Jan. 13--Some people have no trouble sipping mojitos year-round, but those who prefer more seasonal cocktails are in luck.
We found seven finger-thawing adult drinks that will keep you warm until it's time to pack away the parka.
Cafe Monk at The Lucky Monk: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is known to deliver a hearty kick, as evidenced by the knockout flavor of this creamy and caffeinated $8 drink. Fireball is combined with La Colombe coffee, Kahlua and Frangelico hazelnut liqueur for a powerful concoction, topped with a mound of whipped cream, that is best sipped slowly. Beer may be king at this suburban brewery, but the Cafe Monk shouldn't be ignored. 105 W. Hollywood Blvd., South Barrington, 847-898-0500, theluckymonk.com
Hot buttered rum at Rogers Park Social: The opportunity to guzzle a cocktail whose chief ingredient is butter might be my favorite part about winter. Rogers Park Social, an inviting cocktail spot around the corner from the Morse stop on the CTA Red Line, fulfills this seasonal thrill with its masterful $8 hot buttered rum. Kerrygold unsalted butter is hand-rolled with cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices, then mixed with Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum and hot water. A ginger crisp cookie balances on the glass rim for garnish. Perfect execution of the drink requires it be stirred vigorously, a task your bartender will start but one you should continue down to the last scrumptious sip. Two other hot cocktails are served here: a bourbon- and espresso-based drink with creme de menthe, and a ginger hot toddy. 6920 N. Glenwood Ave., 773-791-1419, rogersparksocial.com
Cinnamon Toast at Moody's Pub: The handful of hot beverages available at this sparingly lit neighborhood tavern are listed on the menu under Fireside Fantasies, which fits nicely with the euphoria you'll feel sipping one of them while cozied into a booth near the bar's roaring fireplace. The Cinnamon Toast ($5.25) marries amaretto and hot cider, creating a robust elixir sweetened by the tower of cinnamon-sprinkled whipped cream on top. 5910 N. Broadway, 773-275-2696, moodyspub.com
Matterhorn hot chocolate at The Dawson: For children, snow days spent building snowpeople and starting snowball fights with the neighborhood kids are routinely capped off with a piping cup of hot cocoa made by mom or dad. Sadly, as an adult, snow days are usually spent at work, not frolicking in the winter wonderland outside. The Dawson's house-made hot cocoa mix, with hints of cinnamon and clove, is mixed with Genepy des Alpes (an alpine herbal liqueur), Punt e Mes vermouth and, of course, hot water, resulting in a $12 rich spiked hot chocolate that helps you get your apres ski on without having to leave the city. 730 W. Grand Ave., 312-243-8955, the-dawson.com
Kings Cider at Galway Arms: This Irish pub in Lincoln Park serves 10 hot cocktails, ranging from a no-frills Baileys with coffee to an almost sinful drink made of white creme de menthe and hot cocoa. But we recommend the $7 Kings Cider, a traditional cold-weather drink composed of Crown Royal whiskey, steaming cider, honey, a lemon wedge and a cinnamon stick. Savor each sip to taste the vibrant cinnamon flavor and lemon notes. Tip: On Friday nights, warm drinks are $5. 2442 N. Clark St., 773-472-5555, galwayarms.com
Apple Toddy at Browntrout: The hot toddy, a traditional antidote to winter, is a classic drink with no standard recipe. All that's required is a base liquor (whiskey, rum or brandy), hot water and a sweetener. The rest -- add honey, sugar, lemon, cinnamon, or all of the above -- is your call. Browntrout builds its version around apples, mixing Rittenhouse Rye with apple brandy. Apple puree speckles the simple and soothing drink, which costs $10. Warning: It may cause drowsiness and the urge to snuggle up under your favorite blanket. 4111 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-4111, browntroutchicago.com
Bavarian Coffee at Firkin: This downtown Libertyville restaurant and bar attracts patrons with its broad craft beer selection, but a gem on its cocktail menu is the $8 Bavarian Coffee. Made with Rumple Minze (peppermint-flavored schnapps), Tia Maria coffee liqueur, coffee and cream, it's finished off with a luscious layer of whipped cream. 515 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville, 847-367-6168, firkinoflibertyville.com
jreynolds@tribpub.com
