Classic Hot Cocktails

With Christmas around the corner and temperatures steadily dropping, hot cocktails are becoming a must in bars. Before ice became a staple in bars, hot drinks were often the stars of the menu, providing warmth and comfort.

Blue Blazer

A discussion of hot cocktails isn’t complete without mentioning the Blue Blazer, created by Jerry Thomas, regarded as the "Godfather" of American bartending. Thomas crafted this drink to warm patrons’ stomachs, establishing the rule that it should only be served when outdoor temperatures drop below 10°C.

Understanding the importance of visual presentation in bartending, Thomas introduced a method of igniting the drink, which helped cement his legacy. Made with whiskey, boiling water, powdered sugar, two large metal mugs, and a dash of courage, the Blue Blazer produces a beautiful blue flame in the air, giving the drink its name. It was a trendsetter from 1850 to 1870, often seen as a form of cocktail showmanship, and many consider it the first “flaming” cocktail.

The key to a perfect Blue Blazer is execution! The mugs, though handled, still conduct heat from the flames, so as Thomas advised: "Novices should be careful not to burn themselves. Practice with cold water until you can accurately pour the liquid between the mugs without spilling."

Hot Buttered Rum

In ancient Europe, people added butter to beer as a remedy for hoarseness. Over time, people began adding sugar and cinnamon, transforming it into a delightful drink. In the cold 18th-century winters, when warmth was scarce, Hot Buttered Rum was a lifesaver.

Though initially sweet, the rum’s punch balances out the flavor, making it quite enjoyable. This classic winter and holiday drink is traditionally enjoyed with other festive beverages like eggnog. There are various recipes online, but Jerry Thomas’ 1887 version emphasized the importance of Jamaican rum. Many families have their own recipes; for example, Imbibe author David Wondrich recalls his mother making it by adding everything into a mug, including cold water, then inserting a red-hot poker from the fireplace to heat it.

Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy (also known as Sling, Julep, Sangaree, Skin, Bombo, etc.) is a category of drink that shares a foundation of sugar, water, and spirits, with the variations lying in the proportions, temperature, and spices used. Rather than a single drink, it’s a family of warming cocktails that became popular from the mid-18th century to the late 19th century. It was often used as a remedy for colds, though modern versions frequently add citrus to balance the sweetness. This versatile drink retains its classic charm and healing reputation.

Irish Coffee

In the 1930s-1940s, Foynes, a town on Ireland's southwest coast, was a major transit hub for passengers traveling between America and Europe. Observing the weary, cold American travelers arriving at the terminal restaurant, chef Joe Sheridan invented a warm, comforting drink. Combining Irish whiskey, coffee, fresh cream, and a hint of sweetness, the Irish Coffee was designed to warm the body and lift spirits.

Legend has it that in 1942, an American asked Sheridan if the drink was Brazilian coffee, to which he replied, "No, it’s Irish coffee." This moment marked the birth of Irish Coffee, a drink that would later take America by storm. Today, Foynes celebrates Irish Coffee with an annual festival featuring parades, traditional Irish music, and the World Irish Coffee Championship. Raise a glass and say "Sláinte!"—the Irish word for "Cheers!"

Tom and Jerry

Many might recall the animated cat and mouse Tom and Jerry, but the drink’s name actually traces back to Jerry Thomas, who reportedly named two pet white mice “Tom” and “Jerry” after himself (Jeremiah P. Thomas). Though some dispute whether he invented it, Thomas certainly popularized this cocktail.

Tom & Jerry (also called Copenhagen or Jerry Thomas) involves a pre-made batter of eggs, sugar, spices, and rum. When ordered, this batter is mixed with brandy and hot water (or hot milk) and topped with freshly grated nutmeg. From around 1870 to 1880, this drink was immensely popular. Taverns and even barber shops would keep a large bowl of the batter on hand, ready to be mixed with spirits and hot water to warm patrons. Although its popularity has waned, with only a few Midwest bars in the U.S. still serving it as a holiday drink, the Tom & Jerry remains a warm memory of a once-beloved tradition.

These time-honored classic hot cocktails may once have been labeled as “odd concoctions of unlikely ingredients,” and though their preparation is relatively simple, they still hold timeless appeal. Let’s look forward to seeing more creative twists on these classics, adding new techniques and flavors to the world of hot cocktails.