Tasty cold-weather drinks abound in New London
Spiked hot chocolate, English Hot Toddies, Coquitos and more — here are our top picks for the best "wintry" drinks found in downtown New London.
The one that will make you feel like you’re on a beach on Christmas
The Social Bar and Kitchen's "I'm in love with the Coquito," $11
208 Bank St., New London
A coquito, or more simply a Puerto Rican Coconut Nog, is like an egg nog but without the eggs (at least in this case). Coquitos are typically made from coconut milk/syrup, condensed milk and rum, and The Social’s version of this Christmas beach drink is surprisingly not too sweet. Poured over ice and topped with whipped cream, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon, this Coquito makes for a delicious dessert to round out your meal.
The one that will warm you up in more ways than one
Fatboy’s Bloody Mary, $8
194 Bank St., New London
Bloody Mary? In the winter? Yes. Here’s why: Fatboy's rendition of a Bloody Mary — a spicy and piquant mixture composed of vodka, tomato juice and pepper flakes — is spicier than the average Mary, with a pepper-crusted/parmesan glass rim and pepper flakes added to the drink itself. Besides the generous amount of alcohol added (I swear my bartender put at least four shots of vodka in mine), the spices are another sure-fire way (pun intended) to warm you up.
The one that won't break the bank
Oasis’ Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate, $5
16 Bank St., New London
Broke artists and musicians living in downtown New London can still get their kicks with this spiked Mexican hot chocolate. Consisting of cocoa powder, cinnamon, spices and Blanco tequila, the drink is minimal, sure, but for $5, it’s really a steal — and a perfect treat for a snow day.
The one that might make you feel like a Canadian lumberjack
2 Wives Brick Oven Pizza's Tap 357 Canadian Maple Rye Whiskey on the rocks, $8
45 Huntington St., New London
For a more traditional take on alcohol, or for those looking to steer away from frilly whipped cream creations, try Tap 357’s Maple Whiskey currently offered at 2 Wives Pizza. The name of the alcohol says it all — it’s simply Canadian Rye Whiskey blended with Quebecois light maple syrup, and it’s smooth enough to drink straight, though I’d recommend it on the rocks.
The one that you’ll go bananas for
Dev's on Bank's "Chocolate Monkey," $9
463 Bank St., New London
Dev’s offers an entire menu of hot, sweet, spiked drinks, such as the Keoke Coffee; an alcoholic raspberry hot chocolate; and the Irish cream-buttershot Nightcap (all are $10). But the one that stands out most is the Chocolate Monkey (a creation of rum, banana liqueur, hot chocolate and whipped cream).
The one that’s pretending to be tea
Bar 385's Hot Toddy, $7
385 Bank St., New London
Hot toddys can be as simple as hot water, honey and whiskey. They can also be made with black tea, blueberry syrup, caramel or cinnamon, among other variations. Just ask the bartender at 385 what’s available and they can whip one up by request (385 doesn't have a drink menu). For those not too keen on hot chocolate, Bar 385's hot toddy makes for a great alternative that will still keep you toasty.
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