Crack open a hot one

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

January 11, 2008

Graffiti at 224 E. 10th St owned and operated by dessert whiz Jehangir Mehta features a Satly Hot Chocolate made with Frangelico which has a consistency that almost like pudding. (Michael Casker, Newsday / January 10, 2008)

A hot toddy before a roaring fireplace -- wait, wrong city! Here in the Big Apple, we demand max flavor and flair from our winter drinks. And some like it hot. "Hot drinks are extra fun because the heat enhances alcohol's natural warming effect," says cocktail guru Jonathan Pogash. "They warm your paws, lips and heart." Here are some of New York's coolest hotties-in-a-glass.

Café Sintra at Alfama
Mixmaster Tarcisio Costa whips up espresso, Godiva liqueur, Portuguese brandy and almond essence, $16.
551 Hudson St.

212-645-2500, alfamarestaurant.com

Butterscotch White Hot Chocolate at Country
Country's inviting hot treat, $12, is thick with Valrhona white chocolate, Dewar's and Drambuie.
90 Madison Ave.
212-889-7100, countryinnewyork.com

Big Apple Cider at Madison & Vine
White wine, apple cider, rum and secret spices go into this $12.50 hot number from cocktail kingpin Jonathan Pogash.
299 Madison Ave.
212-865-5535, libraryhotel.com

Cinnamon Apple Tea at Nikki Beach
Twelve bucks buy a Grand Marnier-spiked brew plus all the Euro club vibe you can handle.
151 E. 50th St.
212-753-1144, nikkibeach.com/newyork

Hot Buttered Rum at Belcourt
The East Village's buzzy new "gastropub" serves up this rich, spicy blend made with Ron Zacapa rum, $10.
84 E. 4th St.