Get Cozy with Winter Drinks at Downtown Olympia Restaurants

The Brotherhood Lounge is known for its atmosphere punctuated with warm red walls, mid-century lamps and décor, and Christmas lights year-round. What might be lesser known is their inexpensive hot drink specials for the cold months, including the house favorite, Hot Buttered Rum, made with handmade batches of employee Elizabeth Lord’s family recipe.

The coziest spot in the house is the curve at the far end of the bar, where you can sit knee-to-knee with your date. Any one of the multiple booths offers ambiance and privacy as well, with soft lighting and appealing hues. For non-alcoholic options enjoy classics like tea, cocoa with whip cream, hot cider, and coffee from Olympia Coffee Roasting Company.

Next to the Port Plaza and Olympia Farmers Market, Mercato provides the proper ammunition to beat the cold, starting with The Smoking Gun—featuring the smoky flavors of agave Mezcal, the sweetness of Amaretto and Pisa, and hot coffee, topped with fluffy whip cream. The Shady Past is another cocktail sure to warm your bones. With brown sugar bourbon, Nocino, black bitters, and orange peel on the rocks, its festive flavor is perfect for sipping.

The most sought-after seats are the large booths with tall backs and proximity to the bar, so grab one if you can. For non-alcoholic favorites, cappuccino is a top-seller, made with organic espresso from Batdorf & Bronson, a touch of milk, and a layer of soft, frothy foam.

One of Olympia’s newest craft bars, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya, also has hot drinks covered. Their extensive hot sake offerings are an obvious selection to get the blood flowing although the bartenders may just convince you to try their creamy, cool, unfiltered Nigori Sake, even on a winter day. For a hot, seasonal drink, try their twist on an apple toddy, Hyogo Ocha, served in a sake glass. Featuring Akashi Japanese whiskey, a homemade apple simple syrup, a lemon twist and cinnamon, it has a nice winter–in-the-Northwest vibe blended with a Japanese influence. The cozy corner spot in the bar situates you next to the window but keeps you close to the bartender. For non-alcoholic drinks the menu suggests Kizuki and Cream made with Yuzu juice, egg white, sugar, and soy milk for a sweet and tangy treat.

McMenamins Spar Café offers a nice selection of warm winter drinks such as Spanish and Moroccan coffees, and a favorite, Hot Apple Pear, made with Tuaca, hot cider, and McMenamins’ brand Edgefield Pear Brandy. The Three Rocks Rum features a blend of rums aged in McMenamins’ Hogshead Whiskey and port barrels to create a delicate sipping rum with aromatic complexity and hints of brown sugar, waffle cone, and pecans. Non-alcoholic drinks include cider and cocoa, and espresso drinks are prepared in-house.

The signature historic charm of McMenamins’ properties is exemplified in the Spar location, with old-school features like hat hooks on the backs of the bar chairs and photographs highlighting Olympia’s yesteryear. The booths that line the right wall are most private and perfect for warming up on a winter’s night.

With windows overlooking Capital Lake, almost any seat in the house is the coziest at Swing Wine Bar, but sitting in the corner booth will afford both you and your companion warmth and a view. On live music nights venture downstairs for a serenade while you sip. With a fireplace and the soft glow of flameless candles, the lower half of Swing has its own intimate feel.

Winter drinks are just emerging from behind the bar, and the staff is playing with seasonal flavors, both savory and sweet, such as anise, cardamom, allspice, and apple. Ask your bartender for winter suggestions and be sure to enjoy a nip of the house-made Atholl Brose, a festive Scottish drink created by mixing steel cut oatmeal brose, honey, whiskey, and cream. For non-alcoholic drinks ask for the delicious local cider from Lattin’s Cider Mill, served warm or cold.