Above, drinks from Lock & Key’s winter cocktail menu, including the Willy Wonka’s Nightcap, Sweet Sting Toddy, Winter Fashioned and the Islay Toddy.
Photos by Collin Richie
magpiecafe-brla.com
The espresso and coffee at Magpie has amassed a passionate following, and that’s not just because of their intricate foam designs just begging for an Instagram photo. Co-owner James Jacobs considers this an espresso bar first and foremost, which means quality is important. The team there builds each cup of joe carefully using single-cup brewing methods. Magpie’s strong cortado, for example, features expertly made espresso cut with a little warm milk. It’s simple and great as a quick pick-me-up on a cold morning. But if you’re looking to stretch out your caffeine fix, their seasonal spiced lattes feature a different flavor each month. February’s is peppermint.
redstickspice.com
We already love Red Stick Spice for its flavorful rubs and spice blends. In recent months, the shop has been creating custom loose tea blends as well. Owner Anne Milneck and chef Lori Zachary developed several inventive blends such as the Pear Caramel Truffle black tea. They offer plenty of individually packaged loose teas, too, if you’re a traditionalist. Or, you can blend a few of them at home if you’re feeling adventurous. We tend to enjoy the floral Jasmine Pearl and Citron Green teas on their own and together on a chilly day. And if you’ve yet to progress beyond the Lipton-style bags of tea your grandmother used to drink, Red Stick Spice offers tools for purchase to help you step up your tea game.
oliveortwistbr.com
A traditional favorite this time of year, Olive or Twist’s version of hot buttered rum features the smooth Flor de Caña seven-year aged rum, a cinnamon simple syrup and, of course, a pat of butter. It’s decadent and warming without being too heavy. Scott Gremillion and his expert team of mixologists at Olive or Twist have a few hot cocktails still on the menu, at least until the end of February. If you’re scared off by the use of butter in the rum cocktail, opt for the Apple Toddy with sweet Calvados apple brandy.
lockandkeywhiskeybar.com
Of several winter hot toddies at Lock & Key, this one is a standout. A hot take on the bar’s popular Bee Sting Smash, it features Irish honey whiskey, a special holiday simple syrup and a splash of sweet tea. Owner Arthur Lauck adds a mint sprig and a lemon wedge to give the drink the floral scents that will have you longing for springtime weather. If the sunnier temps might seem too far away, at least Lock & Key’s relaxing and cozy interior will give you comfort. And in a bar stocked with plenty of solid and complex whiskeys, even a regular cocktail here will warm your insides.
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE. February never fails to hit us with a few more days of wintry mix and below-freezing temps overnight. Before the mild air of early spring returns, you’ve got a last shot at trying some delicious, comforting hot drinks at bars and coffee shops around town or taking one home with you. Here are a few that are sure to warm you up.
Cortado
Magpie Cafémagpiecafe-brla.com
The espresso and coffee at Magpie has amassed a passionate following, and that’s not just because of their intricate foam designs just begging for an Instagram photo. Co-owner James Jacobs considers this an espresso bar first and foremost, which means quality is important. The team there builds each cup of joe carefully using single-cup brewing methods. Magpie’s strong cortado, for example, features expertly made espresso cut with a little warm milk. It’s simple and great as a quick pick-me-up on a cold morning. But if you’re looking to stretch out your caffeine fix, their seasonal spiced lattes feature a different flavor each month. February’s is peppermint.
Hot tea
Red Stick Spice Co.redstickspice.com
We already love Red Stick Spice for its flavorful rubs and spice blends. In recent months, the shop has been creating custom loose tea blends as well. Owner Anne Milneck and chef Lori Zachary developed several inventive blends such as the Pear Caramel Truffle black tea. They offer plenty of individually packaged loose teas, too, if you’re a traditionalist. Or, you can blend a few of them at home if you’re feeling adventurous. We tend to enjoy the floral Jasmine Pearl and Citron Green teas on their own and together on a chilly day. And if you’ve yet to progress beyond the Lipton-style bags of tea your grandmother used to drink, Red Stick Spice offers tools for purchase to help you step up your tea game.
Hot Buttered Rum
Olive or Twistoliveortwistbr.com
A traditional favorite this time of year, Olive or Twist’s version of hot buttered rum features the smooth Flor de Caña seven-year aged rum, a cinnamon simple syrup and, of course, a pat of butter. It’s decadent and warming without being too heavy. Scott Gremillion and his expert team of mixologists at Olive or Twist have a few hot cocktails still on the menu, at least until the end of February. If you’re scared off by the use of butter in the rum cocktail, opt for the Apple Toddy with sweet Calvados apple brandy.
Sweet Sting Toddy
Lock & Keylockandkeywhiskeybar.com
Of several winter hot toddies at Lock & Key, this one is a standout. A hot take on the bar’s popular Bee Sting Smash, it features Irish honey whiskey, a special holiday simple syrup and a splash of sweet tea. Owner Arthur Lauck adds a mint sprig and a lemon wedge to give the drink the floral scents that will have you longing for springtime weather. If the sunnier temps might seem too far away, at least Lock & Key’s relaxing and cozy interior will give you comfort. And in a bar stocked with plenty of solid and complex whiskeys, even a regular cocktail here will warm your insides.
