy cocktails to keep you warm by the fire.

The Polar Vortex is sweeping across most of the Midwest, freezing just about everything in it’s path. Temps are dipping below zero, so for your safety we have to recommend that you keep yourself indoors with a couple cocktails. Even if you don’t have a snow day today, wake up and stay toasty with coffee or cocoa – and a little bourbon, of course!

Winter’s Handshake.

Winter’s Handshake, by Natalie White at Belle’s Cocktail House

1 1/2 oz Henry McKenna
3/4 oz Praline Liqueur
Fill with Hot Chocolate
Garnish with Toasted Marshmallow

This sweet little sip is your classic cocoa and marshmallows all dressed up. The 100 proof McKenna brings the heat while the praline liqueur balances with sweetness. And best yet, its topped off with a toasted marshmallow.

Blackberry Blanket.

Blackberry Blanket, by Colin Ciochetty at Belle’s Cocktail House

1 oz of Four Roses Yellow Label
1/2 oz Créme de Mûre
Top with Coffee
Garnish with Blackberry

I’ll admit it – I was super skeptical when Colin mentioned blackberry with coffee. But from the first sip, I was sold. The dark fruit plus the bite of the black coffee reminded me of a Manhattan, but sweeter and, of course, warmer. The berry garnish is a perfect reminder of summer in the middle of snow, but the toasty temperature of the coffee makes it a perfect winter warmer.

Caroline Paulus is the Senior Editor for The Bourbon Review. She lives and writes in Lexington, Kentucky. Follow her on Instagram @misswhiskeyhistorian to keep up with her latest in bourbon news - and a few old finds, too.