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As the Temperatures Dip, Here Are 9 Cocktails to Keep You Cozy

December 6, 2024

From velvety sips to spiced perfection, these warm drinks are as indulgent as they are inviting. Try one (or all!) of these recipes to keep you cozy throughput the season.


A close up of a glass of liquid with a straw on a table.
A bottle of jolly prate is next to a glass of mulled wine on a wooden table.
Two cups of drinking chocolate next to a can of drinking chocolate
A close up of a glass of whiskey with a lemon peel and cherries on a toothpick.

1. Classic Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz bourbon or whiskey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ fresh lemon (juiced)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Lemon wheel and cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions:
Combine bourbon, honey, and lemon juice in a mug. Add hot water, stir, and garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.

2. Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz peppermint schnapps
  • 1 cup rich hot chocolate
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish

Directions:
Prepare hot chocolate, stir in peppermint schnapps, and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

3. Mulled Red Wine

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet recommended)
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 3 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise

Directions:
In a saucepan, combine wine, brandy, honey, and spices. Add orange slices and heat on low (do not boil). Simmer for 20 minutes and serve warm.

4. Rum-Spiked Apple Cider

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz dark rum
  • 1 cup fresh apple cider
  • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
  • Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish

Directions:
Heat apple cider and brown sugar in a saucepan until warm. Pour into a mug, stir in rum, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

5. Chai Bourbon Latte

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz bourbon
  • 1 cup chai latte (prepared with milk or water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Frothed milk for topping
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions:
Prepare chai latte, add bourbon and vanilla, and top with frothed milk. Sprinkle with cinnamon to finish.

6. Irish Coffee

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • 1 ½ oz Irish whiskey
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Whipped cream for topping

Directions:
Mix hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar in a mug. Top with whipped cream.

7. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz coffee liqueur
  • 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer
  • Ice
  • Sprinkle of nutmeg

Directions:
Fill a glass with ice, add vodka and coffee liqueur, and stir. Pour in pumpkin spice creamer and sprinkle with nutmeg.

8. Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz dark rum
  • 1 tbsp spiced butter (butter blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar)
  • 1 cup hot water or cider

Directions:
Place spiced butter in a mug, pour in hot water or cider, and stir until melted. Add rum and stir to combine.

9. Gingerbread Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz whiskey or rum
  • 1 tbsp gingerbread syrup
  • ½ fresh lemon (juiced)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Cinnamon stick and lemon wheel for garnish

Directions:
Mix whiskey, gingerbread syrup, and lemon juice in a mug. Add hot water and stir. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.



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Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.
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Natalie Wood

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Rada, a chic new restaurant in Myers Park, introduces Charlotte to an elevated dining experience with tapas, biodynamic wines, and shareable plates. Helmed by Chef Callan Buckles, formerly of acclaimed NYC spots like Claud, Momofuku, and The Four Horsemen, the menu is a bold fusion of global influences. Owner Eloy Roy envisioned this contemporary American eatery in the former Little Spoon space, creating a cozy yet upscale 50-seat spot with mint green walls and a minimalist aesthet-ic. From a $3 Gilda skewer to a $110 sirloin, Rada’s offerings reflect Buckles’ culinary pedigree and adventurous flair. With dishes like eggplant escabeche and seabass paired with txakolina wine, Rada aims to carve out a niche in Charlotte’s emerging shared-plates scene.Rada blends fine dining with approachability, focusing on flavors that challenge Charlotte’s palate while embracing its neighborhood vibe. Highlights include crispy roast chicken with vegetable farcis and Asian-inspired touches like fish sauce and shio koji. The bar program is equally compelling, featuring a gin martini made with anchovy oil and Basque pepper brine. Roy believes Rada will resonate deeply with diners, offering something fresh yet familiar. This new spot, opened on Selwyn Avenue, invites locals to indulge in innovative cuisine and discover what they’ve been craving all along.
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