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A shiny green mug filled with frothy spiked chai, placed on a marble table. — A spiked chai cocktail at Residents.

18 Warming Winter Cocktails To Sip in D.C. Right Now

Where to grab a delicious hot toddy, spiked coffee, mulled wine, and more

by Kalina Newman and Tierney Plumb Jan 19, 2022, 2:54pm EST

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A spiked chai cocktail at Residents.

| Hawkeye Johnson/Residents

by Kalina Newman and Tierney Plumb Jan 19, 2022, 2:54pm EST

There’s something satisfying about sipping a hot cocktail during the depths of winter. This season, local bartenders turn to comforting ingredients like spiced rums, teas, cloves, coffee, and honey to help customers combat the cold.

The traditional hot toddy takes many forms around D.C., made with mezcal at Espita or homemade baklava syrup at RĀKO. Find spiked warm cider at Pub & the People and Le Diplomate. And hot chocolate gets a boozy upgrade with peppermint schnapps at Stable or Bruno Mars’s brand of rum at Palette 22.

Here are 18 spots around the District to imbibe while staying warm.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Té con té at Roy Boys

The Shaw bar is all about Bolivia’s beloved hot cocktail this winter, made with chamomile tea, Rujero Singani, honey, cinnamon, and lime ($13). Roy Boys bartender Luis Aliaga also whipped up a new lineup of $10 hot cocktails for Salvadoran restaurant El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan. Try the Cafe Con Piquete (Bulleit Bourbon, orange liqueur, Mexican spiced coffee, and heavy cream).

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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A glass mug filled with chamomile tea, Rujero Singani, honey, cinnamon, and lime sitting on a bar. — Roy Boys fills glass mugs with warming chamomile tea, Rujero Singani, honey, cinnamon, and lime.

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Hot Bourbon Cider at The Pub & The People

There’s plenty to keep guests warm at the the Pub & the People, like wood-burning fire pits outside and a welcoming, neighborhood bar atmosphere. Keep the cozy vibes coming with a cup of hot bourbon cider ($10), made with St. Elizabeth’s allspice dram, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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A post shared by The Pub & The People (@pubandthepeople)

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Cidre Épicé at Le Diplomate

This Biden-approved French cafe in Logan Circle whips up a delightful drink for the season ($12) starring spiced rum and warm cider.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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A post shared by Le Diplomate (@lediplomatedc)

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Tiny Dancer at Cotton & Reed

Union Market district’s rum distillery sends out its best-selling slushy Cocomotion all year, but the extensive cocktail menu also features five unique hot beverages worth a shot when it’s cold. Try the bright orange Tiny Dancer ($12) — a coconut cardamon Thai tea spiked with white rum.

1330 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Rum cocktails in clear mugs sitting in snow — Cotton & Reed hot cocktails this year include Rumpleswissminze (left) and Tiny Dancer.

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Chai at Residents Cafe & Bar

The popular Dupont bar is known for its signature espresso martinis, but its current cast of hot cocktails also deserve a moment in the spotlight. Its take on a hot buttered rum ($16) loops in chai, spiced pineapple, lime, yellow chartreuse, and of course, butter and rum.

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

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A green mug filled with a spiked chai cocktail — The buttery Chai cocktail at Residents.

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Ponche de Invierno at Espita

The stylish cantina in Shaw serves Mexico’s hot holiday punch all winter long. Its version comes with red wine, guava, tejocote apples, and mezcal. Warming cocktails also include a mulled rosé wine with rosemary, ginger, and juniper and a mezcal hot toddy that features French aperitif Pineau des Charentes alongside ginger, honey, lemon, black tea, and Mexican spices.

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1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Three clear glass mugs filled with spirits and fruit garnishes. — Espita’s crop of winter cocktails.

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Calico Irish Coffee at Calico

Warm up with the Blagden Alley bar’s namesake Irish coffee ($11), engineered with Jameson whiskey, cocoa cream, and sugar. Saddle up to its heat lamp-lined outdoor seating area and BYOB (bring your own blanket).

