With the weather pingpong-ing more than Forrest Gump, your body is no doubt freaking the eff out. We do love our warm cocktails when the weather gets nasty, and I personally like them even more if they're intriguing takes on our favorite classics. When bumming around Bowen House last week, this cocktail was whipped up for a guest, and I'm now in LOVE with the Mediterranean take on a traditional hot toddy.
Kayla McDowell, a Bowen House bartender who loves to make custom drinks for guests, made this take on a toddy using Gin Mare, a Spanish gin distilled with olives, rosemary, thyme and basil. Since the flavor notes beg for it, she included rosemary to bring out the botanicals of this simple drink. To make this toddy really sing, a little citrus and the traditional honey were added.
After two sips, I felt transported to the Mediterranean. And then unfortunately, I still had to walk outside to my car in the chilly weather.
Spanish Toddy ($12): Gin Mare Spanish gin, lemon, honey, rosemary, orange citrate
Bowen House, 2614 Boll St. (Uptown). Open 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Tuesday; 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
