If you're living in the parts of America and Canada that are getting hit with the dreaded “Polar Vortex” phenomena, you already know that it can put a serious hurting on your ability to go out and enjoy your evenings. Whether you're someone who only goes for the “once a month” visit to see friends, or you enjoy a drink after a hard day at work, some of your personal favorite drinks may not be as enjoyable as they could be due to the cold weather.

Fortunately, there are a few cocktails which you can enjoy during these cold and dark months that may bring a little brightness back into your day. Below, you'll find a short list of cocktail and drink ideas that are not only great for fighting the cold weather, but also for helping to soften the damage that alcohol can do to your system. As usual, you should only drink in moderation and in a safe environment with friends.

The List, in No Particular Order:

• Mojito Tea
  A classic drink with a new twist. The traditional mojito involves rum and mint, which proves to be a refreshing combination for the hotter months of the year. During the cold season, however, you can combine your favorite drink with a mug of black tea. Just make the tea as normally suggested, but with some fresh mint leaves thrown in. A little sugar, and then a shot of rum and the juice of a lime, and you'll have a heated version of the bar standard. The mint not only helps to stave off nausea and headaches, but it also can soothe away sore throats.

• Hot Toddy.
  Another classic, but this one's built from the ground up for cold weather. A Hot Toddy is a shot of bourbon, a tablespoon of honey, and lemon juice to taste. Boiling water is added in to help dissolve the honey, and to combine all of the flavors nicely. The honey in this “hot shot” can help to soothe a sore throat as well, and honey has natural antibacterial properties which make it a great ingredient during the months when you're trapped in a sealed system like a home with no open windows.

• Irish Coffee
  Take a cup of coffee, and add a shot of whiskey, a little sugar, and skim milk. Irish coffee remains one of the simpler mixed drinks to make, and one of the “great ones” for a winter menu. Coffee offers increased focus and concentration.

• Bitter Tea
  Another simple mix; black tea with bitters and a shot of pomegranate juice. Pomegranate offers cardiovascular support, as does black tea itself. Simple and low in alcohol content, it may help you to relax after a day of shoveling your driveway.

These are just some of the hot drinks that you can enjoy, and which offer some added benefits thanks to their ingredient list. Experiment with your favorite cocktails yourself, and you may find new ways to stay warm through these dark, chilly days.