Experiment with Spirits

Some bartenders prefer dark spirits, claiming clear spirits don’t pair well with other ingredients in a hot serve. Dark spirits also tend to have more flavours to play with, due to ageing. So, scotch whisky, rum, brandy, bourbon and rye whiskeys are ideal for serves like Irish Coffees, Hot Toddies, and Hot Chocolates.  

But delightful creations often come from experimenting. You can work with vodka to make Hot Chocolate Martinis or spiced warm drinks; take the Mexican Tequila for a spin to make Hot Margaritas; or serve warm variations of cocktails like the Toddy. London Dry Gin is also great for Mulled Gins, Apple Punch, and Gin Flips.

The choice of spirit for a hot serve ultimately depends on the guest’s preferences, ingredients, and the serving temperature. Also, consider how a spirit’s flavours will interact with citrus, spices, sweeteners, and other additives. Experiment with different spirits before adding a serve to your menu.

Play with Flavors

Think about the cocktail you want to make and all the possible combinations or flavors you can use to impress guests.

Whether they’re overlapping or complementary, the ingredients and flavors you pick must pair with your spirit and function well when heated.

Pay attention to the base of your cocktail and pick a spirit that contains it as a flavor. For example, for a coffee cocktail, Irish cream like Baileys or whisky like Johnnie Walker Black Label makes a great pick.

Be sure to avoid flavors that might get cooked in the serve. For instance, while citrus is a common ingredient, it can easily leave the serve with a bitter taste. To avoid this, you can add the peel or fruit at the end, or you can use substitutes like saline, bitters, and amaro.

The Drinkware Matters

The drinkware for serving hot cocktails matters – you need a vessel that keeps the drink warm longer for leisurely sipping and has a handle to avoid burning your guest’s hands.

There are several options you can use, depending on your serve.  

A toddy glass makes a good pick, thanks to its thicker, tempered glass. It’s perfect for serving all hot toddies, Irish coffees, etc. Or you can opt for Irish coffee glasses - they have a handle for comfortable use, and they’re made with heat-resistant glass to prevent cracking.

You can also be crafty in the drinkware you use. For example, if your cocktail contains tea as the central ingredient, you can use a traditional Chinese ceramic teacup or tempered mugs for a delightful visual presentation. Snifters are also ideal for visually appealing serves and a touch of luxury.

Reduce the risk of cracking when serving hot cocktails by pre-heating your drinkware. Plus, hot cocktails are meant to be served warm, so pre-heating helps to deliver every serve at the right temperature.