Best Hot Drinks In Pittsburgh

If winter returns with a vengeance, blanketing the area with inches of cold slush, you'd better hope you're prepared. No, not with shovels, coats and scarves — it's all about finding the best winter drink. Be prepared for the worst weather with this list of the best hot beverages the 'Burgh has to offer.

Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar, Inc.
300 39th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 260-6968
arsenalciderhouse.com

This Civil-War-era cider cellar features musket cider taps, civil war caps and old iron antiques. The worst civilian casualty of the Civil War happened just across the street at the Lawrenceville Arsenal: It is said that windows up and down 39th street shook from the explosion. The choices here rotate with the seasons with names including Fighting Elleck, Negley's Nectar, Symington's Sour Cherry Union and Picket Bone Dry Apple. If you've never tried hot, hard cider, it's time. Enjoy a pumpkin-flavored cider in October and November, and in December you won't want to miss Santa's cinnamon. Bring it home for the holidays but do not boil it because you will burn off the alcohol. Just warm it on the stove gently and curl up by the fire to chase away the winter chill.

Mon Aimee Chocolat!
2101 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 395-0022
www.monaimeechocolat.com

There is, in fact, a difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa. Mon Aimee Chocolate! owner Amy Rosenfield takes pride in the fact that she uses only the purest ingredients in her rich, creamy, thick European-style hot chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, nothing but the best will do. Rosenfield said she prefers Guittard because all of the ingredients are natural, from the pure cane sugar to the real vanilla beans. Guittard dates back to the Gold Rush days in San Francisco. Most people come to Mon Aimee Chocolat! to fill their pantries with incredible chocolate and gourmet sweets, but while you are there, be sure to try the dark and spicy hot chocolate with cinnamon and a combo of other spices. If you prefer, try the dark milk hot chocolate — it's great for sipping on a frosty day.

Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle
2329 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh PA 15222
(412) 642-6622
www.harpandfiddle.com

Try Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle in the Strip District for the best Irish coffee and hot toddies in Pittsburgh. Enjoy live Irish music to warm your soul as these toasty beverages warm up the rest of you. Owner David Regan mixes up double-strength hazelnut decaf, Jameson Irish Whiskey, freshly whipped cream, sugar and a touch of creme de menthe for Irish coffees like nothing you've ever had.

Related: Best Spots To Warm Up During Winter

61C Cafe
1839 Murray Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 521-6161
61ccafe.com/

Located at the 61C bus stop at the corner of Murray and Bartlett, the 61C Cafe is practically a Squirrel Hill Landmark. It offers wireless Internet, and lots of folks bring their laptops and settle in for several hours just sipping away at the drink on the extensive menu here. Enjoy eight types of espresso on the menu and countless teas to warm up, or snag a smoothie if you're all caffeined out. P.S. the baked goods here rock.

Tessaro's
4601 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 682-6809
tessaros.com

Tessaro's is known for its humongous hamburgers, but it also creates the most brilliant, fantastic Jamaican coffee in the city. Try this intoxicating brew with dark rum, Kahlua, Tia Maria, coffee, whipped cream and a cherry. For the kids, try Tessaro's hot chocolate to warm up the whole family in one delectable, delicious location.

Related: Guide to Western PA Wineries

A freelance writer and marketing guru, Dev loves all things Pittsburgh. She is also an avid collector of mid century modern copper jewelry and a Pittsburgh history buff. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.