While we dream of a summer sipping frozies on patios around town and in area bars and restaurants, we’re now seriously contemplating warm beverages to help us deal with this cold, cold weather.
(And in case you’re wondering, Dry January can absolutely be ignored in the face of a possible wintery mix. We don’t make the rules.)
Here are some drinks to warm your tummy:
The Establishment’s Hot Todd-E
January is full of cold temps, sure, but it’s also the month of many sicknesses. Head to The Establishment for a warming, soothing bev in the form of the Hot Todd-E, made with ginger turmeric tea steeped with cinnamon sticks, cardamom, whole cloves, allspice, fresh orange peel, orange slices and local honey. The Establishment recommends spiking the tea with Sagamore Straight Rye, but you can add any booze from its collection of 175 bourbons and rums.
Oliver Pluff & Co.’s Toddies
Staying at home but still want a stiff toddy? Look no further than Charleston-based tea company Oliver Pluff & Co.’s Toddies. Choose from orange clove or lemon ginger (there are ‘summer flavors’ like spiced hibiscus, too, if that’s more your speed), and add your own brandy, rum or whiskey.
Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery’s Lillian’s Hot Toddy
Lillian’s Hot Toddy blends whiskey, fresh lemon, sugar and warm house-brewed ashwagandha tea. Ashwagandha tea is purported to contain chemicals that calm the brain. Mix that with some whiskey and we imagine your winter cold worries will disappear quickly.
Citrus Club’s Apple of My Rye
Make your way to the rooftop of The Dewberry for a cozy winter cocktail. The Apple of My Rye is made with, you guessed it, rye whiskey (specifically Michter’s), fresh mulled cider and spiced orange.
Lost Isle’s Hey Hot Stuff
You’re going to want to sip on something as comforting as this beverage while spending time at outdoor restaurant Lost Isle (fear not, the spot has heaters and blankets to help you double-down on cozy). Hey Hot Stuff is made with coconut washed spiced rum, mezcal, apple cider, ginger and lemon.
Commonhouse Aleworks’ Hot Apple Cider
Another option: Sip on Commonhouse’s hot apple cider — with or without rum.
Irish coffees around town
If we’re gonna talk about hot drinks, we have to mention some Irish coffees. You can get this spiked, caffeinated favorite at a number of bars around town — even if it’s not explicitly listed on the menu. We offer a few iterations here but note that this list is not comprehensive.
Bodega’s S’mores Irish Coffee
Pump up the classic boozy coffee drink with this Smore’s-inspired bev, made with graham cracker–infused Tullamore Dew, chocolate syrup, coffee, whipped cream and a toasted marshmallow.
Marbled & Fin’s Fly Me to the Moon
Inspired specifically by Irish coffees from the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, Marbled & Fin’s version is made with coffee, almond, cherry and cacao. Sip on it during one of the restaurant’s newly launched brunch services.
Little Jack’s Tavern’s Irish Coffee (and Hot Toddy)
Perhaps it’s the “gently whipped cream” on top, but Little Jack’s Irish coffee is a CP favorite. Made with coffee, Tullamore Dew and cane sugar, it’s a classic. The spot has a Hot Toddy on deck too, made with bourbon, lemon and honey.
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