Everyone has that one thing that signifies winter for them.
Nothing makes us more ready to handle the brutal hell that is a New York City winter than a delicious, warm Hot Toddy.
Whether it's the first snow, the smell of a fireplace, or, of course, that infamous red Starbucks cup, it's that one thing that puts you in just the mood-- or offers a reprieve-- for the colder months.
For those who have never experienced a Hot Toddy, it's basically a spiked hot tea.
More specifically, either a Whiskey, Rum, or Brandy mixed with hot water (or tea), lemon, honey, and a cinnamon stick. It will cure whatever ales you, and has actually been known to literally cure colds.
Who says drinking can't be healthy, right?
Although many bars will make a Hot Toddy on request, even if it's not on the menu, there are those specific places that really do it right. And for those of you who are Hot Toddy virgins, we suggest you hit one of these 6 spots as soon as possible.
(You can thank us later when your sniffles subside, and you actually look forward to a chilly evening.)
1. Hudson Bar and Books (636 Hudson Street)
barandbooks Get it while you can!! This week's whiskey of the week at Hudson Bar and Books is Jameson Cask Mates- matured in stout beer barrels.
Who doesn't like to feel more intellectual while they're drinking?
It's all possible at this West Village haunt (there's a Lexington location, too), where the Whiskey flows like, well, Whiskey.
And yes, this includes Hot Toddies. Sipping one in here has an extra level of cozy given the intimate, cigar-bar ambiance.
2. Schoolbred's (197 2nd Avenue)
This East Village bar never disappoints.
For one, when you walk in, it feels like you've actually entered the Clue board game, and Miss Scarlet is seconds away from offing someone with a candlestick.
Once you grab your Hot Toddy from the bar, settle in at one of the over-sized leather chairs by the fire, that will make you wish you had a pipe. Colonel Mustard would seriously love this place.
3. Huckleberry Bar (588 Grand Street - Brooklyn)
Williamsburg's signature laid back vibes abound at this spot.
It's also got a very "date-y" vibe and an impressive lineup of cocktails to drink on those dates... including a boozy hot chocolate that we definitely suggest you try.
After your Hot Toddy, of course.
4. Little Branch (20 7th Avenue)
We don't like to play favorites with Hot Toddies, but the one at Little Branch may be one of the most delicious ones we've ever tasted.
Then again, everything tastes better in this quaint spot that makes you feel like you're in a little cabin, that happens to serve Hot Toddies that perfectly blend sweet and savory in over-sized tea glasses.
5. Slainte (304 Bowery)
If you want a Hot Toddy with no muss, no fuss, this Irish bar on Bowery is for you.
What it lacks in cozy appeal it makes up for in an expansive bar, usually always screening soccer in some ways, and an outside area that won't feel nearly as cold with this strong, hot tea drink in your hands.
6. The Rum House (228 West 47th Street)
Clearly these peeps can sling a solid Hot Toddy, it's a house full of rum.
Well, not an actual house, but the Hotel Edison which perfectly recreated a prohibition-like Speakeasy in its famed cocktail spot.
Oh, and here, your Hot Toddy comes with a side of some hot jazz as well. Perfect.
Check out 8 Incredible NYC Bars You Really Must Visit This November.
[Feature Image Courtesy The New Potato]