Hot Drinks in the City! Local Roots Food Tours Guides the Way!
Hot Child in the City? Nah, it’s too Cold. How about Hot Drinks in the City? by Bethany Woy
You’ve been shopping all day, crossing off your Christmas list and your hands, feet and body are freezing. What better way to warm your spirits then indulging in a hot drink? Below I’ve listed a few wonderful places to stop in, warm your soul and enjoy the holiday season.
For those of you over 21: I’ve listed a few “adult” beverages that will definitely keep you warm and cozy. Bottoms Up!
Coffee Works
This time of year is exciting for specialty drinks. Head in to Coffee Works today and try an Egg Nog Espresso drink and a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. You won’t be sorry. Warm up your tummies and get to know some of the wonderful people that work behind the counter.
Do you have coffee lovers in your family? Gift packs will be available throughout the holiday season and will feature Melitta mugs, filters, a pound of coffee (your choice), ornaments, chocolates and (the best part!) chocolate covered coffee beans! What better gift could you give?! Steer clear of those corporate, overpriced coffee shops and head to Coffee Works today. Not only does Coffee Works sell warmth, comfort and friendliness, they also serve a mean cup of coffee.
Since 1982, Coffee Works has been not only a neighborhood coffee shop (also an independent in-house roaster!) it has also become a home away from home. John Shahabian has grown up in the coffee business and says, “We have a long East Sac presence. We are very friendly; we go out of our way to make sure people are happy. That’s what we do. You can buy coffee from anywhere these days: you can get it in a bag, you can get it in a can, and you can even spend $20 a pound if you are so inclined. But, what sets US apart from other specialty coffee shops is that when you leave our shop, you feel connected to the community because we talked about your dog, or your kids, or you have something exciting in your life that you want everyone to know and we get excited to hear those things.” Not only are they some of the nicest people you will encounter- the coffee speaks for itself.
3418 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 452-1086
http://www.facebook.com/CoffeeWorks916?sk=info
Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates
You are fooling yourself if you think you can walk through the doors of Ginger Elizabeth and not purchase anything. You think I’m wrong? Go ahead and try it! It’s impossible. Just entering the beautiful shop your blood sugar will shoot through the roof. (In a good way!) Ginger Elizabeth is known for her handcrafted chocolate creations and beautiful boutique where you can actually watch the desserts being made. If you haven’t been to Ginger Elizabeth yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful experience that everyone should try.
My favorite indulgence is the Oaxacan Spicy Hot Chocolate. It’s literally like drinking heaven. (Should heaven be warm and smooth) It consists of Ginger Elizabeth’s blend of semisweet chocolate infused with cinnamon, chilies, vanilla and ginger. Oh and if it could get any better…it does. Each hot chocolate is garnished with fresh whipped cream or (and this is my favorite) house made vanilla bean marshmallows. Oh man. Out of this world! Amazing flavors and perfect combination for the holiday season. Try one today!
1801 L Street,Suite 60,Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 706-1738
www.gingerelizabeth.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ginger-Elizabeth-Chocolates/126377599403
The Golden Bear
If only there was a place with gourmet, delicious food and warm drinks that would fill your belly? Oh wait, there is. If anyone has ever lived in Midtown Sacramento, it’s almost impossible to not know about The Golden Bear. With its warm fire heaters and welcoming interior, it is quite a hot spot in the downtown area. Not only do things on their menu whet anyone’s appetite, their drink menu is bursting with crazy concoctions.
One of my favorites? The Classic Hot Toddy. Now, this warm drink can be made with several variations. I prefer mine made with Crown Royal. Hot apple cider, lemon juice, honey and Crown Royal. Sprinkled with a little cinnamon. OMG. It doesn’t get better than that. The folks at Golden Bear know how to get it done right. I promise, one Hot Toddy will warm you from the inside out. Sip slowly and savor the flavors. While there, take a look at their amazing dinner menu. Pizzas, sandwiches and salads that would make any empty tummy full and happy.
2326 K Street,Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 441-2242
http://www.goldenbear916.com/
http://www.facebook.com/GoldenBear916
Lucca Restaurant & Bar
Nestled in between downtown and midtown, Lucca has become a favorite stop for many of the politicians in town as well as the Capitol workers. Known for its delicious dishes and even better drinks, it quickly became one of my favorite places in town. Chef Ian McBride prides himself on using fresh, local and sustainable products in each of his menu items. I absolutely love Lucca’s wine list and cocktails.
My favorite this time of year? The Hot Apple Pie. Yes, it’s just as good as it sounds. It is warm apple cider mixed with Tuaca (a vanilla citrus liqueur) topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. It. Is. Fabulous. It literally tastes like you are biting into a huge slice of holiday apple pie. Warm and tangy. (Now, if you are wanting to still sample some holiday cocktails but want to try some cooler drinks… Let me recommend the Pumpkin Spice martini and the Earl Gray Vodka drink. They are perfect for this time of year. Just wear your mittens!)
1615 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 669-5300
www.luccarestaurant.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucca-Restaurant-and-Bar/257543680645
The Shady Lady Saloon
I just got off of the phone with Carl, the General Manager at Shady Lady Saloon and he informed me that some pretty amazing things are going to be happening to the cocktail menu in the next week. The amazing addition of mulled wine, hot buttered rum and Tom and Jerry’s. Oh man, oh man. Next week is going to be awesome! Shady Lady is known throughout Sacramento for its amazing food, gorgeous décor and artisanal and seasonal cocktails. Mulled wine is a usually prepared with a nice red wine and warmed with a variety of spices (usually cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and others) and served with a twist of lemon or orange. It. Is. Absolutely. Delicious.
Hot Buttered Rum is a classic American seasonal cocktail. And I save it for last because it is my all-time favorite: Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, dark rum and hot water. It is a perfect drink for a cold blustery day when all you want is something comforting. I recommend any cocktail at Shady Lady but I must say when it’s chilly outside pick from one of their warm and cozy libations. Enjoy!
1409 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 231-9121
http://www.shadyladybar.com/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/ShadyLadyBar?sk=info
Zen Sushi
$2.00 Sake Bombs! $5 Bermuda Triangle (Sailor Jerry Rum, Peach Schnapps & OJ)……A hidden gem happy hour stop for sure! Every day from 3pm to 6pm. Hot sake will blow your mind. Truthfully. Sake is a rice based Japanese drink that can be served cold or hot. Personally, I prefer my sake warm. I think it is a perfect combination for a cold winter’s day. Now whether or not you are familiar with sushi, I will fill you in on a little secret. Do yourself a favor and go in today, order a Mike’s roll and a bottle of hot sake. It’s the solution to any holiday stressor. You’ll be pleased you did. If you enjoying eating sushi as much as I do, you’ll know that Zen Sushi is absolutely delicious. Their rolls are made with expertise and their tuna sashimi rivals any in the city.
900 15th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 446-9628
http://zen-sushi.com/site/
http://www.facebook.com/ZenSushiSac?sk=info