Fireside beverages

Photo: Martha Williams

Fireside (5739 N Ravenswood Ave, 773-561-7433)
Now that there’s a crackdown on Sparks and the like, get your jolt-and-buzz combo with spiked coffee drinks at this Edgewater favorite. Go Irish with a Jameson and coffee or all-out with the “Ceoki”: Hennessy, Kahlua, fresh-brewed java and whipped cream.

The Violet Hour (1520 N Damen Ave, 773-252-1500)
Scoring a seat is tough, one by the fireplace even tougher. Go during off-hours and your reward is a warm spot to sip a proper hot toddie. The combo of cognac, Scotch, ginger syrup and lemon will kill anything NyQuil can’t and tastes a hell of a lot better going down.

The Grafton (4530 N Lincoln Ave, 773-271-9000)
With the occasional brogue to be heard from the rugby-watching crowd, it’s little surprise to find hot toddies at this U.K.-leaning pub. We prefer the warmed port, seasoned with brown sugar, lemon and cloves. Get there early for a couch by the fire.

Simon’s Tavern (5210 N Clark St, 773-878-0894)
It wouldn’t be winter without a glogg outing to Simon’s, one of Andersonville’s coziest and most welcoming bars since 1934. In keeping with the ’hood’s Scandinavian history, mugs of warm spiced wine are offered until the first sign of spring.

Fulton Lounge (955 W Fulton St, 312-942-9500)
Is it possible to look manly while sipping a peach vodka-spiked chai soy latte called a Warm & Fuzzy, cozied up to this swank spot’s roaring fire? It is when you have two Warm & Fuzzys, and there’s an open seat next to you.