This weekend, DC got another blanket of snow.? They say we’re supposed to get 4-6 inches, but we’ll just have to see what the total is tomorrow morning.? As I sit on my couch and watch the wind swirl the snow about and the slow growing pile of the white stuff growing on the balcony, the urge to have a warm beverage strikes.

Now, I know I missed this past Mixology Monday which was hosted by Fred and Andrea of Cocktail Virgin Slut.? Their chosen theme was tea and that sounded like the perfect way to begin my warm beverage.

I didn’t do any research before throwing this recipe together, so it is quite possible it’s already been done.? Whatever, it’s warm, tasty, sweet, and funky.? And it contains one of my favorite teas and one of my favorite spirits.

Celestial Warmer
5oz Mandarin Orange Spiced Herbal Tea
1oz Yellow Chartreuse
.5oz Batavia Arrack
2 tsp wildflower honey
Garnish with orange peel.

And wow, this hit the spot!? The orange and spice from the tea mixes with the yellow chartreuse to create layers of herbal citrus flavor bombs.? The honey adds an extra complexity of flavor and helps to heighten the flavors of the other ingredients.? Finally, the batavia arrack provides a little backbone and a heady aroma that wafts up with the steam.

One thing I love about warm drinks such as this is the almost infinite ways you can modify it.? Afraid it’s going to be too sweet?? Leave out the honey.? Don’t have batavia arrack?? Use rum (Smith and Cross Jamaican rum would be fantastic!), brandy, or even whisky!? Think yellow chartreuse is for pu . . . wimps?? Use green!? As a matter of fact, my next drink is going to be black tea, green chartreuse, Smith & Cross, and honey.? Or maybe a little vanilla sugar.? Or a splash of Trader Tiki Vanilla Syrup!

So what’s your favorite winter warmer?