Winter has a way of turning the everyday commute into an expedition. Between the snow days piling up, the annual battle against seasonal sniffles, and the collective wardrobe shift toward puffy layers that make everyone resemble the Abominable Snowman’s slightly overdressed cousin, it’s clear that winter still has a firm grip on the calendar. And thanks to the famously prophetic groundhog at Punxsutawney Phil, we’re apparently in for 6 more weeks of the frosty encore. Splendid. So as the temperatures hover somewhere between brisk and downright rude, we’ve been thinking about ways to stay warm from the inside out. Comfort food helps. Thick socks help. But sometimes the most effective remedy arrives in a mug. Hot Toddy, anyone?
Now, tequila might not be the first spirit people reach for when the wind is howling outside. For many, the mere mention of tequila conjures images of sunlit patios, beachside cocktails, and lime wedges glistening in the summer heat. But no rule says tequila must hibernate when winter arrives. In fact, the right tequila can be just the thing to cut through the chill.
Enter LALO Tequila, a small-batch spirit that has quietly carved out a loyal following since its debut. The brand was founded by Eduardo “Lalo” González, the grandson of legendary tequila pioneer Don Julio González. Rooted in tradition but crafted with modern precision, LALO focuses on a clean, honest expression of agave.
The tequila is blanco, distilled from mature agave, water, and yeast. What results is a spirit that feels both classic and refreshingly straightforward. In the glass, it carries a crystal-clear, platinum hue with a noticeably rich viscosity. Aromatically, it leans into warm, inviting notes of cooked agave layered with hints of sweet potato, cinnamon, and a whisper of dulce de leche. It’s the kind of profile that feels surprisingly at home in winter, delivering gentle warmth rather than the sharp bite many associate with tequila.
Which brings us to the perfect cold-weather twist: the LALO Tequila Hot Toddy.
Traditionally made with whiskey, the Hot Toddy is one of winter’s most dependable comfort cocktails. But swapping in LALO’s smooth blanco gives the drink a lighter, more aromatic character that still delivers that cozy, fireside feeling. Chai tea introduces warm spices that echo the tequila’s natural flavor notes, while honey adds soothing sweetness. A splash of lemon brightens the entire drink, keeping it balanced rather than heavy. The result is a cocktail that feels both familiar and refreshingly unexpected. It’s warm, fragrant, and just spirited enough to make a snowbound evening feel like less of a chore and more like an excuse to slow down.
LALO Tequila Hot Toddy
1.5 oz LALO Tequila
1 Chai Tea Bag
1 oz of Lemon juice
3 oz of hot water
1 tbsp of honey
Prepare hot Chai Tea in a mug. Add fresh lemon juice, honey, and LALO. Stir to combine all ingredients, then garnish with a lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick.
With six more weeks of winter ahead, a little internal warmth from a LALO Tequila Hot Toddy might be the most reliable forecast of all.
