Warm yourself up even as the temps drop with cozy cocktails dreamed up by the mixology masters in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and beyond. There are a multitude of mugs, snifters, bottles and goblets brimming with holiday cheer and seasonal flavors like peppermint, orange, clove, nutmeg, chocolate and, of course, enough booze to cure whatever ails you. Take a peek at all the options below, because when the weather outside is frightful, these drinks are (always) delightful!
ALCOVE – WASSAIL
Wishing you good health (without singing at your door) the team at Alcove is serving Wassail to warm you up and get you in a lively, festive mood for the holiday season. Their version of the classic, spiced cider is made with Ferrand 1840 cognac, apple cider, orange and cloves. Stop in for a mug or two – but maybe leave the singing and merrymaking ’til you’re outside.
BAMBARA – BAD SANTA
Brighten up your holiday season at Bambara‘s Christmas-themed pop-up bar, Miracle at Marlowe, which boasts a sleigh…erm, slew of festive cocktails including the Bad Santa. Made with aged Jamaican rum, Velvet Falernum, mixed spiced butter, oat milk and nutmeg this naughty/nice little number comes in a sassy Santa mug, of course, so you’ll feel especially extra festive while you sip.
Photo by Melissa Hom
BAR MEZZANA – SALVATORE TODDY
Bar Mezzana‘s version of a hot toddy, the Salvatore Toddy, will transport you to the Mediterranean right from the South End. Made with rum, honey and Amaro Averna (the tasty Italian liqueur named for its Sicilian inventor, Salvatore Averna), this toddy offers a multi-sensorial drinking experience with its sweet and herbal bitterness.
BETTINI RESTAURANT – CORDUROY JACKET
If you’re in Martha’s Vineyard for the winter season, make sure to stop at Bettini’s for top tier American cuisine, views of the harbor and hot cocktails like this Corduroy Jacket. Made with mulled apple cider, brandy and cinnamon this toasty drink will keep any brisk breezes at bay. Steal a spot next to the tree and watch the sun dance of the water, while you stay warm inside.
CAPO – MULLED WINE
Bring the party home, or take it with you to whatever festive occasion awaits, with Capo‘s DIY Mulled Wine to-go. Add one of these to your next take-out order (available online here in the 32 oz Cocktails Section – must be ordered with food) and reheat as needed for a seasonal sipper that’ll have you feeling warm and fuzzy in no time.
CITIZEN PUBLIC HOUSE – HOT TODDY
If you find yourself in Fenway this chilly season, stop into Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar for one of their hot cocktails like The Art of the Toddy, made with Compass Box Artist Blend scotch, honey, lemon and hot water, or their Bogmallow Spiked Coffee if you need a buzz with your booze.
COMMITTEE – KRAMPUS KAROL
Celebrate the darker side of Alpine folklore at Committee with the devilishly tasty Krampus Karol, inspired by the central European legend. This toasty creation is made with dark hot chocolate, oat, apple brandy, Branca Menta, and peppermint whip so you can indulge in your naughty inner child (but not too much, or else Krampus might come for you).
GRAFTON STREET BAR & GRILL – HOT-BUTTERED BOURBON CIDER
Satisfy all your snug pub needs at the long-standing Harvard Square fave, Grafton Street Pub & Grill, with their selection of hot cocktails including this Hot-Buttered Bourbon Cider, made with vanilla bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon and clove. If you’re not big on cinnamon don’t worry they have mulled wine and hot Irish coffee for you to sip with or after a big plate of fish & chips or Irish cottage pie.
NO. 9 PARK – TOM & JERRY
Tom & Jerry season has finally started at No. 9 Park. Rum and Cognac mixed with frothy, cinnamon-y spiced meringue heaven and steamed milk makes this cult-classic cocktail a one of a kind, and a must-sip winter bevvie. Listen to the angels sing while you sip a few cups at their delicious Holiday Lunches (info on the lunch dates here).
SHORE LEAVE – YULE LOG GROG
Get into the holiday spirit at Shore Leave‘s Sippin Santa’s Surf Shack, the month-long pop-up through New Year’s Day, including a hot cocktail called Yule Log Grog, served hot with gin, falernum, cranberry syrup, ginger liqueur, lime. Bust out your most hideous ugly Christmas sweater and head for the South End (more info here).
Photo by Randy Schmidt
SRV – BURRABIRRA
The talented cocktail artists at SRV have created their cozy new cocktail Burrabirra. Made with bourbon, cardamaro, apples, butter, brown sugar and all the warm spices will cheer you up on any winter’s day.
SYCAMORE – HOUSEMADE ROCK-N-RYE
The Sycamore team has added a new hot (or cold) seasonally inspired cocktail to their list – the Housemade Rock-n-Rye. They’ve taken their in-house Rye and infused it with winter spices and fruits, which is sure to cure whatever ails you. Enjoy hot (like a toddy) or cold with a massive ice cube (both are tasty!).The Rock-n-Rye is also available in 16 oz to-go bottles (with the Sycamore drink recipe) so you can bring a flagon to any festive bash or give it as a gift to any number of your libation lovers.
TALULLA – HUG O’ WAR
She’s back! Made with bourbon, honey & clove syrup, lemon and cider Talulla‘s Hug O’ War has returned to give you all the warm cozy flavors and feelings of winter. Pair her with their a la carte or tasting menu in one of their gorgeous mini greenhouses (each has a space heater inside) or marvel at their holiday decorating in the dining room.
VIALE – SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE
Head down to Central Square and get your hands on this Spiked Hot Chocolate at Viale. This herbaceous, minty, boozy hot chocolate is available at brunch every Sunday to warm your toes and soul this festive season.
