Chilly days in Chicago are far from pleasant, especially with these real feels in the negatives. But if you have to brave the frigid elements, bundle up and belly up to one of these bars in Logan Square; their cocktails won’t only warm your soul but your frozen fingers, too.
Heavy Feather (2357 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic hot toddy on a cold, wintery night, but if you want to mix it up a bit, head on over to Heavy Feather and sip on the Chocolate Toddy. Made with Canadian whiskey, Creme de Menthe, and marshmallows, this cocktail will also be sure to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Ladies Room (2957 W. Diversey Ave.)
Whether you’re waiting for your table at the endlessly popular Fat Rice or just popping in for a tipple, this cocktail bar is a great place to hide from the cold. Try the Morinaga, which is reminiscent of the hot buttered rum and made with Rowan’s Creek bourbon, pancake cordial, Burton’s Smoked Maple, Amontillado sherry butter and sea salt. There’s also Hot Tea, a large format cocktail with Onu Tuica Romanesca, Letherbee Gin, and Rare Tea Cellar’s Freak of Nature Oolong.
Longman & Eagle (2657 N. Kedzie Ave.)
There’s a reason hot toddies are a dime a dozen the minute winter rolls around the corner. It’s easy to make, they’re delicious, and everyone’s already maxed out on mulled wine by now. But, if you’re looking to jazz up your usual hot toddy, check out Longman & Eagle’s Hot Oddity. Made with bourbon, ginger, maple, honey, lemon, cinnamon, and clove, it has everything you love and then some. It’s never a bad idea to order more than one, either.
Park & Field (3509 W. Fullerton Ave.)
With its welcoming fire pits, DIY s’mores kits and cozy fireplace, Park & Field sure knows how to get its winter on. So, it comes as no surprise that they have an impressive selection of hot cocktails to keep you nice and toasty—in every sense of the word. Sip on the Mint Condition (Basil Haydens, Creme de Menthe, St. Brendans, Le Colombe coffee), the Fernando Valenzuela (Mexican spiced hot cocoa, chili Kahlua, Ancho Reyes Liqueur), the Riptide (mulled wine), or the Playoff Beard (apple cider, maple syrup, bourbon, cinnamon) while you huddle around the fire pits roasting marshmallows or watching the Puppy Bowl this weekend.
Billy Sunday (3143 W. Logan Blvd.) and Scofflaw (3201 W. Armitage Ave.)
Can’t get enough hot buttered rum in your life? Fear not, for two Logan Square cocktail joints are dishing up this winter favorite. Start at Billy Sunday and enjoy rum No. 1 with one of their many delicious snacks or small plates—perhaps the equally decadent chicken liver mousse? Then, walk it all off on your way to rum No. 2 at Scofflaw where, according to ChefsFeed, the hot buttered rum is like “hygge you can drink” and “liquid pancakes.” A hot buttered rum crawl never sounded so good.
The Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the cozy confines of The Whistler is the place to be. According to Chicago Eater, this Logan Square classic is serving up the Toleen, a Thai-inspired cocktail composed of rum, red beans, coconut, vanilla, and Ramazzotti Amaro. But before you grab your coat and start running to The Whistler, remember that the menu changes day to day. So, keep those frozen fingers crossed whenever you go.
Photo: Norma Rios
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