2010 Feb 16 Getting Warmer One Swig at a Time
Temperatures plummet. But we hearty northerners accept no excuses. Do not let the cold get in the way of your fun. Grab a pal and warm up on the hot drink specials all around town instead.
Drei Kronen
The largest microbrewery in town stays faithful to its German roots by making glühwein – a popular German drink made of heated red wine, cinnamon sticks and vanilla – for RMB 58/68 a cup.
Sun-Thu 11.30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11.30am-late. 1/F, Bldg 5, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District. (6503 5555) 朝阳区工体东路中国红街5号楼1层
Vineyard
This hutong cafe started serving mulled wine on the very first day of snow. For only RMB 25, you get a glass of Chilean red topped off with Grand Marnier liquor for that extra kick.
Tue-Sun 11.30am-10.30pm, closed Mon. 31 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District. (6402 7961) www.vineyardcafe.cn 东城区五道营胡同31号
Scarlett
Not a fan of mixed drinks or wines? Then gulp down hot shots with espresso and milk foam (RMB 40) at Scarlett, with options ranging from French Coffee to Hot White Russian.
Daily 6pm-3am. Hotel G, 7A Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6552 2880) www.hotel-g.com 朝阳区工体西路甲7号北京极栈内
e.a.t.
This bar has one of the best hot cocktail selections around town. Try their classic mojito mixed with steaming green tea (RMB 35).
Daily 10am-2am. 70 Gulou Dongdajie (east of Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District. (6709 1383, 138 1118 3659) 东城区鼓楼东大街70号
Fubar
The Hot Buttered Rum (RMB 35-40, 330ml) delivers a healthy dose of alcohol with dark rum, brown sugar, nutmeg and boiling water, finished with a smear of butter and a cinna¬mon stick. If that sounds too intense for you, stick to their hot toddies (RMB 35, 60 ml) and glühwein brewed from an Austrian recipe (RMB 35, 330ml).
Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-4am. Behind Stadium Dog, Gate 10, Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang District. (6593 8227) 福吧, 朝阳区工体东路工人体育场东门内10号进口
Flow Lounge & Bar
This Swissotel lobby bar has come up with a number of hot chocolate concoctions, from European chocolate cocktails (RMB 70) to Sichuan Pepper Hot Chocolate.
Swissotel 2 Chaoyangmen Beidajie, Chaoyang District. (6553 2288) www.swissotel.com/beijing 港澳中心酒店，朝阳区朝阳门北大街2号
2/F
Forget all about the cold with a sip of 2/F’s “Hot French.” The preparation is a sight to see: Grand Marnier, orange and cloves are heated in a flask, placed in boiling water, and then lit and poured as a stream of flame into a glass. Cheers.
Mon-Fri 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun 6pm-4am. Sanlitun Houjie (south of 3.3 Shopping Center), Chaoyang District. (6416 4549) 贰楼, 朝阳区三里屯北街3.3服装大厦南侧
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