EMBRACE THE CHILL
As winter settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace all things cozy. Whether you’re savoring a fireside meal, warming up with a winter drink, or creating a snug retreat at home, let this season be all about comfort and warmth. Here’s to making the most of those long, chilly nights!
Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a solo night in, these drinks bring comfort and flavor to any cozy winter evening.
Wassail
Warm up your winter night with cocktails and mocktails that embrace the season’s coziness! Traditional Wassail, a beloved drink with deep English roots, is a festive favorite. Simmer apple cider with your favorite spices such as anise, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Serve warm and maybe add a splash of brandy, bourbon or rum for a spirited kick.
Coquito
For something a bit richer, try Coquito, a Puerto Rican classic. Often compared to eggnog, this cocktail features coconut milk, coconut cream, condensed milk, rum and vanilla. Some family recipes add spices like star anise, cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s indulgent, tropical and perfect for sipping by the fire.
Non-Alcoholic
Non-alcoholic options are just as inviting. Warm Apple Cider is a classic, but try adding ginger, star anise, and orange slices for a fresh twist. For something lighter, a Green Tea Mocktail is a soothing option with antioxidants and a bit of warmth. Mix brewed green tea with fresh ginger and honey, then add a splash of apple juice for a hint of sweetness.
As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing like a cozy restaurant with a crackling fireplace to elevate a dining experience. Here are five inviting spots perfect for your next winter outing.
Set in a restored chapel in downtown Wheaton, Ivy offers a warm, rustic vibe, thanks to its historic architecture and two fireplaces. Steaks, chops and seafood are complemented by seasonal salads and tempting appetizers.
The Green Post brings the cozy warmth of a British pub to Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. With its antique fireplace, this pub-style eatery serves hearty comfort food ideal for a cold winter’s evening.
In Chicago’s Southport Corridor, Ella Elli offers a refined dining experience focused on exceptional wines and thoughtfully crafted dishes. The décor is sleek and white—even the white, glazed tile fireplace that brings warmth to the chic lounge area.
With fireplaces at both their Wilmette and Glenview locations, Valley Lodge Tavern delivers comfort with its casual ambiance and a menu of crowd-pleasing options like burgers, ribs, and seafood dishes.
In the Edgewater neighborhood, Fireside Restaurant & Lounge has been a Chicago favorite since 1904. True to its name, you’ll find an inviting fireplace along with an extensive menu including ribs, steak, pasta and a Build-Your-Own-Burger Bar.
For a truly unique winter experience, travel north toward the Arctic Circle to embrace the magic of the Polar Nights—periods of continuous darkness or near-darkness that can last for weeks. These enchanting “endless nights” are perfect for bundling up and marveling at the winter sky. With good luck and clear weather, you might even see the Northern Lights!
Situated just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a great place to consider—with nonstop flights from Chicago and plenty of excellent hotels and resorts. On the Winter Solstice, the sun doesn’t rise until 11:00AM and sets before 4:00PM. Steaming geothermal pools like the world-famous Blue Lagoon and plenty of outdoor winter activities are yours to enjoy before settling in for a long, peaceful night.
For an even more dramatic experience, venture hundreds of miles north of the Arctic Circle to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago where the Polar Nights last from mid-November to the end of January. Despite the darkness, there are plenty of wintertime activities, especially in the main town of Longyearbyen. Guided excursions by dog sled, snowmobile and snowcats are just some of the exciting options.
In Finland, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers an unforgettable experience in Lapland, 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Their unique Kelo-Glass Igloos feature a cozy log chalet with an attached glass-domed igloo, complete with fireplace and your own private sauna. Onsite activities include Aurora Hunting by reindeer-drawn sleigh, ice-fishing, horseback riding, ice karting and snowmobiling.
