7 Winter Tummy Warmers
I came. I saw. I sipped.
Last week, while most people were still in a post-Christmas daze, I was dashing around town, trying winter drinks for this roundup, which ran in today's Taste section.
Since I ended up sampling seven different drinks, from Irish coffees to hot toddys, it was hard to compare them all. But I did end up picking an overall winner: the mulled cider from Woodberry Kitchen.
Like many dishes at Woodberry Kitchen, it involved several complicated yet delicious ingredients, and, at $10, was kind of expensive. But it was simply fab. Also, this is the last time I will use the word "fab" on Midnight Sun. Promise.
Possibly the greatest discovery was that the bartenders at Metropolitan Coffeehouse and Wine Bar will slip a little something-something in your latte and not charge you much extra for it. I got a gingerbread latte, made with Hiram Walker Liqueur, for $3.25. Score! ...
I ended up making three trips to Mama's on the Half Shell in Canton because they were so packed the first two times, I couldn't even get a seat at the bar. What is it about that place? It's pretty much eternally busy. They don't even have a Web site!
Mama's makes their hot toddys with Jack Daniels, honey, hot water and a slice of lemon. I lamented the lack of cloves, but whatever -- it still got the job done. After a few sips, I started sweating. Success. Bonus points for serving it in a regular old mug.
Oh, and thanks, Babs, for suggesting the traditional Polish cocktail at Ze Mean Bean Cafe. It's called Krupnik, which apparently is Polish for "fire vodka." As my pal jmgiordano said, they can't be accused of false advertising. Whew.
(Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr.)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
"tummy"?
Posted by: JD | January 6, 2010 10:24 AM
tummy.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | January 6, 2010 10:35 AM
TIMMY!
Posted by: Patchen | January 6, 2010 2:54 PM
Tommy, can you hear me?
Posted by: Odie B | January 6, 2010 5:13 PM
I have to agree with the original poster. Grown man using the word 'tummy' = EPIC FAIL
Posted by: drunk richard | January 7, 2010 11:39 PM
Great article, Sam! I am visiting Bertha's this evening to try their hot buttered rum. All of those drinks look delicious! I wish I knew of a bar that had wassail (instead of having to buy the Boordy version).
Posted by: Stefanie | January 8, 2010 2:44 PM
Bad Decisions had a great hot cocoa drink they made me. It was an incredibly thick hot chocolate made with real chocolate, not Hershey's Chocolate Flavored Corn Syrup or whatever. Shot of some peanut rum and topped with whip....yummmms!
Posted by: Jerry | January 8, 2010 2:51 PM
I went to Bertha's...only to find out they are closed until tomorrow.
Posted by: Stefanie | January 8, 2010 8:56 PM