Years ago, in my first job as a bartender -- not, it should be said, a unique job for a writer to have early in his career -- I was puzzled by a request from a patron for "something hot, but not a hot toddy."

	Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette photo illustration A toddy or coffee drink is warming on a cold night. Click photo for larger image.

I was, at that time, 19 and freshly returned to my native state of West Virginia, for what was approximately the fifth job I'd ever had in my young life, so I wasn't particularly well-prepared. It was also June, I'd never heard of a "hot toddy" and I couldn't have ordered one legally if I had.

So of course I smiled and nodded, pretended to duck down to examine one of the mini-fridges and frantically looked up recipes.

Fortunately, you need never be caught similarly unawares. Those days have passed, and as a legal drinker and field-trained bartender (in four states) I can say that there's nothing better for the holidays, meeting your girlfriend's or boyfriend's parents, or frankly any awkward family occasion, than a surprising spread of hot drinks that will warm up your guests (no matter how frosty their personalities) in at least two ways.

The Hot Toddy and the Irish Coffee family are of course among the most popular of these heated bar drinks. There are many variations of both, including Brandy Hot Toddies and Irish Teas. Irish Coffee, being so intuitive (add Irish whiskey to coffee), it has been omitted from this recipe list to make room for some variations on the theme of double-warming caffeinated beverages.

When making the drinks, remember that hot drinks aren't flaming, so heat the coffee, chocolate or hot water, not the undiluted liquor. All are well-suited for preparation in large batches, to be kept in a thermos or insulated pitcher before serving. Individual drinks can be reheated in the microwave, but take care not to overheat -- the alcohol will evaporate.

Russian Coffee

• 1/2 shot coffee liquor such as Tia Maria (preferred) or Kahlua
  
• 1/2 shot Frangelico
  
• 1/2 shot vodka (thus "Russian")
  
• Hot coffee

Pour spirits into mug or coffee glass; top with hot coffee.

Jamaican Java

• 1 shot dark rum (Myers preferred)
  
• 1 shot dark creme de cacao
  
• Hot coffee

Rim mug or coffee glass with lime juice, then sugar; pour in spirits and then hot coffee. Stir to mix, and top with real whipped cream and cinnamon before serving.

Hot Hopper

• 1/2 shot creme de menthe
  
• 1 shot white creme de cacao
  
• 1/2 shot Bailey's Irish Cream
  
• Hot chocolate

Mix spirits in mug or coffee glass, add hot chocolate and top with whipped cream and mint leaf.

Toasted Almond

• 1 shot Amaretto
  
• 1 shot vodka
  
• 1/2 shot Kahlua
  
• Half and half

Warm half and half in small saucepan over low heat until steaming. Add Amaretto, vodka and Kahlua. Stir to mix and serve.

Hot Chocolate Buttered Rum

• 1 1/2 shots dark rum
  
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  
• 1 shot creme de cacao
  
• Pat butter
  
• 2 whole cloves
  
• Hot chocolate

Combine ingredients in small saucepan over low heat. Warm until steaming and butter and brown sugar have melted, stir to mix and serve.

Classic Hot Toddy

• 2 shots whiskey
  
• 1 shot simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated to make syrup, then cooled for mixed drinks)
  
• 4 cloves
  
• Sprinkle cinnamon to taste
  
• Sprinkle ground nutmeg to taste
  
• Boiling water
  
• Lemon slice
  
• Cinnamon stick

Combine ingredients through nutmeg in mug or coffee glass. Add hot water, stir with cinnamon stick, garnish with lemon slice and enjoy.

Hot Nog

• 1 shot rum
  
• 1 shot brandy
  
• Heated eggnog
  
• Sprinkle cinnamon to taste

Heat eggnog in small saucepan over low heat until steaming. Add rum and brandy, stir to mix, pour into mug or coffee glass and sprinkle with cinnamon.