Fireside Toddy

When the temperature drops and you want something more interesting than plain hot cider, this toddy delivers all the warmth you're craving with layers of spice that actually taste complex, not like a candle store. The bourbon brings its caramel backbone while allspice dram does the heavy lifting on those deep, aromatic spices. You get cinnamon and clove without having to muddle a dozen whole spices that'll end up stuck in your teeth. That pat of butter might seem odd, but it melts into the drink and creates this velvety richness that makes each sip feel substantial. The brown sugar syrup adds molasses depth that regular simple syrup just can't touch. Hot apple cider ties it all together with fruity sweetness that keeps things balanced. This is your après-ski drink, your curled-up-with-a-book drink, your "it's snowing and I'm staying in" drink. Make one when you need to warm up from the inside out and actually want to taste something interesting while you do it.