Getting quality outdoor time during the winter can come with a few sacrifices, but a delicious cocktail need not be one of them. That’s why we’ve hand-picked three hot cocktail recipes that can be made at home or in the outdoors to warm the fingertips and elevate the spirits of those who play in the snow and cold temperatures. We recruited professional NYC bartender with a General Certificate in Distilling, Ryan Herzog, to curate and adapt these recipes for winter adventures of all varieties.

1. ITALIAN COFFEE

The perfect powder day cocktail. Jenna Herzog

A close cousin to Irish coffee, this Italian variation calls for bittersweet amaro to add depth and, well, spirit to your daily brew. Try it: instead of your usual morning coffee before setting out for first chair on a powder day. Alternatively, stash a small flask of amaro in your jacket to spike a cup of coffee from the lodge. To be honest, though, this simple recipe pairs well with just about any winter activity, from camping to shoveling the driveway.
Difficulty: Green Circle

• 2 oz. Italian amaro (try Moletti, Montenegro or Ramazzotti)
• 4 oz. hot coffee
• 2 tbsp. whipped cream (optional)

Add Italian amaro to hot coffee and top with whipped cream. For Irish coffee, substitute amaro with Irish whisky. For a different twist, try a less-than-traditional Monk’s Coffee, substituting 1 ½ ounces of green Chartreuse for the amaro. This French liqueur made with herbs, plants, and flowers has a uniquely alpine taste that pairs nicely with mountain adventures.

2. HOT BUTTERED APPLE RUM

Guaranteed to warm the fingertips and elevate the spirits. Jenna Herzog

Adding a twist to classic hot buttered rum, this variation revives the all-American liquor beloved in colonial times: applejack. Try it: after a full day of skiing or snowboarding. The butter will replenish a few of those calories you burned on the mountain, and the rich flavor of dark rum will match your bold moves on the slopes.
Difficulty: Blue Square

• 1 oz. applejack (try Laird’s) or other apple brandy
• 1 oz. dark rum
• 1 tbsp. room temperature butter
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• 4 oz. hot water

To make simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and water. Heating the mixture is not necessary—the sugar will dissolve with a good stir. Mix all ingredients together, adding hot water last. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

3. APPLE GINGER TODDY

Enjoying a warm winter cocktail in the snow. Jenna Herzog

Adding applejack and ginger juice to a classic hot toddy gives it a boost of spice for extra warmth on the taste buds. Try it: in a Thermos while out Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or hiking. You also can’t beat sipping this cocktail by the fire after a day spent playing outside.
Difficulty: Black Diamond

• 1 oz. rye whiskey
• 1 oz. applejack or other apple brandy
• ¾ oz. lemon juice
• ½ oz. ginger juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup or honey
• 3 oz. hot water

Mix equal parts sugar and water to make simple syrup (no need to heat the mixture, just give it a good stir and let the sugar dissolve). To make the ginger juice, grate a knob of peeled ginger, then squeeze the grated ginger to extract the juice. Stir all ingredients together, adding the hot water last. For style points, garnish with a clove-studded lemon wheel.