50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Spiked Hot Chocolates at Red Bear Brewing Co.

In addition to a robust selection of beer and cider, the Noma brewery offers six hot cocktails to choose from, including three variations of spiked hot chocolate (Rumchata, Rumple Minze, and spiced rum). Prices run $10 to $11.

209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Hot Toddy at Equinox

The classic hot toddy gets a tropical twist ($18) at Equinox, where it’s made with Glenmorangie scotch, classic warming spices like cloves and star anise, and a blend of orange, pineapple, and lime juices.

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818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

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Schoggi Twist at Stable DC

Take hot chocolate to new heights at H Street’s resident Swiss restaurant that specializes in traditional cheese fondue and regional dishes. The warm Schoggi Twist ($10) is a cup of rich hot chocolate with Godiva chocolate liquor, peppermint schnapps, and a generous dollop of whipped cream.

1324 H St NE, Washinton, DC 20002

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A boozy hot chocolate topped with a huge dollop of whipped cream — The Schoggi Twist at Stable DC is a boozy hot chocolate.

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Hot Toddy at DBGB Kitchen & Bar

At Daniel Boulud’s recently reopened restaurant in CityCenter, this warming winter staple ($16) is made with Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, St. George spice pear liqueur, mint syrup, lemon juice, fresh nutmeg, star anise, and a lemon peel garnish.

931 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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DBGB’s hot toddy — DBGB’s seasonal hot toddy.

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Pfanner Hot Apple Cider at Immigrant Food

The “gastroadvocacy” restaurant from acclaimed chef Enrique Limardo sends out mugs of Austrian hard apple cider made with mulling spices. Find the fruity and crisp drink ($6) on the beer list at its original location near the White House and its dressier Immigrant Food + offshoot inside Planet Word museum.

Open in Google Maps

1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

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An aerial shot of hard apple cider in a mug with a floating cinnamon sprig and lemon. — Immigrant Food’s Austrian hard apple cider.

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Where to Dine and Drink on New Year’s Eve in D.C.

Red Eye-Rish at Buffalo & Bergen

Need a wake-up call? The bagel counter offers a perky cocktail ($12) complete with Jameson nitro and Irish cream. For those who like iced coffee all year-round, bartenders are happy to make the cocktail cold as well.

Open in Google Maps

240 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

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To Stay or To Go Toddy at RĀKO

The new day-to-night cafe from Virginia’s women-owned RĀKO Coffee Roasters warms up Clarendon customers with a glass of rye, homemade baklava syrup, lemon, and hot water ($12).

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2016 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

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A clear glass filled with rye and cinnamon. — RĀKO celebrates its first winter in Clarendon with a hot toddy.

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19 D.C. Happy Hours to Try Right Now

Coquito at La Famosa

The traditional Puerto Rican holiday cocktail, coquito, is available at Navy Yard’s La Famosa all season long. Made with its spiced rum, cream of coconut, condensed milk, allspice, and raisins, the festive drink is available to sip both by the glass ($10) or by the bottle ($45).

1300 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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A post shared by La Famosa (@eatlafamosa)

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Jamaican Coffee at Bammy's

For a weekend escape to the Caribbean without leaving Navy Yard, perk up with this waterfront special by Bammy’s bar director Saied Haddad. The caffeinated drink, made with Blue Mountain Coffee, Hamilton Pot Still rum, and whipped cream ($12), is served only during its DJ brunch on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

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301 Water St SE Suite 115, Washington, DC 20003

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The Berry White at Basic Burger

With front-row views of an ice rink, the trendy burger bar at Pentagon City’s Westpost complex gets into the winter spirit with a trio of hot cocktails. The Berry White is made with white chocolate, raspberry, and Tito’s vodka.

