Six of DC's Best Warm Cocktails for Cold Nights

Although the weather in recent weeks begs to differ, before we know it, we’ll be bundling up against another polar vortex. When that day comes you can choose to either hibernate indoors or be social and sip on cocktails that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. Brave the winter cold; these toddys, buttered rums, and Irish coffees are so worth it.
 
Head to the upscale Georgetown restaurant for a Brown Buttered Rum Cider made with brown butter infused Mt. Gay Rum, warm spiced apple cider, and garnished with an apple chip. Can you say fall in a glass? (1226 36th St., NW; 202-965-1789)
 
Beverage Director Tim Hayes has created 25 seasonal cocktails marking the lead up to the holidays. On the list are five warm cocktails you must try come winter weather: Vin Brule (mulled wine, spices), Hot & Cold Gin Fizz (chilled gin & lemon, warm spuma), Hot Buttered Rum (rum, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon) Sidro di Mele (brandy, cinnamon maple syrup, lime, apple cider), and the Spicy Hot Chocolate (with brandy and house-made cardamom marshmallow). (1100 New York Ave., NW; 202-216-9550)
 
It’s a little risky naming a drink “Perfect 10”...but Black Jack’s Perfect 10 Hot Toddy features an extra kick of heat with cayenne pepper in addition to Knob Creek rye, honey, allspice, clove, cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, mace, and nutmeg. A perfect 10 indeed. (1612 14th St., NW; 202-986-5225)
 
Mockingbird Hill is devoted to all things sherry. Come cold weather, you’ll want to stop in for their warm sherry cocktails: Black Flag Toddy (Spanish brandy, PX sherry, bitter lemon, Ethiopian coffee, shaved coffee bean, and charred lemon and cherry flag) and the PX Buttered Rum (Barbancourt rum, PX sherry, spiced butter, hot water, and a clove-studded orange peel). (1843 7th St., NW; 202-316-9396)
 
The popular Adams Morgan coffee shop serves up more than just a cup of Joe. Here you’ll find many a warm cocktail including mulled wine (Protocollo Tempranillo, brandy, citrus spice), variations on the hot toddy (Julep Toddy with bourbon, peppermint tea, and fresh mint), a honey bourbon chai (bourbon, honey, hot vanilla chai, whipped cream), and of course, Irish Coffee (Irish whiskey, simple syrup, hot coffee, hand shaken cream). (2459 18th St., NW; 202-232-5500)
 
Located at The Jefferson, Quill offers up the Tipsy Squirrel, a warm cocktail made with Hamilton's Rum, pecan brown sugar syrup, golden raisin bitters, and apple cider. (1200 16th St., NW; 202-448-2300)

Photo via Flickr user Dinah Pena

Tags: Cocktails, Spirits
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