So, the gifts are almost all wrapped, the tree is already coming apart thanks to your four-legged family members, you’ve threatened Santa’s visitation rights to your kids more than you care to admit, AND WHERE IS THE SNOW? You deserve a break, a sweet indulgence of sorts, and a drink. Let’s combine all of those into one lovely, warm cocktail to soothe your soul and melt away the stress.

If you’re not yet familiar with Waterpocket Distillery, consider this your introduction. One of Utah’s newest distilleries is raising the bar with centuries old traditional liqueurs, unique spirits, and a fresh face. We’re using their Notom Amaro here, you can find it at liquor stores around town or by visiting the distillery for their entire line. This is a great way to introduce amaro to your home bar, but also try this with a ice cube, neat, or stirred into your next cocktail. (Wanna know more? Check out the cocktail classes we’re hosting them at here!)

My take here on the classic hot toddy replaces whiskey with Waterpocket’s Notom Amaro and we’re swapping out the usual sweeter honey for deep, savory, and slightly bitter chestnut honey. I’m also omitting lemon juice as I find it a bit overpowering for the amaro, but feel free to take control of your toddy as you see fit. The combination of Amaro and chestnut is herbaceous, complex, and lovely stirred with hot water. Try your favorite honeys, amari, and citrus as you see fit.

Notom Hot Toddy
Serves 1

• 2 ounces Waterpocket Notom Amaro
• 2 teaspoons chestnut honey
• Hot water
• Orange wheel, for garnish

Stir amaro, honey, and hot water together in a mug. Float an orange wheel in your toddy. Turn off all electronics and enjoy some human interaction with friends and family.

Tis the season for indulging in sweet treats. That’s how it goes, right? Well, it is now. Mix up something familiar and fun with a warm and local spin. Caramel apples aren’t just for fall, anymore. We’re taking the apple cider back to its roots and mixing in a locally made, honey caramel based sauce for a treat worthy of Santa’s discerning palate.

The caramel sauce used to mix into the cider can be saved for up to two weeks and drizzled over breakfast pastries, cakes, and stirred into any other hot drink you might be mixing up. Consider making more than you might need for the morning after’s french toast.

Caramel Apple Cider
Serves 4

• 1 quart apple cider
• 8 Bee’s Brothers honey caramels
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)

Heat cider in a saucepan over medium heat to a simmer, keep warm.

In a separate saucepan, combine honey caramels and cream over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. remove to a bowl or jar when mixture just comes together (we’re not looking to cook the caramel any further), and season with salt.

Stir cider and a tablespoon or two of the caramel sauce together in a mug and serve with plain or with a cinnamon stock garnish. Keep any remaining caramel refrigerated for up to two weeks.

So, the gifts are almost all wrapped, the tree is already coming apart thanks to your four-legged family members, you’ve threatened Santa’s visitation rights to your kids more than you care to admit, AND WHERE IS THE SNOW? You deserve a break, a sweet indulgence of sorts, and a drink. Let’s combine all of those into one lovely, warm cocktail to soothe your soul and melt away the stress.

If you’re not yet familiar with Waterpocket Distillery, consider this your introduction. One of Utah’s newest distilleries is raising the bar with centuries old traditional liqueurs, unique spirits, and a fresh face. We’re using their Notom Amaro here, you can find it at liquor stores around town or by visiting the distillery for their entire line. This is a great way to introduce amaro to your home bar, but also try this with a ice cube, neat, or stirred into your next cocktail. (Wanna know more? Come to the class we’re hosting them at here!)

My take here on the classic hot toddy replaces whiskey with Waterpocket’s Notom Amaro and we’re swapping out the usual sweeter honey for deep, savory, and slightly bitter chestnut honey. I’m also omitting lemon juice as I find it a bit overpowering for the amaro, but feel free to take control of your toddy as you see fit. The combination of Amaro and chestnut is herbaceous, complex, and lovely stirred with hot water. Try your favorite honeys, amari, and citrus as you see fit.

Notom Hot Toddy
Serves 1

• 2 ounces Waterpocket Notom Amaro
• 2 teaspoons chestnut honey
• Hot water

Stir amaro, honey, and hot water together in a mug. Turn off all electronics and enjoy some human interaction with friends and family.