1101 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

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A post shared by Basic Burger (@eatbasicburger)

Sippin’ on S’mores at Palette 22

This Shirlington mainstay offers a next-level twist on hot chocolate, starring Bruno Mars’s SelvaRey chocolate rum and Ghirardelli cocoa poured into a glass with a graham cracker rim and torched marshmallow topping ($13).

4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206

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Sippin’ on S’mores at Palete 22 — Sippin’ on S’mores gets a torched marshmallow topping at Palette 22.

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Té con té at Roy Boys

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Shaw bar is all about Bolivia’s beloved hot cocktail this winter, made with chamomile tea, Rujero Singani, honey, cinnamon, and lime ($13). Roy Boys bartender Luis Aliaga also whipped up a new lineup of $10 hot cocktails for Salvadoran restaurant El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan. Try the Cafe Con Piquete (Bulleit Bourbon, orange liqueur, Mexican spiced coffee, and heavy cream).

2108 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

A glass mug filled with chamomile tea, Rujero Singani, honey, cinnamon, and lime sitting on a bar. — Roy Boys fills glass mugs with warming chamomile tea, Rujero Singani, honey, cinnamon, and lime.

Hot Bourbon Cider at The Pub & The People

1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001

There’s plenty to keep guests warm at the the Pub & the People, like wood-burning fire pits outside and a welcoming, neighborhood bar atmosphere. Keep the cozy vibes coming with a cup of hot bourbon cider ($10), made with St. Elizabeth’s allspice dram, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

1648 North Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Pub & The People (@pubandthepeople)

Cidre Épicé at Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This Biden-approved French cafe in Logan Circle whips up a delightful drink for the season ($12) starring spiced rum and warm cider.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Le Diplomate (@lediplomatedc)

Tiny Dancer at Cotton & Reed

1330 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Union Market district’s rum distillery sends out its best-selling slushy Cocomotion all year, but the extensive cocktail menu also features five unique hot beverages worth a shot when it’s cold. Try the bright orange Tiny Dancer ($12) — a coconut cardamon Thai tea spiked with white rum.

1330 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

Rum cocktails in clear mugs sitting in snow — Cotton & Reed hot cocktails this year include Rumpleswissminze (left) and Tiny Dancer.

Chai at Residents Cafe & Bar

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

The popular Dupont bar is known for its signature espresso martinis, but its current cast of hot cocktails also deserve a moment in the spotlight. Its take on a hot buttered rum ($16) loops in chai, spiced pineapple, lime, yellow chartreuse, and of course, butter and rum.

1306 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Visit Website

A green mug filled with a spiked chai cocktail — The buttery Chai cocktail at Residents.

Ponche de Invierno at Espita

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The stylish cantina in Shaw serves Mexico’s hot holiday punch all winter long. Its version comes with red wine, guava, tejocote apples, and mezcal. Warming cocktails also include a mulled rosé wine with rosemary, ginger, and juniper and a mezcal hot toddy that features French aperitif Pineau des Charentes alongside ginger, honey, lemon, black tea, and Mexican spices.

Open in Google Maps

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Three clear glass mugs filled with spirits and fruit garnishes. — Espita’s crop of winter cocktails.

Calico Irish Coffee at Calico

50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Warm up with the Blagden Alley bar’s namesake Irish coffee ($11), engineered with Jameson whiskey, cocoa cream, and sugar. Saddle up to its heat lamp-lined outdoor seating area and BYOB (bring your own blanket).

50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CALICO - blagden alley (@calico.dc)

Spiked Hot Chocolates at Red Bear Brewing Co.

209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

In addition to a robust selection of beer and cider, the Noma brewery offers six hot cocktails to choose from, including three variations of spiked hot chocolate (Rumchata, Rumple Minze, and spiced rum). Prices run $10 to $11.

209 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

Hot Toddy at Equinox

818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

The classic hot toddy gets a tropical twist ($18) at Equinox, where it’s made with Glenmorangie scotch, classic warming spices like cloves and star anise, and a blend of orange, pineapple, and lime juices.

