In the Spirit: Some Like it Hot!

It's cold outside; so let's warm up with some hot cocktails! The origins behind the hot (temperature) cocktail are decidedly heated, but all snow-covered roads lead to healing. Most sources indicate the first popular hot cocktail was the Hot Toddy, which originated in Scotland by way of India and simply uses Scotch, hot water, lemon and honey. It was used to treat all types of respiratory illnesses, from stuffy nose and flu to sore throats, as well as insomnia.

In early America, before refrigeration became common, hot drinks were the standard. At your local bar you would likely find libations such as warm ciders, hot punches, mulled wines and drinks like the "Blue Blazer" created by the famous 1800s American bartender, Jerry Thomas. This is basically a Hot Toddy set on fire...the first flaming cocktail. Extra hot!

Here are EDGE's scorching picks from the hottest bars and restaurants in some of the coldest cities in the U.S.:

New York, NY
(average low winter temperature, 27 �F)
The Gander
If you have more of a sweet tooth and get loco for cocoa, try this delicious drink from Chef Jesse Schenker's new American restaurant, The Gander. Housemade Hot Chocolate is made with Valrhona chocolate and pink peppercorns, spiked with bourbon or tequila, then topped with a weekly rotation of house-made flavored marshmallows such as vanilla almond, sage, peppermint and caramel.

They also offer a Cold Toddy if you are looking for some of those classic ingredients in a cool drink. Earl Grey tea is the foundation for a refreshing cocktail with the addition of honey, lemon, Amaro Montenegro, Dandelion & Burdock bitters and a choice of vodka or white rye.

Buffalo, New York
(average low winter temperature, 19 �F)
Osteria 166
This casual Italian restaurant includes their local version of the Hot Toddy, called the TNT, which combines Tuaca vanilla citrus liqueur with fresh brewed hot tea.

The Chocolate Bar
Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate The Chocolate Bar's dark hot chocolate, spiked in a dozen different ways. Standouts include the Spiked Coconut Macaroon with Parrot Bay Rum and the Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherry with Three Olives Cherry liqueur. They also have a Cleveland location.

Pittsburgh
(average low winter temperature, 21 �F)
Verde Mexican Kitchen and Cantina
Not only do they have their own Caf� Mexicano that combines a shot of RumChata cream liqueur with freshly brewed coffee, but Verde also hosts a BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug) Hot Cocktail Party. As part of Pittsburgh Cocktail Week Verde welcomes local mixologists to show off and demo all sorts of different heated cocktails like hot punches, flips, cider and, of course, Hot Toddies. Check out the PGH Cocktail Week blog for some great ideas and recipes for hot cocktails.

Detroit, Michigan
(average low winter temperature, 19 �F)
Sugar House
This is a place for customers to have fun but be a little serious about their cocktails. They have some house rules at Sugar House that include, "No fighting, pretend fighting or talking about fighting." Check out their Classic Cocktail section of the menu where they have #25 The Coffee Cocktail with Quinto do Infantado tawny port, Chalfonte VSOP, Demerara and a whole egg.

Community House
Tired of depending on your bartender for your steaming hot cocktails? A little north of Detroit, in Birmingham you can also check out a class on how to make your own winter warm cocktail classics at The Community House on February 10, 2015.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
(average low winter temperature, 12 �F)
Aster Caf�
Check out Aster Caf� for one of the best cocktail menus in town, and if your looking to warm up, the Mister Pickwick's Hot Punch will thaw you out from head to toe. Inspired by Dickens' character from The Pickwick Papers, the curated recipe calls for whisky, sherry, brandy, tea, sugar and lemon - all heated and served piping hot. Be advised that this adult beverage is only served after 4 p.m. so time your arrival accordingly.

Cleveland, Ohio
(average low winter temperature, 28 �F)
Wonder Bar
Want something minty? Try the Peppermint Patty. This concoction includes peppermint schnapps with Godiva dark chocolate liqueur topped with coffee. You can also try the S'more, which again uses Godiva dark along with Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow and Frangelico topped with coffee.

Toast
Here you can find featured local products on the menu along with a great wine list. Try out their winter offering of hot bourbon cider. Simple, easy and classic - it's a delicious tummy warmer for that long Cleveland winter.

Chicago
(average low winter temperature, 17 �F)
Ramen-san
Watch out for the Hot Todzilla! The new winter cocktail at this Japanese noodle mecca will certainly cure anything that ails you. Their take on the toddy classic uses Yamazaki 12-year along with Rittenhouse rye, lemon and ginger. Order up!

Bub City
This southern style eatery offers Mulled Apple Cider that combines toasted cloves, cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg. Then they add brown sugar and orange peel along with Bulleit bourbon, honey and Klug Farms Michigan Apple Cider.