When it’s chilly outside and you’re thirsty inside, there’s practically nothing better than holding a warm mug in yours hands, smelling the aroma waft up to your nose and feeling your body temperature rise after taking that first sip.
And hey, if you get that peaceful, glowing feeling every time you have a pumpkin spice latte, more power to you.
But if you’re in search of something that’s little different, toasty and possibly spiked, you’ve got options across Atlanta. Let’s explore.
Gina's Brownie Latte Hot Cocoa at Ebrik Coffee Room, 16 Park Place SE
Walk into this haven for Georgia State University students and pick your poison from various tasty choices, including: cardamom-spiced Turkish coffee, hot chocolate made with Ghirardelli's sweet ground chocolate and Gina's Brownie Latte Hot Cocoa. That last one's a mixture of regular hot chocolate, hazelnut syrup and two shots of espresso. Yep, that's what you came for.
Drinking Chocolates at Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate, 99 Krog Street
Xocolatl specializes in selling house-made chocolate bars that contain only cacao, cane sugar and either water or coconut milk — and no artificial additives or preservatives. But the micro-factory at Krog Street Market also serves warm drinks, such as the Classic Hot Chocolate; a thicker, creamier Coconut Milk Drinking Chocolate; and hot cacao tea. If you feel an addiction forming, pick up the packaged mix to take home.
Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta, 88 West Paces Ferry Road
Every Friday through Sunday afternoon, the St. Regis in Buckhead offers formal tea in its restaurant, Astor Court. The menu through Nov. 23 begins with a welcome glass of mulled apple cider, continues with sandwiches and sweets and ends with a soothing cup of tea or coffee. Your reservation can be secured by calling 404-563-7799.
Flannel Season at Yebo Ski Haus, 111 West Paces Ferry Road NW
Buckhead restaurant Yebo Beach Haus has transformed into its seasonal pop-up, Yebo Ski Haus. In addition to decking out the place with "apres ski" decor, the menu includes a mulled wine cocktail called the Flannel Season. It includes Bordeaux, cognac, clove, cinnamon, cardamom and almond. And yes, it'll go great with your wool lumberjack shirt.
Hot buttered rum at Trader Vic's, 255 Courtland St. (inside the Hilton)
The hot buttered rum — a self-explanatory cocktail if there ever was one — is served up with a flaming spoonful of Bacardi 151 on top. It's slightly more intense than a latte, but it'll warm you right up. Just one should do the trick.
