We love a good hot toddy as much as the next gal, but this winter we’re taking it one step further with festive cocoas, coffees and cocktails that are basically the holidays in liquid form.
13 Winter Drinks That Will Knock the Cold Right Out of You
•
Published Dec 14, 2018
Courtesy of Dante
The Julep At Dante
At the Greenwich Village cocktail staple, this spiffy holiday riff on a classic julep uses a dash of cranberry syrup and whiskey infused with freeze-dried cranberries. The tart concoction is topped with a large mint sprig, cranberries and a bit of confectioners’ sugar (like a nice dusting of snow on a winter’s day).
79-81 Macdougal St.; dante-nyc.com
Courtesy of Toby’s Estate
Gingerbread Latte At Toby’s Estate
Inspired by classic gingerbread cookies, this cozy latte features a homemade gingerbread syrup made with allspice, cinnamon, cloves and fresh ginger.
Multiple locations; tobysestate.com
Courtesy of Maman
Nutty Chocolate-chip Hot Chocolate At Maman
Maman’s beloved nutty chocolate-chip cookie (one of Oprah’s—and our—favorite things) now comes in drink form. The dairy-free treat is made with cocoa and Elmhurst unsweetened walnut milk and oat milk—and topped with nutty chocolate-chip cookie pieces. (A garnish we can get behind.)
Multiple locations; mamannyc.com
Courtesy of MatchaBar
Spiced Matcha Chai At Matchabar
This energizing green tea gets a boost from maca powder for a hint of sweetness and star anise for a spicy bite. Along with its butterscotch-esque flavor, maca positively affects your adrenals, which helps with memory and stamina—a must when making the holiday-party rounds.
Multiple locations; matchabarnyc.com
Courtesy of Industry Kitchen
Frozen Peppermint Slide At Industry Kitchen
What do you get when you blend together a bit of Baileys Irish Cream, mint liquor, cream, vodka and candy canes? A minty-fresh, shareable cocktail that’s sure to knock your aunt’s questionable eggnog out of the punch bowl. It’s garnished with pretzel rods and crushed peppermint bark.
70 South St.; industry-kitchen.com
Courtesy of Pinch Chinese
Rose Gold At Pinch Chinese
If you live by the motto “rosé all day” even during the holidays, this is the drink for you. It starts with sparkling rosé poured over a sugar cube, which dissolves to create a bubbly effect. A touch of elderflower liqueur, Peychaud’s Bitters and rose-scented gold flakes complete the festive sip.
177 Prince St.; pinchchinese.com
Courtesy of Henry at the Life Hotel
Cocoa Caliente At Henry At Life Hotel
This decadent and spicy hot chocolate is made with Nyangbo chocolate from Ghana, infused with cardamom, clove and cinnamon. It comes with a Patrón-infused marshmallow and can be further amped up with a shot of tequila in the cocoa itself (zero judgments, obviously).
19 W. 31st St.; henrynomad.com
Courtesy of the Regency Bar & Grill
Smoked Chocolate Raspberry Grenache Martini At The Regency Bar & Grill
Admire the glitz and sparkle of the tree against the Park Avenue lights (from inside the cozy lobby lounge, of course) while sipping a luxurious chocolate martini made with Godiva liqueur, mezcal, fresh raspberries and light crème de cacao, garnished with a cocoa-powdered rim.
540 Park Ave.; loewshotels.com
Strip House
Cold Brew Black Russian At Strip House
This buzzy alternative to the standard White Russian includes cold-brew coffee for an extra pick-me-up. Mixed with Tito’s vodka, sweet Demerara syrup and dry ice, the caffeinated quaff provides a much-needed counterpoint to all those food coma–inducing holiday treats.
13 E. 12th St.; striphouse.com
Courtesy of Bill’s Bar & Burger
Crowned Cocoa At Bill’s Bar & Burger
After seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, warm up with a boozy hot cocoa. The burger institution keeps it simple, adding a touch of Baileys and Crown Royal before topping the whole thing with whipped cream.
Multiple locations; billsbarandburger.com
Courtesy of the Baccarat Hotel
G. Smith At The Baccarat Hotel
Also referred to as “Grandpa Smith,” this refreshing cocktail is made with quinoa vodka, fresh Granny Smith apple juice and Granny Smith liqueur. Spiced with clove, cardamom and cinnamon agave and garnished with an elegant skewer of gold-dusted cranberries, it’s like apple pie on ice.
28 W. 53rd St.; baccarathotels.com
Courtesy of Treadwell Park
Bourbon Apple Cider At Treadwell Park
Sharing is what the holiday season is all about, right? This boozy cider for two is served in an adorable vintage thermos, perfect for passing back and forth with a friend, significant other or relative. (Hey, Grandma knows how to party.) The comforting apple cider base gets some extra oomph from fresh citrus, maple syrup, cinnamon, clove and, of course, bourbon.
Multiple locations; treadwellpark.com
Courtesy of Zuma
Japanese Eggnog At Zuma
We love a good tradition this time of year, and we’ll happily add a new one to our repertoire. This eggnog riff is a spin on the traditional Japanese cold remedy tamagozake. Made with smooth Nigori sake, Suntory Whisky Toki and house-made crème anglaise, the chilled festive concoction is topped with a sprinkle of freshly shaved nutmeg.
261 Madison Ave.; zumarestaurant.com