5 Best Winter Cocktails in America

by  Zachary Laks | Dec 5, 2014
Cocktail
Cocktail / MongkolChuewong/iStock


The cold winds are no match against a winter cocktail. Crafted to soothe and transport, a warm concoction can ease you into a relaxed state of bliss during the cold months. From the flaming blaze of a s’mores martini to the soothing blend of a warmed whiskey, take note of the best places to escape the low degrees and indulge in a decadent drink this winter. 

Talisman at Bacchanal, New York, NY
The craze of New York City melts away with the first sip of the Talisman, a potent drink masterfully crafted by Bacchanal’s bar wizard, Naren Young. Take in the bustling atmosphere of this Lower East Side upscale eatery where the well-placed bar commands the attention of the room. The custom-made leather bar stools provide the best spot to marvel at the execution of how each Talisman is created. Starting with Dewar’s, Drambuie, and cayenne, the drink is completed with freshly brewed espresso, topped with espresso beans, served up. This specialty coffee cocktail is an ideal way to escape the cold and re-energize for the night.

Toasted S’mores Martini at Bobby Hendrix, Pittsburgh, PA
The campfire experience of roasting marshmallows for s’mores is brought to you in the form of a cocktail with the wildly inventive Toasted S’mores Martini at Bobby Hendrix. Served with marshmallows engulfed in flames atop the concoction, you get to decide how you like your marshmallows charred with this one-of-a-kind treat. Rumchata, vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, chocolate syrup, and cream are shaken over ice before being served neat in a martini glass. A chocolate syrup and crushed graham cracker rim provides the resting place for the two marshmallows propped up by toothpicks, soaked in Bacardi 151 and grain alcohol, and ignited to flaming glory by the bartender.

SideDoor

Smoked Negroni at SideDoor, Chicago, IL
Chicago’s bustling cocktail scene continues to expand with the arrival of SideDoor, a new gastropub at Michigan and Ontario. Revamping classic cocktails, Andrew Macker, at the helm of the bar, built a unique negroni with a smoky twist. Using smoked ice cubes, created in a top-secret house method, Macker shakes up Few gin, Aperol, and Punt E Mes. The drink is poured over the smoky ice and finished with a lemon peel garnish.

The Spiral Stairs at SMAK Bar, Telluride, CO
The simple and sultry hot toddy is given a fresh update at Telluride’s SMAK Bar where contemporary cocktails are brought to life with a fun twist. The Spiral Stairs, named after a local ski run, is a warm drink served in a glass mug featuring a blend of Jameson, Domain de Canton ginger liqueur, honey, lemon juice, and hot water. Candied ginger and a lemon wedge top off the drink that is best enjoyed after a day on the slopes.

Pimandes at Poste Moderne Brasserie and Bar, Washington, DC
Poste Moderne is an oasis of warmth in the DC winter months, with an eclectic offering of cozy cocktails. Go straight to the much-touted Pimandes tippler, a spicy blend of WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, with a dash of Grand Marnier, hot chocolate, and garnished with whipped marshmallow, chocolate-covered almonds, and a dash of espelette. The hints of spice tempered with its warmth make this a sure-fire winter winner.

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