Fingerless gloves were an invention intended to improve the ability to wrap your digits around hot mugs. Well, that's only a fraction of the truth. They are meant to improve dexterity of your fingers, which applies the same concepts; take from that what you will. So, naturally, with rumors of snow on the horizon, I pulled mine out of the drawer and went on a frigid excursion to find mugged cocktails to warm you from the belly out. There are the classic hot beverages like the hot toddy and Irish coffee; however I went in search of the more adventurous toasty sippers. The trailblazing, compelling concoctions are perfect for a warm up on a cold day. Three cheers to toasty sippers!
Tequila Toddy
Paesan Kitchen and Bar features a toddy for tequila lovers. Cazadores Reposado plays center stage and is swirled with a house-made orange or lemon cello and steaming hot water. Garnished with a cinnamon stick-speared citrus peel, this cocktail is delicate in flavor while the garnish serves as a nice aesthetic and teases with autumn aromas. Simply ask for the "lemon (or orange) cello toddy" ($10). It's a lovely little warm up for a winter walk along Foss Waterway. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m. to midnight Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 1701 Dock St., Tacoma, 253.301.2396
Sparkmarker
The great minds of Hilltop Kitchen have been bringing national recognition to Tacoma with their cocktail concoctions since their days heading 1022 in the same neighborhood. And with new digs, their cocktail craftiness is still going strong. Hot beverage must-try is the Sparkmarker ($10). They warm the mug before preparing the drink, which makes it inferno hot (in a good way). Big flavor lies in wait with a Masala chai-infused rum, Becherovka (an herbal bitters) and hot cider. The potion is alluring in aroma with flavor-forward spices, herbal whispers and a touch of sweetness. It's complex and delightful. 11-2 a.m., Monday-Saturday, 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.327.1397
The Irish Daddy Coffee
If you've ever sipped on a Bailey's and coffee and thought to yourself "it's missing something," then boy howdy do I have the cocktail for you. The Irish Daddy Coffee at Dirty Oscar's delivers up your traditional Bailey's and coffee with a twist because, naturally, this moonshine bar invites Cat Daddy Moonshine to the party, which gives the classic Irish creamy goodness a little spicy boost and a lotta kick booze wise. It'll melt anyone's cold, cold heart and keep them a little perky with caffeinated goodness. Add whipped cream to the mix, and you could almost call the Irish Daddy dessert. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 8-2 a.m. Friday-Sunday, 2309 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.0588
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