Last week I visited Wit & Wisdom Restaurant  in the Four Seasons Hotel (200 International Drive).   I’m always amazed at the lobby flower display because it’s always beautiful and different every time I visit.  They’ve already completed their Christmas decorations with not one, but three beautiful Christmas trees.

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Cocktails by the Fire at Wit & Wisdom

But my real love for Wit & Wisdom will always be their cocktails. The bar uses fresh ingredients in every cocktail. They take time to muddle, stir and strain each libation and add fresh garnish to the glass.  Last winter when I visited I ordered the Espresso Martini and my friend ordered the Hot Buttered Rum.

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Espresso Martini and Hot Buttered Rum

These cocktails are perfect for those cold winter nights (or days).  Even though Wit and Wisdom is already in the holiday spirit with their Christmas decorations, they did not have a special Winter Cocktail Menu or daily winter cocktails available yet.  Technically the official start of Winter is Dec 22., so I was a little early.  The Espresso Martini can be made anytime, but the Hot Buttered Rum is made seasonally.

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe 

  • 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
  • 3/4 cups boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  1. Combine butter, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a bowl and mix about 2 minutes.

  2. Combine the spiced butter mix with Rum and pour into glasses.  Pour 3/4 cup boiling water over each glass and stir. Top with whipped cream (optional)

Lemondrop
Wit and Wisdom “Lemon Drop Martini”

If you happen to visit Wit & Wisdom check out their specialty cocktail menu, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what winter cocktails they will include on this season’s menu.