By Marissa Block
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
The threat of below-freezing temperatures is upon us. Instead of locking yourself away for the winter, try warming up the old-fashioned way, from the inside out.
From classic favorites, like Irish coffee and spiked cider, to something a little out of the ordinary, the possibilities are endless.
For a twist on the everyday hot chocolate, try the "Hot Turtle" at Brothers Bar & Grill. It’s just hot chocolate mixed with butterscotch schnapps and topped with whipped cream.
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If you’re not a fan of butterscotch, ask for a "Mounds Bar." It’s the same thing, but with coconut rum instead of the schnapps.
Or maybe you’d rather shake it up with some hot coffee. At 300 First, they’ve taken the traditional Bailey’s and coffee, added some Amaretto and Kahlua, and now it’s the "Perfect Ending." Or try "Something a Little Nutty," a mix of coffee, Irish cream and Frangelico.
"We can make other drinks too if you want them," said Jessica Haus, a waitress at 300 First. Other great additions include Chambord, Godiva and Godiva White, Sambuca and Starbucks Coffee or Cream Liqueur.
If you’re looking for something homemade, head over to O’Neill’s Pizza Pub for cider or a Hot Toddy.
"Our Hot Toddies are really rich," co-owner Shannon O’Neill said. "They’re made with sugar, ice cream, butter, brown sugar and your choice of alcohol — usually rum or whiskey."
To warm up the Irish way, O’Neill recommends a shot of Red Breast or Midleton Irish whiskey.
"If you like Jameson, you’ll love these," O’Neill said. "They’re both really smooth."
Special to O’Neill’s for anyone craving a warm liquid pick-me-up without alcohol is their Sipping Chocolate, a rich blend of heavy cream and dark chocolate topped with whipped cream.
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"It’s like dark chocolate pudding," O’Neill said. "It’s perfect if you’re craving just a little bit of chocolate at the end of your meal."
