'Til There Was You Hot-Tail

With the chilly February weather, what better way to warm up than with a Valentine’s Day hot cocktail? We turned to Mixologist Lerone Howard to concoct a beverage that takes indulgence to the next level with his ‘Til There Was You Hot-Tail, a rich collection of sweet and smooth.

“Even if you can’t escape the cold, you can let your imagination run wild.”

Exotic Flavors

Lerone’s tiki-inspired winter hot cocktail ‘Til There Was You features elements like passion fruit puree, cream of coconut, citrusy floral notes of elderflower and bergamot, as well as suggestions of spicy cardamom, satiating all five senses. “The flavors complement each other by balancing the acid of the passion fruit with the creaminess of the rich coconut,” says Lerone.

But the standout player of this drink is its temperature. “Warming the drink to 136°F keeps the cream of coconut from breaking or separating from the rest of the liquid,” Lerone explains.

Setting your Ember Mug² to your desired temperature makes for a warmed aperitif, evocative of balmy tropical locales. “Even if you can’t escape the cold, you can let your imagination run wild,” says Lerone.

“Warming the drink to 136°F keeps the cream of coconut from breaking or separating from the rest of the liquid.”

Mixed with Love

Lerone shares his own imaginative concoctions on Instagram and YouTube under the moniker “Mixed with Amor.” “I enjoy making cocktails, pleasing people, but most of all, introducing new flavors and combinations to people while opening their minds to new possibilities,” Lerone explains. “Bartending has taught me that love and relationships can look like anything, and understanding each other's love languages is key.”

Immersing All Senses

Lerone infuses his libations with unexpected flavors often inspired by his favorite songs, and this Hot-Tail draws from the longing lyrics of The Beatles’ “Till There Was You.” Pair this sultry refreshment with the curated playlist below.