Open in Google Maps

818 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Visit Website

Schoggi Twist at Stable DC

1324 H St NE, Washinton, DC 20002

Take hot chocolate to new heights at H Street’s resident Swiss restaurant that specializes in traditional cheese fondue and regional dishes. The warm Schoggi Twist ($10) is a cup of rich hot chocolate with Godiva chocolate liquor, peppermint schnapps, and a generous dollop of whipped cream.

1324 H St NE, Washinton, DC 20002

Visit Website

A boozy hot chocolate topped with a huge dollop of whipped cream — The Schoggi Twist at Stable DC is a boozy hot chocolate.

Hot Toddy at DBGB Kitchen & Bar

931 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

At Daniel Boulud’s recently reopened restaurant in CityCenter, this warming winter staple ($16) is made with Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, St. George spice pear liqueur, mint syrup, lemon juice, fresh nutmeg, star anise, and a lemon peel garnish.

931 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

DBGB’s hot toddy — DBGB’s seasonal hot toddy.

Pfanner Hot Apple Cider at Immigrant Food

1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

The “gastroadvocacy” restaurant from acclaimed chef Enrique Limardo sends out mugs of Austrian hard apple cider made with mulling spices. Find the fruity and crisp drink ($6) on the beer list at its original location near the White House and its dressier Immigrant Food + offshoot inside Planet Word museum.

Open in Google Maps

1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

Visit Website

An aerial shot of hard apple cider in a mug with a floating cinnamon sprig and lemon. — Immigrant Food’s Austrian hard apple cider.

Red Eye-Rish at Buffalo & Bergen

240 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Need a wake-up call? The bagel counter offers a perky cocktail ($12) complete with Jameson nitro and Irish cream. For those who like iced coffee all year-round, bartenders are happy to make the cocktail cold as well.

Open in Google Maps

240 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

To Stay or To Go Toddy at RĀKO

2016 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

The new day-to-night cafe from Virginia’s women-owned RĀKO Coffee Roasters warms up Clarendon customers with a glass of rye, homemade baklava syrup, lemon, and hot water ($12).

Open in Google Maps

2016 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Visit Website

A clear glass filled with rye and cinnamon. — RĀKO celebrates its first winter in Clarendon with a hot toddy.

Coquito at La Famosa

1300 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The traditional Puerto Rican holiday cocktail, coquito, is available at Navy Yard’s La Famosa all season long. Made with its spiced rum, cream of coconut, condensed milk, allspice, and raisins, the festive drink is available to sip both by the glass ($10) or by the bottle ($45).

1300 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by La Famosa (@eatlafamosa)

Related Maps

Jamaican Coffee at Bammy's

301 Water St SE Suite 115, Washington, DC 20003

For a weekend escape to the Caribbean without leaving Navy Yard, perk up with this waterfront special by Bammy’s bar director Saied Haddad. The caffeinated drink, made with Blue Mountain Coffee, Hamilton Pot Still rum, and whipped cream ($12), is served only during its DJ brunch on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

Open in Google Maps

301 Water St SE Suite 115, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

The Berry White at Basic Burger

1101 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

With front-row views of an ice rink, the trendy burger bar at Pentagon City’s Westpost complex gets into the winter spirit with a trio of hot cocktails. The Berry White is made with white chocolate, raspberry, and Tito’s vodka.

1101 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Basic Burger (@eatbasicburger)

Sippin’ on S’mores at Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206

This Shirlington mainstay offers a next-level twist on hot chocolate, starring Bruno Mars’s SelvaRey chocolate rum and Ghirardelli cocoa poured into a glass with a graham cracker rim and torched marshmallow topping ($13).

4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206

Visit Website

Sippin’ on S’mores at Palete 22 — Sippin’ on S’mores gets a torched marshmallow topping at Palette 22.

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