Community Corner
Weather the Winter Weather with a Cup of Something Steaming
Warm up with one of these yummy beverages
The sidewalks outside might be covered in slushy, melting snow, but don't let that get you down. Fight the freeze and cozy up to a soothing cup of tea, a decadent mug of hot cocoa, or a ladle of steaming punch. Here are a few warming elixirs (in no particular order) you can find around the neighborhood:
With locations in both Park Slope and Cobble Hill, this chocolate boutique offers more than a few varieties of decadent hot cocoa. Try the E. Guittard milk chocolate infused with bourbon vanilla, at $4.50. Or, for those seeking a caffeine fix, try the Café Lou, a half cup of house coffee mixed with bittersweet hot chocolate ($4.50).
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Here, you can have your hot cocoa as you like it. Couple your espresso, steamed milk and melted Belgian chocolate with a range of flavors, from dark mint to white chocolate or cinnamon. And you can't pass up the Funky Monkey: banana-flavored hot chocolate ($3.75 for 8 oz). For an extra 75 cents top your drink with a homemade marshallow.
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Stop by this Carroll Gardens restaurant for a swig of the eatery's hot, liqoured up take on punch ($5). Although the particular variety is always changing, cross your fingers for the "Nor-Easter," a mixture of lemon, maple, allspice dram, Jamaican rum, German brandy, and black tea.
Looking for the perfect drink to soothe a sore throat? Look no further. As you may have guessed from the name, Tea Lounge has an impressive variety of teas to choose from. Try the calming lemon verbena herbal tea with a dash of honey. For those seeking a break from their chai latte routines, Yerba Mate with honey and steamed soy makes for an interesting combination
At this old-timey saloon in Cobble Hill, the eggnog—brandy, rum, spices, and egg—can't be beat. And of course, there's always the lure of Henry Public's killer comfort food (try the grilled cheese with apples) to go along with it.
Though most venture to Blue Ribbon for the food, here's another reason to hit up this classic Slope eatery: the hot toddy. The eatery's take on the classic winter warmer is served with cloves, lemon, and high-grade whiskey.
For those adventurous drinkers, try the Butternut Punch at Applewood over on 11th Street. The concoction of dark rum, applejack, house-made falernum, butternut squash and spices couldn't be more seasonally appropriate. Or go a different direction and try the equally fanciful Tarragon Corpse Reviver: tarragon-infused gin, lillet blanc, lemon juice and luxardo triplum.
Coffee is a year-round classic, but especially welcome on these blustery (and slushy!) winter days. Head to Java Joe on Eighth Street and try the Joe's Treasure blend. This French roast has a deep chocolatey flavor. Or, if you want eggnog with a caffeine buzz, get the eggnog latte.
For those that like it hot, order the Chiles & Chocolate's namesake drink, Chiles y Chocolate. This Mexican hot chocolate is infused with the essence of chipotle for an added kick ($4). Or, for a not-so-spicy alternative, try the chocolate mayordomo, Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon and almonds ($3).
While this patisserie is best known for its hand-crafted cookies and cakes, it also offers delectable hot chocolates. Each one is made with gourmet white or dark chocolate chips and topped with handmade marshmallows. It's up to you if you want to add a dash of peppermint, vanilla or cinnamon sugar.
