Oh, the weather outside is frightful.

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, there’s nothing like well-deserved catch-up with friends over a boozy hot drink to make things a touch more delightful.

While we’re big fans of the classics (such as a hot toddy, hot rum or port), there are some intriguing winter warmers and hot cocktails appearing in bars and restaurants all over the city – all of them sure to get you in a jovial mood and divulging the office drama in your outside voice.

Not only will they get you into the festive spirit, but they’ll also defrost your cold little handies and warm you up from the inside out.

Here are some of the best boozy hot tipples to try this weekend:

1. Hot Cider Margarita at Barbarella

Barbarella just launched its new winter cocktail menu and the star of the show is the Hot Apple Cider Margarita made with apple cider, tequila, orange, lemon and maple syrup –  guaranteed to obliterate any lingering frost from your fingertips. The Barack Street bar has a dedicated hot cocktail menu this year with intriguing numbers like a rum-based ‘Fire Inside’ and ‘Campfire Mudslide’- a twist on the classic White Russian complete with milk and marshmallows, as well as Irish coffees, hot ports, and Bailey’s coffee.

 

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2. Winter Warmers at Market Lane

If you’re out for a bite at the fabulous Market Lane, try something from their annual Winter Warmers menu al fresco first. The Hunter’s Grog is a twist on the traditional hot whiskey, made with Jameson and Jack Daniels, topped with apple juice, homemade caramel syrup, honey, and vanilla with lemon juice. We also love wrapping our cold hands around The Ginger Snap – made with a Jameson and Amaretto base smothered in orange juice, homemade ginger, honey, vanilla syrup, and cream. It’s a real zinger.

 

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3. Bourbon Hot Chocolate at The Roundy

The Roundy is an all-year-round kind of pub but it really comes into its own over the winter months. And the crew never fails to disappoint with their hot drinks menu- guaranteed no fuss but always perfectly executed. We’re dying to get our cold hands on their new Bourbon Hot Chocolate.

As the bar announced on Instagram: “It’s hot and chocolatey and it’s got bourbon in it. Woo.”

We also have it from a reliable source that Hot Cider Season has begun in the popular pub. That’s the second round sorted.

 

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4. A Steamy Mulled Wine at Goldberg’s

If your perfect Saturday involves a leisurely stroll down the quays, a browse through the Marina Market stalls, and a stop off for a drink en route home, hit Goldberg’s for a classic mulled wine.

The exterior of the bar is beautifully lit up and the atmosphere is electric.

 

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5. A Perfect Irish Coffee at Le Chateau

Le Chateau didn’t even wait for Halloween to finish before officially declaring it ‘Irish Coffee Season’. Grab a stool at this Patrick Street pub, watch the world go by and the sun go down -especially on Christmas Eve, with a perfectly creamy Irish Coffee in hand. Bliss.

 

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