Winter in Syracuse calls for cozy spaces, good company, and something to warm you up. From neighborhood coffee shops to cocktail-focused restaurants, these local spots offer inviting places to settle in and enjoy a seasonal drink while the cold sets in outside.

 

Emerald Cocktail Kitchen

Emerald Cocktail Kitchen is known for its intimate setting and thoughtfully curated drink program, making it a go-to spot during the winter months. In addition to its cozy coffee lounge and speakeasy, the rooftop bubbles offer a way to enjoy rooftop vibes while staying comfortable, even when the temperatures drop.

 

Seasonal Cocktails

Cranberry Citrus Spritz
Aperol, prosecco, orange zest syrup, cranberry juice, orange juice, orange slice, cranberries

Honey Pear Spritz
Pear vodka, honey simple, lemon, prosecco, thyme

Spiced Orange Old Fashioned
Bourbon, orange zest syrup, angostura bitters, orange bitters

Chai Margarita
Tequila, triple sec, agave, lime, chai, cinnamon

Mulled Wine Negroni
Gin, Campari, mulled wine reduction, orange

Chocolate Cream Brûlée Martini
Vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, espresso, cream, vanilla, topped with vanilla-mascarpone whipped cream, caramelized sugar

Pomegranate Thyme Martini
Citron vodka, triple sec, pomegranate juice, thyme syrup, lemon

 

Seasonal Coffee & Teas

Toasted Marshmallow Mocha
Espresso, chocolate syrup, milk, toasted marshmallow syrup

Spiced Orange Mocha
Espresso, chocolate sauce, orange zest syrup, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon dusting

Tiramisu Cold Brew
Cold brew, vanilla-mascarpone whipped cream, cocoa powder dusting

Peppermint Matcha Latte
Matcha, steamed milk, peppermint syrup

 

 

LM Social

Located in Armory Square, LM Social is known for its moody, intimate atmosphere and cocktail menu that leans bold and theatrical. During the winter months, it’s an especially fitting place to settle in, whether you’re stopping by for a signature drink or lingering late into the evening.

 

Winter Cocktails

Bless Her Heart
A vibrant blend of pomegranate, tequila, and triple sec, finished with a flamed lime. Tart and bold with just a touch of sweet.

Secret Society
Peppermint-vanilla vodka, peppermint cream, espresso, crème de cacao, and chocolate drizzle, topped with a Ferrero Rocher. Decadent, rich, and indulgent.

Abandoned Saints
Apple cider, Gray Whale gin, and triple sec, smoked tableside for added flavor and effect. Sweet, spiced, and cozy for the season.

Seeing Ghosts
A signature Rum 151 punch made with house-curated 151 rum, cinnamon, and cardamom spices. Smoked tableside for an extra touch of mystery.
Limit two per guest.

Lost Souls
A mix of Tito’s vodka, rum, RumChata, and blue curaçao, finished with a flaming marshmallow. Rich, creamy, and a little ethereal.

Hells Angel
House-curated red sangria layered with seasonal spices and rich flavors, served with a flamed cinnamon stick for warmth and drama.

London House
Maker’s Mark bourbon, hot honey, simple syrup, and a Luxardo cherry. Smoked tableside with London hickory for a bold aroma and flavor.

 

Sin Free Sips

Autumn Whisper
Apple cider, sparkling water, and a splash of seasonal spices, topped with an orange slice. Light, crisp, and perfect for a toast without the buzz.

Good Girls Margarita
Pomegranate juice, agave, and ginger ale, finished with a lime wedge. Tart, refreshing, and utterly drinkable.

Sicilian Kiss
Limoncello-style sangria with citrus notes, tableside flamed lemon, and a sugar-rimmed glass for extra drama. Zesty, sweet, and a bit mischievous.

 

 

Olive's Eatery

Olive’s Eatery offers a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that pairs well with winter gatherings. Its seasonal drink menu leans bright and festive, adding a seasonal touch whether you’re stopping in for a casual visit or celebrating with friends.

 

Seasonal Drinks

Olives 75
Champagne mixed with lemon juice and simple syrup, topped with a lemon wedge.

Citrus Frost
Grapefruit juice, White Claw, mint leaves, and simple syrup, finished with an orange slice.

Rosemary Royale
Pinot Grigio mixed with white grape juice, lemon, and rosemary syrup.

Winterberry Mimosa
Prosecco, cranberry juice, homemade rosemary syrup, fresh cranberries, and a rosemary sprig.

Lemon Berry Prosecco
Prosecco, lemonade White Claw, simple syrup, berries, and a lemon wedge.

Holiday Mule
Cinnamon syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, hard seltzer, and ginger beer.

 

 

Pausa Coffee Co.

Pausa has quickly become a new local favorite, offering a cozy café atmosphere paired with a thoughtfully curated drink menu. It’s an easy spot to warm up during the day or ease into the evening, with seasonal coffees, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options that fit right into winter in Syracuse.

 

Seasonal Coffees

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Small-batch peppermint syrup, hot chocolate, whipped cream, and candy cane.

Bicerin (Bee-chair-en)
Chocolate ganache, espresso, and a layer of frothed milk.

White Chocolate Latte
Add a little spirit (optional).

 

Seasonal Cocktails

White Cosmo
Vodka, white cranberry, Cointreau, lime.

Caffè Amore
Vanilla vodka, Pausa espresso, coffee liqueur.
Served creamy or dark.

