If you, like the rest of Ireland, are mithered with a dose, the dreaded ‘man flu’ or are simply too freezin’ to even think about holding a pint in your precious hands then there’s really only one solution: hot alcohol! Ahh, hot whiskey – everyone’s favourite hand-warmer.
Dublin is so Christmassy and lovely at the moment with loads of whopper places where you can enjoy a toasty bevvie.
Luckily, we’ve done the thinking for you…
13. The Library Bar, 1 Exchequer St, Dublin 2
With the rare promise of no televisions or background music, The Library Bar is a wonderful place to enjoy a few quiet drinks. The bar itself is tiny and intimate with couches and unholstered chairs, situated just upstairs of the Central Hotel. It’s like being at someone’s house – if they had a fully stocked bar and a friendly bartender.
A great spot to sit and chat with a hot toddy by your side.
12. P Mac’s, Stephen’s Street Lower
P Mac’s is famous for many things: the random ironing board outside its entrance, board games, free Meanies at the bar and more recently – being crowned the winner of Dublin’s best pub 2015 at the Lovin Dublin awards ceremony this week.
P Mac’s also dishes out a cracking hot whiskey for the chiller evenings now upon us, although, due to its growing popularity, you’d be hard pushed getting a table this weather so ditch work early!
11. The Schoolhouse, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
The bartenders know what they’re at in The Schoolhouse.
An impressive mix of old school classic excellence with modern embellishments. Hot toddies worth their weight in… well, whiskey.
10. The Cobblestone, 77 North King Street, Smithfield
Known for its high flying music scene and friendly locals, The Cobblestone could sell atmosphere by the bottle and is a solid favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
We all know that ann Irish cultural hub wouldn’t be an Irish cultural hub if it didn’t know how to whip up one of these bad boys, so you’re in safe hands here.
Also, Steve Martin once played a banjo there, and that’s all anyone needs to know.
9. The Long Hall, 51 South Great George’s Street
When Phil Lynott lifted his face to the camera to sing “I’ve been spending my money in the old town, it’s not the same honey, when you’re not around” it was from the third barstool of the main bar in The Long Hall that he chose to do it.
Also this is apparently the Bruce Springsteen frequents when in town, and with a set up like this – how couldn’t he?! Let’s hope he’s buying a round of hot toddies next time he’s in.
8. Fallon & Byrne, 11-17 Exchequer Street
Fallon & Byrne has, for years now, been a high contender in the Dublin food and drink stakes, and the standard is no different when it comes to their delicious warm alcoholic beverages.
Made fresh and with a decent kick, this hot toddy will knock the winter dose that we all get right out of you. Also, pretty bloody tasty.
7. The Bank Bar and Restaurant, College Green
A proper gorgeous spot this time of year, The Bank is an ideal setting for you to sip on the sweet elixir of life that is steaming whiskey.
6. Vintage Cocktail Club, 15 Crown Alley
Arguably the best selection of cocktails in Dublin. The V.C.C is hidden away in a very secretive location in Temple Bar.
It boasts a very friendly and attentive staff who live and breathe perfect drinks menus, willing to make each trip an experience.
5. The Dingle Whiskey Bar, 44 Nassau Street
Decked out in wood, soft lighting and an obviously impressive array of whiskeys (what gave it away?!) The Dingle Whiskey Bar has a wide range to satisfy even the most demanding of clientele.
If you want a bit of background: The owners wanted to start a distillery, received funding from the selling of the 500 casks at €1000 each. The names of those first 500 founders, so to speak, are written on the wood above your head in the bar & include some recognisable Irish Rugby talent among their beams.
If it’s good enough for the boys in green…
4. Balfes, Balfe Street, Dublin 2
Just downstairs in the Westbury is Balfes, a quaint hotspot which boasts both luxury and comfort. Your go-to spot with tired feet and weary heads after a day of Christmas shopping.
Try their Balfes Spiced Apple Jameson Toddy, it’s what dreams are made of!
3. L Mulligan Grocer, 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
Stoneybatter continues its reign as Dublin’s new favourite place, and with L Mulligan Grocer at the helm.
The decor is charming and they have a menu in the form of multiple inserts in random literary works. A proper gastro pub, with proper hot toddies that will proper knock your socks off.
2. The Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2
The dreamiest old man pub which manages to escape the crowds, despite being smack bang in the middle of tourist land.
The Stag’s Head often holds events both upstairs and downstairs, but if you’re looking for something cosy there is a snug hidden to the left of the main bar, perfect for slurping down some liquid happiness.
1. Kehoe’s, 9 South Anne Street
Known primarily for its impeccable Guinness and very worthy amount of hype, Kehoe’s is an authentic Irish pub that both tourists and locals alike go crazy for. But what most people don’t realise is that Kehoe’s does the best hot toddy in The Pale – served with a good dose of cop on, and an even greater dose of Irish culture.
Off the beaten path, and neither too loud nor too touristy, in Kehoe’s you have the opportunity to snuggle up to the cosy interior and keep yourself out of the cauld with an insanely delicious piping hot whiskey in your hands. Cosy and friendly enough to be someone’s living room while also busy enough to create a cracking atmosphere. Top marks.
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