As the temperature takes a dive in many parts of the country, our thoughts naturally head toward warm cocktails. Several bartenders around the country are taking the task at hand seriously as they create hot cocktails using unusual ingredients.

Bear Medicine hot cocktail available at Chicago’s Sable Kitchen & Bar.
Photo courtesy of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Mike Ryan, lead bartender at Chicago’s Sable Kitchen & Bar, created Bear Medicine using Tomintoul “Peaty Tang” Whisky and maple syrup.

Brandon Lockman, lead bartender at Portland’s Red Star Tavern, created the Nutty Woolford using just two ingredients, one of which is Woodford Reserve.

Sarah Mengoni, bartender at Chicago’s South Water Kitchen, created Fallen using Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon and brown sugar in her recipe.

Now…who’s ready for a hot cocktail?