The arrival of snowflakes in D.C. calls for celebration, and as temperatures drop, local restaurants and bars are finding ways to melt spirits with a plethora of warm cocktail offerings.
These spots in the District are putting their own spins on classic hot cocktail offerings from mulled wine and hot toddies to spiked cider and hot chocolate. Check out these restaurants to beat the winter blues by cuddling up and sipping from a mug filled with a seasonal warm beverage.
Duke’s Grocery
Those looking to escape the snow with a toasty cocktail without leaving campus need to look no further than Duke’s Grocery. Indulge in one of their aptly named “hand warmers” to battle the brutal temperatures outside, while also snacking on one of their many burger options.
Their Apple Farm ($14) features rum, hot apple tea, vanilla-cinnamon syrup and apple cider for a twist on a classic spiked cider. For a bourbon-focused drink, opt for their Chai Toddy ($13) with hot chai tea, honey, lemon and spices. Either drink will be sure to warm both hands and stomach, so bundle up and make the short walk across the snow-covered campus to Duke’s Grocery.
2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.
Calico
This Mt. Vernon Square restaurant, named in honor of the tri-colored feline, is the ideal spot to spend a winter evening playing games and sipping on curated cocktails. The establishment offers trivia and bingo nights Tuesdays and Sundays, so head over to compete amongst friends while drinking one of three hot alcoholic beverages ($12).
For an adult twist on a childhood favorite, try their hot chocolate with vanilla vodka, chocolate syrup and cinnamon whipped cream. For a more traditional cocktail, go for their spiked cider or hot toddy. Match your drink of choice with some of their shareable appetizers, ranging from their baked pretzel ($10) to their tachos ($13), a delightful combination of tater tots and nachos.
50 Blagden Alley NW. Open 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Dirty Habit
This downtown D.C. restaurant’s Winter Chalet menu evokes feelings of après after a long day out on the slopes. Pair one of their warm cocktails with churros ($16) or poutine ($16) to reminisce about the warmth of summer, and go for their s’mores ($17).
Their Grape Reverie ($18) features a mulled cabernet sauvignon, cognac, cranberries, masala chai and honey for an elevated take on mulled wine. For a sweeter cocktail, opt for their Naughty and Nice ($20), with rum, salted dark chocolate, amontillado shery and toasted charcoal marshmallow. These limited-time special drinks are sure to warm both your hands and your heart.
555 8th St. NW. Open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday; and 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Mikko
Saving the best for last, Dupont’s Mikko is the holy grail of warm cocktails in D.C. The Nordic-themed eatery is killing the hot beverage game with nine winter cocktails.
Sticking true to the Scandinavian concept of hygge, Mikko is crafting the coziest of atmospheres with seasonal food and drink. Relax in their heated outdoor patio while sipping from a mug full of their boozy beverages.
Try a spiked cider or chai, or get more adventurous with their Red Glögg, a mulled red wine topped with raisins and almonds, or their Orange Apple Amaretto Punch. Enjoy one of their Norwegian spins on classic cocktails with their Apple Cardamom Toddy flavored with traditional Norwegian cardamom or their Nordic Coffee made with linie aquavit, a Norwegian liquor. Stop by for Mikko’s 4 to 7 p.m. daily happy hour and pair a warm drink with one of their tasty pastries for a celebratory fika to start the new year.
1636 R St. NW. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.