Steamin’ Spirits: 4 hot cocktails in Columbus

Was it too cold for a craft draft today? Is the wine at home just not warming you up? Does a Moscow mule actually make you think of a Siberian winter?

If the answers to any of these questions was yes, fear not dear reader as we at 614NOW have a quick and effective list for hot winter spirits to help lift your spirits.

Here are your hot and boozy Columbus Cocktails.

THE SPIKED CIDER at ODDFELLOWS LIQUOR BAR | 1038 N High St.
Oddfellows definitely has a strong and passionate group of followers and if you are familiar with their craft cocktail selection, this is not news to you. The Spiked Cider sounds simple, but is as intricate as Oddfellows décor is eccentric. Served in a coffee mug, the HOT cider is accompanied by a healthy dose of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Averna (a sweet and thick Italian liqueur), and cinnamon syrup. Sweet, spicy, and hot, this warm winter cocktail packs a punch and at $7 doesn’t break the bank.

TOASTED COCONUT HOT BUTTERED RUM at GRASS SKIRT TIKI ROOM | 105 N Grant Ave.
Do you need a tropical vacation but have family and work requirements that keep you from hopping on a plane? If so, stop by the Grass Skirt Tiki Room for an island vibe and some classic island drinks. Specifically, get the Toasted Coconut Hot Buttered Rum. Furiously hot water accompanies house-infused coconut rum, allspice butter, Cruzan coconut, Cruzan 151 (that will warm you up), cinnamon and sugar. Oh yeah, it gets set on fire directly on your table.

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NIGHT HUNT at SIDEBAR COLUMBUS | 122 E Main St.
The mixologists at Sidebar are so talented, they can even make Jägermeister seem classy. Enter the Night Hunt: Jägermeister served toddy style with sugar, bitters, piping hot water with a side of hand-whipped cream. This rich and delicious concoction is only $11 and certainly isn’t your father’s Hot Toddy. Also, when at Sidebar, don’t be afraid to go for a very traditional, yet very delicious and affordable Irish Coffee. This no-frills cocktail warms you up and is the perfect ratio of coffee and liquor.

HOT APPLE CIDER at TIP TOP KITCHEN & COCKTAILS | 73 E Gay St.
This mulled (heated with spices and fruit) hot apple cider is delicious and versatile as it can be served with Old Crow Whiskey, Stoli Salted Caramel Vodka (my recommendation) and Cracken Rum. Each choice is delicious and ranges anywhere from $4.50 to $5.75.
What this means is that you can have that awesome and low-key date night, where each of you have two ciders and split the Ohio Nachos, for less than $35. In fact, I am going to text my wife about this now.

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