The Gentleman’s Pause
Bourbon, coffee liqueur, bitters, simple syrup.

Toasted Marshmallow Tini
Marshmallow-infused bourbon, Pausa espresso, coffee liqueur.
Served creamy or dark, topped with toasted marshmallows.

Pomegranate Spritz
Prosecco, pomegranate juice, elderflower liqueur, sparkling water.

Winter Mule
Vodka, ginger beer, lime, orange bitters, cranberry, rosemary.

Mulled Moments
A red blend, brandy, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, maple.

Pear & Poetry
Spiced rum, pear liqueur, house-made sage syrup, lime, honey.

 

Mocktails

Lavender Letters
Lavender tea, lemon, agave, sparkling water.

Pom Mint Spritz
Pomegranate juice, fresh mint, lime, soda water.

 

 

 

Phoebe's

Phoebe’s offers a relaxed, neighborhood setting that feels especially fitting once winter settles in. Its specialty cocktail menu leans into seasonal flavors and familiar comforts, making it a solid choice for an easy night out or a casual winter meet-up.

 

Specialty Cocktails

Cinnamon Apple Toddy
Southern Tier Cinnamon Candy Apple Whiskey, lemon, honey syrup, cinnamon stick, hot water.

Spiced Pear
Kilbeggan whiskey, bitters, pear nectar, candied ginger.

Brandied Fig
House brandy, fig jam, rosemary-infused orange juice.

Winter Chai-der
Vanilla vodka, chai tea, apple cider, cranberry juice.

Chocolate Caramel Martini
Caramel vodka, Dorda chocolate liqueur, cream, dollop of whipped cream, drizzled with salted caramel sauce.

Pomegranate Mule
Citrus vodka, ginger beer, pomegranate juice.

Berry Old Fashioned
Jim Beam, mixed berry preserves, bitters, orange.

 

 

Salt City Coffee

Salt City Coffee leans into the season with rotating specials designed to feel cozy, familiar, and just a little elevated. Available across their cafés, these winter drinks focus on warming flavors and thoughtful combinations, with options that work whether you’re grabbing something quick or settling in for a while.

 

Seasonal Specials

Lake Effect Mocha
A sage-forward mocha that brings a rich, slightly herbal twist to a longtime favorite.

Green Velvet Matcha
Matcha blended with juniper, jasmine, and clove for a floral, botanical take on a winter drink.

Cashmere Cortado
An orange cortado finished with smoked sea salt, vanilla, and cardamom. Bright, balanced, and warming.

Cable Knit Tea
A ginger and spice tea latte built around classic winter flavors. Available with a decaf option.

 

Salt City Bar

Salt City Bar offers a laid-back setting with a drink menu that balances creativity and approachability. In the winter months, the bar’s seasonal selections lean into bold flavors and thoughtful combinations, making it an easy stop for an evening out or a casual night downtown.

 

Seasonal Drinks

Viking Burial
Vodka, hibiscus, cinnamon, plum, cranberry, ginger beer

Four Harts
Pepper infused tequila, blood orange, passion fruit, pomegranate, lime, agave

Valhalla
Baking spiced vodka, orange, espresso infusion, egg white

Feather Cloak
Dos Maderas rum, butter, winter spices, banana, walnut (served hot)

Eight-Legged Horse
Almond and cherry infused Yellowstone Bourbon, orgeat, dry curacao, absinthe, lemon

Black Sea
Chamomile infused rye, house made cola syrup, amaro, angostura

Valkyrie
Hayman's London Dry Gin, pine liqueur, dry vermouth, orange bitter

 

Zero Proof Cocktails

 

Trickster God
Hibiscus, cinnamon, fresh lime, cranberry, ginger

Nine Worlds
Passionfruit, blood orange, pomegranate, fresh lime, tonic

N/A Espresso Martini
House espresso infusion, house cold brew, oat foam

Phony Negroni
The legendary dupe… floral, citrusy, bitter

 

 

Skaneateles Fields

The newly opened Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa, is a destination retreat in the heart of the Finger Lakes that blends modern design with pastoral surroundings and farm-to-table hospitality. The resort’s all-day restaurant, Fields, draws on seasonal ingredients sourced from local partners and Tap Root Fields, a regenerative farm that supplies fresh produce, herbs, and flowers to the kitchen and bar.

 

Seasonal & Classic Cocktails

Gimlet
Gin, rich simple syrup, fresh lime

Jack Rose
Apple brandy, spiced grenadine, fresh lemon

Tom Collins
Gin, fresh lemon, rich simple, club

NY Rye Buck
NY Distilling “Jaywalk Rye”, fresh ginger, fresh lime

Vieux Carré
NY Distilling “Jaywalk Rye”, Duddognon Réserve Cognac, vermouth

Espresso Martini
Espresso, almond liqueur, coffee liqueur, vodka, rich demerara

Photos by Solon Quinn Studios for Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa

 

 

The Wedge

Located in Eastwood, The Wedge brings a creative approach to cocktails with a menu that feels playful, unexpected, and well-suited for winter nights. Its drink list balances bold flavors with thoughtful combinations, offering something a little different for those looking to mix up their usual order.

 

Winter Drinks

Abuelita
Rum, sweetened condensed milk syrup, Booms Cloosterbitter, lime, nutmeg tincture

Honey, How You Thrill Me
Gin, amaro, honey bitters

Oddly Fashioned
Bourbon, smoked maple syrup, soy sauce bitters