April often signifies the arrival of spring, but this year has felt less vibrant and more somber, especially with recent dreary weather. Traditionally, this time would call for refreshing white wines or light cocktails, but the persistent overcast skies and rain have pushed these items off the menu.

In light of the unusual weather, it’s a perfect time to explore warm cocktails instead. This transition reflects not only the season’s imperfection but also the opportunity to creatively reimagine classic drinks. This article introduces three unique hot cocktails that bring comfort while still feeling seasonal.

1. Hot Bull ShotOriginally a twist on a bloody Mary, this cocktail features beef bouillon instead of tomato juice. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ ounces Alamere Spirits’ Espelette Chili Vodka
  • 6 ounces hot water
  • 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon beef base (or one beef bouillon cube)
  • 1/4 teaspoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 dash Chinese five-spice powder
  • 2 dashes Sol Food’s Pique hot sauce
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 beef jerky stick
• Directions:Combine the ingredients in a heat-tempered mug and stir. Use the star anise and jerky stick as garnish.

2. Spiced Hot Chocolate with Ported RyeA saucy take on traditional hot chocolate:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Unsinkable Rye
  • 6 ounces warm milk or a milk substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
  • Whipped cream for garnish
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 brandy-soaked maraschino cherry
• Directions:Stir the first three ingredients in a heat-safe mug. Garnish with whipped cream and add a sprinkle of cayenne and a cherry.

3. Apple Jasmine Hot CiderThis warm cider recipe incorporates flavorful apple brandy:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ounces Sonoma Brothers Distilling’s Apple Brandy
  • 5 ounces hot water
  • 1 ounce apple juice
  • ¼ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 jasmine tea bag
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 orange slice
• Directions:Mix the brandy, hot water, apple juice, and lemon juice in a mug. Add the tea bag to steep briefly before garnishing.

Despite this unusually cold spring, these hot cocktails can bring warmth and comfort while waiting for the true season to arrive.