Best Places To Get A Hot Toddy In Los Angeles
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A chilly night in Los Angeles may feel like summer to denizens of Wisconsin, but when a cool wind rustles the palm trees, it's hot toddy weather in the City of Angels. Originating in the U.K., a toddy is traditionally crafted with honey, lemon, and whiskey. Here in SoCal though, there are variations on this classic in a variety of settings. Here are some of the best hot toddy's in L.A.
Gracias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 978-2170
www.graciasmadreweho.com
With its blazing, open air fireplace the beautiful white painted patio, Gracias Madre is the perfect spot for barman Jason Eisner's "Hot Toddy for a Hot Body." Featuring ginger-redolent Bhakti Chai tea and smoky aged Mezcal, this very Californian concoction warms the body and and soothes the soul. It makes a great accompaniment to the gourmet vegan cuisine dished up in this handsome restaurant.
Seven Grand
515 West 7th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 614-0737
www.sevengrandbars.com
If you want to get a taste of how things were in the old days, when the Don Drapers of the world brokered after-hour deals over drinks, then heading to this stylish downtown bar is the way to go. With live music, warm leather and wood decor, it's a great setting to enjoy their toddy. A classic, its a soul warmer made with bourbon, honey, lemon and water.
Pistola
8022 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-9800
www.pistola-la.com
West Hollywood's Pistola, which sits in the old AOC space, is an elegant and modern setting to enjoy a wintertime classic hot toddy drink. The bar itself, which opens earlier than the restaurant itself, is the perfect spot before or after dinner for an amazing hot mint toddy. Comprised of Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey and mint tea, it's made even better with generous dollops of honey, allspice, and lemon.
Cecconi's
8764 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 432-2000
www.cecconiswesthollywood.com
Situated right in the middle of the action, this celeb hangout with its charming and upscale setting, offers terrific Italian fare. As an added benefit, Cecconi's serves first class drinks as well. For a great toddy, visitors drink "Nonna's Toddy." Named after the chef's grandmother, who reportedly made hot tea with lemon and sage, the drink includes these wonderful flavors, as well as cinnamon, cloves, anise, and both Grappa and Amaretto. It's an elegant drink that fits well with the elegant and homey space.
The Varnish
118 E 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 265-7089
www.thevarnishbar.com
Hidden behind a secret door inside Cole's restaurant, this downtown mainstay has the cozy vibe of a private speakeasy. The Varnish offers a Warm Milk Punch which is as potent as it is delicious. Consisting of lemon, sugar, simple syrup, aged Cognac, dark rum, and scolding hot whole milk it's a hot toddy with a throwback twist. Rich and intense, this is a winter brew that will cure anything that ails.
True Food Kitchen
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 593-8300
www.truefoodkitchen.com
With locations in Santa Monica and El Segundo, True Food Kitchen is known for its inventive organic eats inside a modern, airy, semi-industrial style setting. Along with fantastic salads and other organic fare, it's also quite the spot for a hot toddy. House-mulled brandy with strong citrus and apple flavors make this beverage a classic.
Playa Provisions
119 Culver Blvd.
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
(310) 683-5019
www.playaprovisions.com
Beautiful and oh-so-close to the beach, Playa Provisions has a great outdoor fire pit setting that's perfect to go along with it's food and drinks. Grain. Great sandwiches, fresh fish, and a hip, whitewashed, beachy vibe make this a happening spot, and also an excellent choice for a hot drink after an evening walk on the sand. The house toddy is basic and potent: Old Crow whiskey, honey, hot tea and lemon.
Magnolia House
492 S Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 584-1126
www.themaghouse.com
Traditional in style, cozy and slightly clandestine in appearance, Magnolia House serves a warming spiced rum made with cinnamon syrup. This seasonal favorite makes for a perfect pick-me-up after a chilly football game at the Rose Bowl - or a camp-out waiting for the Rose Parade.
