What to Drink
Winter cocktails in Chicago: Fox Bar, Bar Kumiko, and more
Jump into the Holiday Season with these winter cocktails at some of Chicago’s best cocktail bars.
‘Tis the season to drink Christmas-themed cocktails, and a lot of them! As Chicago envelopes in its very own Winter Wonderland, many bars and restaurants have created their own Holiday-themed drinks and decked up their spaces that scream Christmas spirit.
From hot toddies and mulled wine to our beloved pumpkin-flavored cocktails and glögg, here are some of Chicago’s best spots serving winter cocktails during the Holiday Season.
Pumpkin Spite at The Berkshire Room
Pumpkin Spite at The Berkshire Room, source: Instagram
One of Chicago’s most popular cocktail bars, The Berkshire Room is a craft cocktail lounge managed by The Fifty Restaurant Group. Here cocktails are offered in sleek and refined surroundings. Wines, beers, spirits are all in the background but the spotlight is on winter cocktails like the Pumpkin Site. The drink is made from paolo cortado sherry, pumpkin butter, Amaro Abano, orange curacao, and topo chico.
Where - 15 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Apple Brandy Flip at Fox Bar
Apple Brandy Flip at Fox Bar, source: Instagram
Fox Bar is a tiny, cozy late-night drinking joint with music from local DJs. The menu is always changing and it features locally-inspired cocktails and small bites.
The Apple Brandy Flip is the ideal winter concoction to fuel you for those chilly nights. It is made from Laird’s, Pimento dram, oat milk, vanilla, whole egg, and nutmeg.
Where - 113-125 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Aloha Felicia at Three Dots and a Dash
Aloha Felicia at Three Dots and a Dash, source: Instagram
Three Dots and a Dash, located in Chicago's River North district, is known for its modern tiki cocktails served in a classic Polynesian-island atmosphere. Each cocktail is presented on a hammered bronze tray with a copper octopus and delivered in exquisite crystal glassware, Rudolf and elf mugs, and unique tiki glasses.
Out of the many winter cocktails on the menu, we’ve fallen in love with The Aloha Felicia, made with Saint Lucia rum, Jamaican pot still rum, espresso, cinnamon, coconut, and pineapple.
Where - 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Glögg at Simon’s Tavern
Glögg at Simon’s Tavern, source: Instagram
The Anchor of Andersonville, Simon’s Tavern is a long-standing neighborhood bar with a big beer selection, a jukebox & signature glögg. Glögg is a spiced mulled wine or spirit that is usually alcoholic. This typical Nordic drink is to be savored during winters, especially Christmas. At the bar, you can also pick up the cardamom and nut-spiced wine in bottles for at-home enjoyment. And don’t forget to take ginger cookies on your way out.
Where - 5210 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Mulled Wine at Pleasant House Pub
Mulled-wine at Pleasant House Pub, source: Instagram
Pleasant House Pub is the place to go for savory British pies, craft beer from around the world, and seasonal house drinks. The rum-spiked mulled wine at Pleasant House Pub is the real draw here. The mulled wine is versatile because you can serve it hot for a conventional hot wine or cold for a winter sangria. They also serve a growler of house-made cider combined with Old Forester rye whiskey as another option for keeping you warm.
Where - 2119 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Spiced Chawari at Kumiko
Spiced Chawari at Bar Kumiko, source: Instagram
Kumiko is a Japanese restaurant featuring a small dining area and bar seating. The restaurant is known for its innovative Japanese cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, including an omakase cocktail tasting.
Before trying anything else, you must try their Spiced Chawari and let the blend of gyokuro Shōchū with genmaicha, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, warm you up.
Where - 630 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661
Hot Spiced Cider at The Moonlighter
Hot Spiced Cider at The Moonlighter, source: Instagram
The Moonlighter is a laid-back neighborhood pub that serves burgers, salads, and appetizers, as well as craft beers and cocktails, and also features a patio with a fireplace.
The Hot Spiced Cider is made with country ciders and spices with your choice of whiskey or rum. If you don’t wish to get boozy, just ask the server to get you a non-alcoholic one. Find a cozy spot near the fireplace and enjoy this drink to its most. We’re sure you’re going to be going for a second round.
Where - 3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Some Might Say at The Violet Hour
Some Might Say at The Violet Hour, source: Instagram
In the heart of Wicker Park, The Violet Hour is a must-visit for cocktail connoisseurs. The James Beard Award-winning bar program provides a seasonally rotating cocktail list as well as an extensive collection of approachable and sought-after spirits, all of which are rooted in pre-prohibition era libations.
In celebration of holidays, they will be featuring a special hot drinks menu for their patrons. The hot drinks menu will boast some classic hot ciders, mulled wines, and more. The ‘Some Might Say' hot drink is made with Laird’s Apple Brandy, Smith and Cross, Tempus Fugit Creme de Banane, Giffard Creme de Cacao, Nux Alpina, angostura, and spiced coconut.
Where - 1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Hot Toddy at Sportsman’s Club
Hot Toddies at Sportsman’s Bar, source: Instagram
Sportsman's Club opened in December 2013, features classically inspired, spirit-forward cocktails that change daily and emphasize balance and simplicity. The club is stylish and sets a vintage hunting-lodge vibe. The winter cocktail menu offers drinks like fancy Mulled wine, Apple Cider Jammers, and many more. Your focus should be on their signature Hot Toddies, made from Slane Irish Whiskey, apple brandy, Earl Grey tea, and lemon. Find a quiet spot on their patio and enjoy the hot toddy by the fireplace.
Where - 948 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
