Admit it: your best friend’s recipe of putting candy canes in a cup of Swiss Miss and schnapps and calling it a holiday cocktail was only cute in college. You also don’t see Santa express delivering an espresso machine to your laundry room anytime soon (if only). Head out of the house and into these Stamford comfort zones to try our favorite holiday drinks to warm you up this winter!
1.) Mint Chocolate Chip Mocha from Café Oo La La
This coffee shop’s egg and cheese sandwiches are served on fresh croissants and have become the stuff of Yelp legend. Owner and chef Faina Yelensky makes mouth-watering creations that will transport you to the Euro-trip you wish you could escape to during the hectic holiday season. Grab the mint chocolate chip mocha to make rushing around to prep for your Hanukkah Seder a little sweeter.
2325 Summer Street, (203) 353-3300
2.) Irish Coffee from Tigin Irish Pub
Bushmills Irish Whiskey, brown sugar, and whipped cream with cinnamon swirls make this cup a ‘can’t miss’. This cozy Bedford Street joint serves up fantastic pub fare (try the Hangover Panini during their weekend brunch hours) and is the premiere sports bar for viewing European sporting matches (and the cute fans that watch them). Watch some footy while you enjoy this java!
175 Bedford Street, (203) 353-8444
3.) London Fog Tea Latte from Lorca
You don’t need a passport to enjoy this high tea. This house-made sweetened earl grey is infused with milk and lavender that soothes the drinker with every sip. Pair it with the earl grey shortbread cookies or Lorca’s signature churros with chocolate dipping sauce. This popular java hub also has seasonal pies that can’t be beat. Try their salted honey custard pie, or rediscover your pumpkin pie love affair all over again.
125 Bedford Street, (203) 504-2847
4.) Hot Cider Toddy from Hudson Grille
Voted the Best Singles Scene of the Gold Coast for those under 35, Hudson Grille is the perfect place to cozy up with a new date or that longtime friend you’ve been crushing on. Nothing says confidence like ordering a drink for the person you’re out with. Spiced whiskey and Lyman Orchard apple cider? Fresh lemon sorbet? Star anise and nutmeg? You might need to reevaluate if they are worthy of your affection if they don’t think those sound like the makings of the perfect cocktail.
128 Bedford Street, (203) 883-8600
5.) Glass (or Bottle – we don’t judge) of Chateau de la Bouyere, Bordeaux Blanc, France from Napa & Co.
According to wine connoisseur and Napa & Co. owner Mary Schaffer, “holiday dinners – from turkey to ham to gravy to stuffing – are a chaotic blend of flavors that makes choosing wine pairings especially challenging.” While there is not one surefire wine that can handle the taste bud overload, picking a glass that plays a neutral, blending role is your best bet. Schaffer advises not to go crazy with selecting a bottle for your soiree: “It is just grape juice! The goal is to make your meal and your memories better over a great bottle of wine – not drive you nuts in the wine shop!”
75 Broad Street, (203) 353-3319