It’s been a long winter, and Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction earlier this month of six more weeks was a chilling forecast.
But across Delaware, bars and restaurants are serving up craft cocktails (and mocktails!) that will warm your insides – and perhaps take a bit of the edge off the cold.
Here are 10 must-try craft drinks to get you through until spring.
Sippin on gin and verjus – $14
Whether or not you enjoyed his Super Bowl performance, this gin-lovers cocktail from Trolley Square’s Crow Bar pays homage to Snoop Dogg, its name a play on the Doggfather’s 1994 hit “Gin and Juice.”
The drink contains Plymouth Gin, Amaro Montenegro, pink peppercorn and verjus, with egg white to give it a foamy head. The cocktail is served with a simple garnish.
Soul Man – $36
This ultra-sweet Sugar Factory creation in Dover isn’t cheap, but would you expect any less from a dry ice-infused goblet designed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson?
The cocktail combines fresh peach, pineapple and lemonade, which is mixed with Teremana Tequila Blanco, triple sec and Hennessy. The goblet is adorned with gummy cherries, tropical drops, strawberry rock candy and is wrapped in a green lai. It’s definitely a knockout.
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Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragonfruit – $13
Also a play on words, this drink from Torbert Street Social in Wilmington references the 2000 movie “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.”
As its name suggests, this sweet cocktail includes dragon fruit simple syrup, along with Ketel One Botanicals vodka, aperol, lemon and club soda.
Pomegranate Mojito – $9
You wouldn’t guess it by its name, but this alcohol-free drink tops the list of Le Cavalier‘s mocktails.
Like the Jack Clipper, it’s made with the restaurant’s grenadine, which bartenders mix with sparkling water and mint to create a simple yet tasty beverage.
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Jack Clipper – $14
For those looking for something a little less sugary, Le Cavalier at the Hotel du Pont has just the drink for you.
Poured into an absinthe-rinsed glass, the house-made grenadine mixed with applejack, fresh lemon juice and cardamom bitters is slightly sweet – but not overpoweringly so. This beautiful cocktail is garnished with dehydrated grapefruit.
Ginger Highball – $9
In keeping with the alcohol-free cocktail craze – which mixologists believe will only grow – Le Cavalier also offers a mocktail for ginger lovers.
This drink combines ginger shrub with fresh cucumber, ginger beer and sparkling water for a refreshing palate-cleanser.
Hotel Dupont Cocktail – $15
You didn’t really think a restaurant in the Hotel de Pont wouldn’t serve the Du Pont Hotel cocktail, did you?
This classic at Le Cavalier combines V.S.O.P (brandy) with Fino sherry, Blanc vermouth and aromatic bitters and is served in a coupe glass, garnished with an orange peel.
The Moby Dick
It’s no secret that some of the best crushes in the state come from Dewey Beach’s Starboard restaurant and bar. But their offerings extend beyond just the summer refresher.
This Bloody Mary is meant to be shared. The 33-ounce glass, rimmed with Old Bay, combines your classic ingredients – vodka, tomato juice, spices etc. – with jumbo lump crab meat, a shrimp skewer, candied Red bacon, pickled green beans and asparagus, a carrot stick and a celery stalk.
It’s no wonder the monstrosity is named after the giant sperm whale.
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El Camino – Price varies on size
Let’s talk margs. With National Margarita Day right around the corner on Feb. 22, we had to include a couple of these classic cocktails.
The El Camino, named after El Camino Mexican Kitchen in Talleyville, mixes Cazadores Clanco tequila with watermelon puree, basil simple syrup and fresh lime. Not sickeningly sweet, the drink is garnished with a watermelon slice. And the best part? The virgin version is just as delicious.
French Margarita – $14
For those wanting just a hint of tequila, this is the drink for you.
Le Cavalier bartenders combine Reposado tequila with green chartreuse, pineapple, strawberry shrub, cardamom bitters, lime and mint for a refreshing-yet-not-overpowering marg.
Served with basil and dehydrated limes, this will certainly get you through the rest of winter.
Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_