There’s no better way to melt away the chill of a cold wintry day than by indulging in a warm and toasty beverage. From specialty coffees, decadent hot cocoas, and creative hot cocktails, explore some of the Erie region’s favorites that are guaranteed to keep you snug and satisfied throughout the season.

The Rosemary Vanilla Latte - Pressed Books + Café + Gifts

This sophisticated and aromatic latte is a unique take on the classic latte. The rich and robust espresso flavors blend perfectly with the herbal infusion of rosemary and hints of sweet vanilla, making it a harmonious and comforting beverage to curl up with, alongside a delicious locally baked treat and a good book. 

Hot Cocktails - Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing

Five & 20 has a variety of cocktails for the winter season including the Irish American Coffee and the Snow Bird. The Irish American Coffee is a classic warmer upper featuring Five & 20 Straight Rye Whiskey, simple syrup, whipped cream, coffee, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. The Snow Bird is a rich and complex flavor profile of Five & 20 Straight Rye Whiskey, orange bitters, Balsam American Amaro (a bitter-sweet herbal liquor), hot cocoa, and hot coffee, topped with whipped cream. You can get them in-house or make at home.

Café Rumchata – Altered State Distillery

This delightful and cozy beverage will lift your spirits with creamy spiced notes of house-made Rumchata. It’s then blended expertly with hot coffee and topped with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg making it a harmonious symphony for your taste buds!

Earl Grey Hot Chocolate - Purrista Cat Café

Enjoy this monthly special throughout winter while cozying up to rescue cats and kittens looking for their forever home. For this drink, Purrista baristas expertly combine the rich black Earl Grey tea flavors with a silky, sweet touch of chocolate and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a great beverage for non-coffee drinkers. Decaf Earl Grey is available on request. Purrista also features hot chocolate flights with decadent flavors such as salted caramel, peppermint, chocolate peanut butter, and white chocolate.  

Mint Chocolate and Butter Rum Hot Chocolates – Romolo Chocolate

With tempting flavors such as mint chocolate and butter rum white chocolate, Romolo’s signature hand-made hot cocoas are perfect for taking off winter’s chill.  Get one to-go or stay and sip one inside the Cocoa Café, where you can also indulge in a bag of Romolo’s famous sponge candy.

Peppermint Mocha Latte - Dunkin Donuts

Whether you like your coffee in the morning, afternoon, evening, or any time in between, a Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle, and cocoa powder is a must-experience wintertime classic. Made with warm, frothy milk and blended with rich espresso, it’s a delightfully refreshing drink with a cool burst of peppermint!

Werner Warmer – Werner Books & Coffee

The Werner warmer made it’s debut on Small Business Saturday and has been a crowd favorite ever since. Butterscotch, Vanilla and a sprinkle of Cinnamon, makes this the perfect winter coffee to warm you up from the inside out. Grab a Brooklyn Jo’s bagel or locally made vegan treat to start your morning off on the right foot.  

The Empress Rickey – Bar Ronin

Though technically not a warm beverage, this sultry cocktail sizzles with smokey allure! Crafted from empress gin that is colored naturally with pea blossom flowers and infused with yuzu, a zesty aromatic fruit, blended with Japanese Hoshizaki soda and crowned with a sizeable bubble that when popped, releases a tantalizing cloud of smokey, citrus-scented vapor.