The hot toddy has long been the workhorse of the winter drink world. Historically an unfussy combo of spirit, sugar and hot water (lemon juice came later), this simple cocktail has one purpose: to warm you from the inside out on the coldest of nights.
Today, "toddy" is really a blanket term for any hot drink, and bartenders are shaking up the paradigm to include a crazy array of citrus juices, liqueurs and lesser-used spirits. Anything from pisco and gin to chartreuse and creme de cacao are fair game, and tons of inventive interpretations can be found in bars across the city. Here are seven worth braving the cold for.
Message in a Bottle ($11) at The Winchester
1001 N. Winchester Ave. 773-698-8703
One of the most confounding toddy combinations hails from East Ukrainian Village bar The Winchester. With a whopping six ingredients, it might be hard to gauge how the drink will taste, but bar manager Peter Vestinos said that's part of the fun. "You almost have to order it to figure it out," he said. "The pisco provides grape and stone fruit qualities, the scotch a slight smokiness in the background, and the apple-cinnamon syrup along with the tea provide a rich winter-warming spice." Add a bracing dose of fiery ancho chili liqueur and acidic lemon juice, and the flavors come together in surprising harmony.
Charles Dickens Punch ($8) at Punch House
1227 W. 18th St. 312-526-3851
This warming punch isn't just a friendly homage to the prolific writer, but a recipe developed by the icon himself, repurposed for Punch House's winter menu. The drink has all the trappings of the classic toddy, but with a double hit of booze (Jamaican rum and brandy both battle for your attention), lemon juice and a balancing acidity from the dry tannins in black tea. It's likely even Dickens' favorite curmudgeon Scrooge would approve.
Battle of the Black Water ($14) at Sable Kitchen & Bar
505 N. State St. 312-755-9704
Irish coffee lovers, once you get a taste of bartender Mony Bunni's toddy from Sable's winter menu, it will be hard to go back to the standard whiskey blend. House-made coffee vermouth developed to resemble Turkish coffee combines with Dark Matter Chocolate City cold brew and Caffe Vita coffee beans for a deep, rich java personality that will rival any plain Jane espresso. When paired with smoky scotch, creamy creme de cacao and seasoned with chocolate bitters and a sprinkle of cardamom, it's an audacious approach that very easily could keep you up at night.
Jeff ($20) at Oak & Char
217 W. Huron 312-643-2427
This new River North cocktail restaurant caters to couples with several "toddies for two" on the menu. The Jeff is the perfect option for those seeking a little spice, thanks to the inclusion of funky fresh agricole rum, bitter Bonal Gentiane Quina (a French aperitif wine) and herbaceous yellow chartreuse. Beverage director Mae Governale came up with the drink when friend Jeff Donahue, managing partner of Humboldt Park bar Sportsman's Club, was feeling under the weather, hence the name: Jeff.
Winter Gingerbee Hot Toddy ($9) at Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar
960 W. 31st St. 773-890-0588
There's much to be said about the comforting combination of honey, ginger and lemon juice, but instead of simply mixing those ingredients together, bartender Graham Hogan found a novel way to work the trifecta into his toddy. Korean honey-ginger tea brings a fresh, concentrated flavor to the drink, and spicy rye whiskey matches that intensity.
Hot Toddy ($8) at Slippery Slope
2357 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-799-8504
If whiskey is great for sore throats-or so the old wives' tale goes-toddies must have the power to thwart a winter cold, right? That's the thought behind this detox-inspired recipe created by Slippery Slope bar manager Doug Phillips. Bourbon and lemon juice join forces to wipe aches and pains away from weary muscles, and cayenne-infused honey syrup adds a sinus-clearing kick. And if the drink doesn't keep the germs from the door after all, there's always Skee-Ball to keep you entertained at this rowdy Logan Square hangout.
Hot Toddy ($8) at Spritz Burger
3819 N. Broadway 773-868-9866
This subtle toddy provides an easygoing reprieve from the heavier winter warmers found on this Lakeview gourmet burger joint's menu. Bar manager Rachel Miller developed the recipe, which warms with spicy ginger, allspice and rich, round cognac. Lemon juice brings the flavors together and softens the blend, creating an ideal nightcap scenario.
Emma Janzen is a RedEye special contributor. redeye@redeyechicago.com | @redeyeeatdrink