Fort Defiance, Thelma On Clinton, Extra Fancy, Loreley And Pouring Ribbons | TT NYC

Five hot cocktails to escape winter

Snow days leave something to be desired in adulthood.

That something is the life-affirming pleasure of hot alcoholic drinks.

We braved the elements to track down some of the frozen city's coolest hot drinks.

Clockwise: Extra Fancy | Fever Dream | Punch | The Tenement | Heisser Seehund
Irish Coffee at Fort Defiance
An Irish Coffee ($10) to warm your soul—and your hands. Owner St. John Frizell heats the glass in a water bath before adding Powers Irish Whiskey and simple syrup to a freshly pulled shot of Counter Culture espresso. "Hot drinks should be served hot or not at all," he declares.

The Tenement at Thelma on Clinton
Step inside this homey New American restaurant where manager Katie Foster mixes fresh apple cider and Buffalo Trace Bourbon with curry and clove, which lends an intense spiciness to the aromatic Tenement ($10).

Meyer Lemon, Tangerine & Rosemary Punch at Extra Fancy
Bar director Rob Kruger heats this concoction ($10) in a slow cooker. It may seem a little homey for place with this much class (the drink is served in a chalice), but Kruger says it keeps this sweet drink from overcooking.

Heisser Seehund at Loreley
Heisser Seehund ($9) means "hot seal" in German (naturally). All you need to know is that this citrusy cousin of mulled wine has a boozy dose of spiced, rum-soaked raisins and toasted almonds that'll warm you to the tips of your toes.

The Fever Dream at Pouring Ribbons
Shannon Tebay tops spiked hot chocolate with Chartreuse-infused whipped cream. The Fever Dream ($14) is named for her childhood nostalgia of nursing a cup of cocoa while sick. "You see all kinds of crazy things when you're not well," she says. To set yourself right, add your choice of Old Forester Bourbon, Matusalem Classico Rum or Del Maguey Vida Mezcal. 

Meyer Lemon, Tangerine & Rosemary Punch: Perry's Tot gin, white wine, lemon and tangerine juice, honey and a rosemary sprig

Fever Dream: Mast Brothers chocolate, Charteuse, cream and a choice of Old Forester Bourbon, Matusalem Classico Rum or Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

Heisser Seehund: Dry white wine, spiced rum, lemon juice, sugar, sliced almonds and rum-soaked raisins