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Stella by Starlight at Queen Mary's Tavern
Photograph Courtesy of Jennifer ContraveosStella by Starlight at Queen Mary's Tavern
Photograph Courtesy of Jennifer Contraveos

Hot cocktails to drink this winter

When the temperatures plummet, warm your cheeks with these hot cocktails at bars and restaurants around Chicago

Written by Sara Freund
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Winter in Chicago lasts a long time, so thank goodness for high tea, cozy fireplaces and plenty of hot cocktails at Chicago restaurants and bars. This year, bartenders are bringing their A game, with innovative takes on classic drinks—Mexican Christmas punch, uniquely spiced hot toddies and tequila drinks with warm milk—designed to keep you toasty all winter long.

RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Chicago this winter

Hot cocktails in Chicago

1. Two Turtle Doves at Bad Hunter

  • Vegetarian
  • West Loop
  • price 3 of 4
Two Turtle Doves at Bad Hunter
Two Turtle Doves at Bad Hunter
Bad Hunter, the veggie-centric West Loop hit, serves up a satisfying, warm cocktail with Cardamaro, Amaro Lucano, rum, cranberry syrup and lemon. $10
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2. Tom and Jerry at 1952 1/2 Liquorette

  • Cocktail bars
  • Bucktown
Tom and Jerry at 1952 1/2 Liquorette
Tom and Jerry at 1952 1/2 Liquorette
This southern bar concocts a cocktail that was traditional served during the holidays before Prohibition began. Sip on this drink made with Suntory whisky, Tom and Jerry batter, warm milk, allspice and cinnamon.
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3. Back Rub at The Barrelhouse Flat

  • Cocktail bars
  • Sheffield & DePaul
  • price 2 of 4
Back Rub at The Barrelhouse Flat
Back Rub at The Barrelhouse Flat
There's nothing that'll warm you up quicker than a bourbon cocktail. Massage your throat with this combonation of Angel's Envy bourbon, amaro sfumato, honey, cinnamon and hot chocolate. $10
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4. The Layered Holiday at Drumbar

  • Cocktail bars
  • Streeterville
  • price 3 of 4
The Layered Holiday at Drumbar
The Layered Holiday at Drumbar

The bar on the 18th floor of the Rafaello Hotel mixes up a salty, sweet cocktail perfect for the holidays that incorporates Averna, rosemary infused pineapple rum, Angostura and salted caramel. $13

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5. Sporty's Toddy at Sportsman's Club

  • Dive bars
  • Ukrainian Village
  • price 2 of 4
Sporty's Toddy at Sportsman's Club
Sporty's Toddy at Sportsman's Club
Post up at this funky, taxidermy-filled during a cold winter night. Warm up with a hot toddy made with Dewar's 12 year whiskey, sherry, amaro, craberry syrup and lemon. $10
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7. Tia Juana at The Whistler

  • Cocktail bars
  • Logan Square
  • price 2 of 4
Tia Juana at The Whistler
Tia Juana at The Whistler
This cocktail finds inspiration in a traditional Mexican Christmas punch. The Whistler's spiced take is made with dark rum, tamarind, star anise cinnamon, apples, raisins and lemon. $10
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8. Solid Serenade at Presidio

  • American
  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4
Solid Serenade at Presidio
Solid Serenade at Presidio
Tequila isn't just for warm weather. Presidio mixes up a wintry hot cocktail made with añejo tequila, oloroso sherry, CH Chile Amargo batter and hot whole milk. $14
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9. The Base Layer at Pub Royale

  • Pubs
  • Ukrainian Village
  • price 1 of 4
The Base Layer at Pub Royale
The Base Layer at Pub Royale
Hide out in this pub and lose track of time sipping on a uniquely-spiced hot cocktail made with Bacardi 8, bourbon, Garam masala syrup and all spice dram. $10
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10. Hot Tea at Bar DeVille

  • Pubs
  • River West/West Town
  • price 2 of 4
Hot Tea at Bar DeVille
Hot Tea at Bar DeVille
Head to this Art Deco-styled bar and sip on some boozy hot tea in buttery leather booths. This simple cup of tea is made with Bacardi 8, tea, lemon and an orange peel. $10
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11. Rare Tea Toddy at Trenchermen

  • Contemporary American
  • Wicker Park
  • price 2 of 4
Rare Tea Toddy at Trenchermen
Rare Tea Toddy at Trenchermen
Try a classic toddy at this low-key bar. The Trencherman mixes up this winter cocktail with Rare Tea Cellar's tea, rye whisky, amaro and lemony honey syrup. $10
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12. Rum at Estereo

  • Café bars
  • Logan Square
  • price 2 of 4
Rum at Estereo
Rum at Estereo
Escape the bitter cold in a Latin-inspired bar and order the hot Rum cocktail made with Bacardi 8, Klug Farms Apple Cider, cinnamon and spiced pear. $10
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