As winter and its cold weather set in, warm cocktails become increasingly appealing in Portland’s grey atmosphere. Hot mulled wine, cider drinks, hot punches, eggnogs and toddies are the most classic winter drinks, although many modern bars and restaurants make their own new creative hot cocktails. As one would expect in Portland’s cutting edge culinary scene, many restaurants and bars in Portland offer at least a couple warm cocktail options. 
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Hot Toddy at Moonshine Kitchen & Lounge

Moonshine Kitchen & Lounge makes a wonderful classic hot toddy with either whisky or brandy. The bartender squeezes clove-infused lemons as each hot toddy is ordered, and drinks at Moonshine always taste fresh. The spices and warmth contained by this drink makes it taste perfect for winter, and it’s probably one of the best drink choices for anyone with a winter cold. For people who like cider, a hot cider with whisky or brandy is also a great choice. 

The restaurant itself is cozy. It has a bar, dim lighting, and indoor and outdoor picnic table seating. The primary complaint my party had was that it felt like it should be cozy and quiet but was actually incredibly loud. Sound echoes easily in this location, and being seated next to a loud party can almost ruin the environment. However, the great drinks and delicious, fresh $5 burgers are worth the noise. 

1020 Northwest 17th Avenue
(503) 943-2780

Spanish Coffee at Huber’s Café

Huber’s Café is known for its classic turkey dinners and Spanish coffee drinks. Upon ordering a Spanish coffee at Huber’s, a bartender comes to your table and makes a show of pouring the drink right in front of you, complete with flaming liquors that produce a melted sugar rim. The atmosphere at Huber’s feels like a nice historic steakhouse, so be warned that it is less casual than most places in Portland. Their full-priced dinners are tasty, but the 4 to 6:30 and 9:30 to close happy hours are a better idea for diners on a budget. 

411 Southwest 3rd Avenue
(503) 228-5686

Little John at Tea Zone and Camellia Lounge

The first time I went to Tea Zone, it took me a minute to realize that there was a separate, alcohol-serving lounge behind the quaint front tearoom. It is a somewhat strange concept to combine a tearoom with a lounge, but Tea Zone and Camellia Lounge make it work. The lounge has a decent selection of hot and cold drink options, including several hot tea drinks. My favorite was the "Little John", which combines chai, rum and Frangelico to make a comforting hot drink. Tea Zone’s happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 2 p.m. to close Sunday) offers great prices on slightly fancy tea cocktails, well drinks and wine. 

510 Northwest 11th Avenue
(503) 221-2130

Hot Buttered Rum at Clyde Common

Hot buttered rum is a very traditional winter cocktail, and Clyde Common gives it an extra decadent twist by adding vanilla ice cream from the local shop Salt & Straw. This drink is strong and very warming, with wintery spices and a bit of sweetness. Impressive wine, cocktail and whiskey lists ensure that just about everyone can find something they like to drink at Clyde Common, and lots of wood and communal tables give the restaurant a distinctly "Portland" feel. 
1014 Southwest Stark Street
(503) 228-3333

Many other hot cocktails in Portland deserve a mention, including the hot beer cocktails at Hop & Vine (1914 North Killingsworth Street; (503) 954-3322), varying hot cocktails at local McMenamin’s locations (www.mcmenamins.com) and a couple different toddy-style drinks offered at Paragon in the Pearl (1309 NW Hoyt St.; (503) 833-5060).

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