Want to indulge in warm cocktails? Indian mixologists share easy recipes for the winter season

Mumbai is experiencing the best of its winter just yet, as January 6 saw the city experience one of its coldest days this season. While Christmas and December, during which people indulge in parties, are now over, the chill in the air may prompt people to want to drink something warm yet potent. While ‘Dry January' gains popularity to avoid alcohol, the season may often not be on your side and convince you to sip on some cocktails too, especially if you want to try out something new. So, why opt for cold cocktails when you can indulge in delicious warm cocktails?

Those who indulge in them every winter will definitely opt for the classic hot toddy, but Indian mixologists say you can not only innovate with it, but also make other cocktails that are easy but at the same time test your skill. The best part about these cocktails is that they can be made with ingredients that are easily found at home. From the popular five spices of cinnamon, clove, star anise, cardamom and black pepper to even honey, lime and orange juice - which are also in season.

With the temperatures dropping in Mumbai, mid-day.com reached out to these mixologists to share recipes for warm cocktails that are potent yet flavourful. Interestingly, they say it is not only about the potency of the cocktails that make them ideal during this time of the year but also their ability to cure and comfort you when you have a cold and cough. They not only share versions of the classic hot toddy but also mulled wine, and even their own concoction that celebrates the Indian kadha.

Hot Toddy
If you have been wanting to opt for a warm cocktail over a chilled one and haven't been able to find one at your favourite bar, then you can also make it at home, says Montu Balmiki, mixologist at Golden Chimney restaurant in Mumbai. He explains, "Hot Toddy is one of the most classic cocktails and highly recommended for people who are experiencing the flu or common cold. The temperature of this cocktail combines naturally with the elements of lemon, cinnamon and honey, and not to forget the whiskey, which thereby gives that much needed relief to its consumer."

Ingredients:
Water 3/4 cup
Whiskey 30 ml/60 ml
Honey, to taste 2 to 3 tsp
Lemon juice, to taste 2 to 3 tsp
Lemon 1 no
Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish) 1 no

Method:
1. In a teapot, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a whiskey or tall glass.
2. Add the whiskey, 2 teaspoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Stir until the honey has disappeared into the hot water.
3. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon honey for more sweetness, and/or 1 teaspoon more lemon juice for more zing.
4. Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick (if using). Enjoy.

Spiced Citrus Toddy
If you want to innovate with the classic hot toddy, then Bernice Dias, mixologist at Vaum Goa says you should definitely make the Spiced Citrus Toddy. She explains, "It isn't just about warmth and comfort. The uniqueness of the cocktail is how the ginger's zesty punch complements the smoothness of whiskey, while cinnamon and star anise add a sweet, aromatic depth. The lemon not only gives a freshness but also boosts the vitamin C content, making it an ideal choice for those cold winter nights or when you're battling a cold."

Ingredients:
Fresh ginger 2-inch piece, thinly sliced
Honey 2 tablespoon
Lemon juice 30 ml (about 2 tbsp)
Cinnamon stick 1
Star anise 1
Cloves 3 nos
Whiskey or brandy 50 ml
Clear Ginger Ale 200 ml
Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Method:
1. In a saucepan, combine the ginger slices, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. Add about 100 ml of water and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. This infuses the water with the spices, creating a fragrant base.
2. After the spices have infused, add the honey and lemon juice to the pan. Stir well until the honey dissolves.
3. Lower the heat and add your choice of whiskey or brandy to the mixture. It is important not to boil the alcohol to preserve its flavours.
4. Strain the mixture into a pre-warmed mug. Top it off with a clear ginger ale to dilute the mixture to your liking.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Mulled Wine
December and the Christmas season may be over but mixologist Sachin Tushmad at city-based restaurant Amazonia says you can still enjoy Mulled Wine during this time of the year. While this isn't quick like the others, the recipe is the brainchild of Tushmad, and possesses the ability to be the star at your weekend parties, especially during the winter season.

