Philadelphia, PA - In an era before space, heaters, and Thinsulate, simmering concoctions of wine, beer, and spirits were a staple of Philadelphia's colonial taverns. Today that tradition lives on at these local bars and cafes.
- Cocktail lovers at the colorful and crowded Bing Bing Dim Sum can sip and savor the Bonita Applebaum, a concoction that swirls together lemon, brandy, ginger wine, spiced apple puree, and clove. 1648 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 279-7702, bingbingdimsum.com
- What’s better than hot apple cider? The Hot Chai Apple Cider at The Dandelion spiked with Bulleit Rye, chai tea, honey, and lemon. 124 S. 18th Street, (215) 558-2500, thedandelionpub.com
- Anyone skeptical of the idea of hot booze should visit The Franklin Bar. As its name suggests, If You Don’t Know Now, You know packs a convincing punch with rum, apple Schnitz-infused calvados, caramel, Fuji apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 112 S. 18th Street, (267) 467-3277, thefranklinbar.com
- When the weather snaps, Frankford Hall keeps the chill away. The house-mulled wine, made from a traditional recipe, is a spicy delight. 1210 Frankford Avenue, (215) 634-3338, frankfordhall.com
- Step out of the cold and come into the cozy with the Winter Julep at Red Owl Tavern. The original cocktail combines hot mint tea, Maker’s Mark, mint syrup, and lemon juice. 433 Chestnut Street, (215) 923-2267, redowltavern.com
- An epicenter for choco-consumption, the Venezuelan restaurant Sazon features an entire menu devoted to the stuff. Selections change from month to month, but always feature something delicious, such as the El Duende (homemade eggnog, Venezuelan rum, dark sugar cream, and nutmeg). 941 Spring Garden Street, (215) 763-2500, sazonphilly.com
- Those Winterfest visitors who need a more fortifying drink than the hot chocolate mentioned above can sample the S’mores cocktail (hot chocolate, whipped pinnacle vodka, marshmallows, crumbled graham cracker). 101 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 925-RINK, riverrink.com
- Devotees of the hot cocktail will find plenty of options at University City’s White Dog Café. The most fragrant of the bunch is the Happy Hound, a combination of Bill Hill gin, St. Germaine, passion fruit, white grape, orange blossom, and hibiscus tea. 3420 Sansom Street, (215) 386-9224, whitedog.com
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