Ingredients:
Sweet spices 20 gm
Red wine 1 bottle
Fresh fruits 2 oranges peeled and pulpy
Berries 125 gm
Orange juice 100 m
White rum 100 ml

Method:
1. Infuse red wine for 24 hours with sweet spices, fruits, and berries.
2. Then, strain the wine, add white rum and orange juice.
3. Serve it warm (about 150 ml per glass) with an orange slice and cinnamon stick garnish in a balloon glass.

#VocalforLocal
Being her personal favourite, Priyanka Rath, mixologist at Yakii: Asian Tapas Club in Mumbai says you should definitely try making #VocalforLocal, which immerses the drinker into the earthy goodness of five spices and ginger, sweetness of honey, citrus notes of lime and orange, to produce a delicious cocktail for winter. She explains, "This drink is my winter favourite and very easy to make at home and makes my throat feel so comfortable and relaxed. I named it #VocalforLocal because all the ingredients in the drink take us back to the era where our ancestors use to serve us kadha, which we use to hate, but this version makes it feel more tasty and good."

Ingredients:
Five spices muddle two of cloves, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom and black pepper
Honey water 15 ml
Lime juice 10 ml
Orange juice 30 ml (optional)
Ginger 2-3 slice
Hot water 150 ml
Brandy 45 ml

Method:
1. Take spices and ginger and give it a nice muddle. Let the spice leave its aroma.
2. Add honey water, lime juice and orange juice (optional).
3. Add warm water and give it a nice stir.
4. Add brandy on top.
5. You can choose your choice of whiskey or rum as well instead of brandy.

Ginger Turmeric Hot Toddy
Manoj Alphonse, the beverage head at Bellona Hospitality, which has Ishaara in Lower Parel and Phoenix Marketcity Kurla, under its umbrella, says the diversity of hot toddy allows you to experiment with many flavours in it. This versatility is also why he says a comforting Ginger Turmeric Hot Toddy is perfect for this season. With a mix of brandy, orange juice, ginger honey spiced syrup and turmeric hot water, it is potent yet delicious and warm.

Ingredients:
Brandy 55 ml
Orange juice 45 ml
Ginger honey spiced syrup 15 ml
Turmeric hot water 150 ml

Garnish:
Cinnamon stick, dehydrated orange slices, cloves, star anise, rosemary

Method:
1. Add the orange juice, ginger honey spiced syrup into a brandy balloon glass.
2. Pour the turmeric infused hot water into it.
3. Finally add the brandy, stir, and serve it warm.

Spiced Sangria
Apart from a hot toddy, the sangria is also a popular cocktail enjoyed during this time of the year but Tarun Das, mixologist at Asilo Pune at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park wants you to add a twist to it with spices and lime juice added to the red wine and fresh fruits. He explains, "The warming sensation it provides is not just from the temperature but from how these ingredients come together, creating a comforting symphony of flavours. The aromatic infusion of cinnamon, cloves and star anise brings depth and complexity, while the touch of lime juice adds a subtle freshness. It is a drink that embraces the spirit of the season."

Ingredients:
Red Wine 1 bottle
Five spices cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise as per requirement
Fresh fruits of your choice
Lime juice 5-10 ml
Water 30 ml

Method:
1. Prepare the spiced infused red wine in a saucepan. Heat the red wine over low heat. Do not bring it to a boil.
2. Add a blend of spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the wine.
3. Let the wine simmer for about 15-30 minutes to allow the spices blend with the wine. Stir it occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and strain the wine to remove the spices. Set aside.
5. Prepare the fresh fruits by washing and slicing the fresh fruits. Use a variety for a vibrant and flavourful mix in season. Keep some aside for the garnish.
6. Finally, in a heat-resistant glass or mug, combine the spiced infused red wine, brandy, and fresh fruit slices.
7. Squeeze 5-10 ml of fresh lime juice into the mixture. Adjust according to personal taste preferences.
8. In a separate container, heat 30ml of water until it's hot but not boiling. Pour the hot water into the glass with the other ingredients. This will help to warm up the cocktail.
9. Gently stir the cocktail to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
10. Optionally, garnish with the freshly cut fruits that were set aside.