Cheers to the season: Whitefish businesses offer specialty beverages that warm the spirit

The cold air and darkness of winter provide a fitting setting to enjoy warm drinks or drinks that warm the spirit. A plethora of places around town offer a variety of seasonal beverages for all ages to be enjoyed any time of day, morning, après ski or late into the evening.

RYLEY AND SAREECE Alderman have been at the helm of Folklore Coffee on Baker Avenue since 2021, but the two had been brewing up flavorful breakfast beverages as baristas many years before then.  

The comfortable cafe offers spiced cider as well as seasonal coffee drinks based on classic winter flavors. Folklore Coffee makes all its syrups in house, but the heart of its coffee drinks is espresso, an important factor for Ryley. 

“That’s what we try to highlight with our syrups. We try not to over sweeten all the drinks,” Ryley said. “The idea is to try to find balance where you can taste the coffee, but you still get those holiday, seasonal flavors that you’re looking for.” 

Folklore Coffee serves a Classic ‘Nog Latte that features house-made eggnog, cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg. Steamed milk is poured over the espresso and it is topped with freshly grated nutmeg.  

While the eggnog-inspired drink will only be available during December, Gingerbread Latte is a seasonal treat that may be around a little longer.  

It is a beautiful beverage with ginger, allspice, cinnamon, a little bit of nutmeg and coriander. The taste of the coffee is foremost while the collection of warm spices puts one in mind of the holidays. 

BONSAI BREWING PROJECT, known for its delicious beers and friendly atmosphere, has a couple stouts on tap for the winter season along with something unexpected – the Hoonin’ Mule. 

Owners Keela Smith and Graham Hart began offering cocktails last summer, the base of which is an innovative ingredient made in-house called a sugar wash. 

“We brewed a sugar wash, which is essentially a seltzer base that is made with cane sugar and is not carbonated,” Hart said. “We mix this base with juices and purees and serve them on ice to reproduce modified versions of traditional cocktails. They are gluten free, low calorie and sit right around 12% ABV when served.” 

For the holiday season, Smith recommends the Hoonin’ Mule for non-beer drinkers or folks looking for something new. It is made with sugar wash, ginger, lime and mint.  

Other Bonsai cocktails include a Toyota Margarita, a Greyhound and a Blurry Murray. Smith said that a Bonsai version of a Hot Toddy is in the works. 

For beer lovers wanting a pint to savor after a day of skiing, Black Dynamite, a Mayan chocolate porter, features spices of the season, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla and chilies which are smoked in-house.  

THE MENU at Spotted Bear Spirits on Railway Street changes seasonally, so there is always something new to try. This holiday season, they are offering a winter seasonal whiskey sour, called Daisy May. 

This riff on the classic Penicillin cocktail features a combination of single malt whiskey, ginger infused honey, lemon and cayenne. 

“These are common home remedy ingredients used to boost the immune system and ward of colds, delicious and perfect for winter,” Spotted Bear Spirits’ Tasting Room Manager Rebecca McQuary said. “The cocktail is named for Granny Clampett, known miles around for her "expert doctorin'" on the old show, The Beverly Hillbillies.” 

The Daisy May cocktail is lovely to look at and even better to drink. The whiskey and ginger warm the throat while the dusting of cayenne atop vegan egg whites brings a pleasant heat to the lips.  

Attention to detail adds to the quality. McQuary said Spotted Bear Spirits uses fresh-squeezed juices in its cocktails, along with house-made syrups and garnishes. 

FOR THOSE looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, Matt Arnold-Ladensacks’s Clydesdale Creamery has added a few seasonal drinks to its menu.  

“Specialty Hot Cocoa which has been a favorite,” Arnold-Ladensack said. “Indulge in our decadent hot chocolate creations, crowned with fire-roasted marshmallow cream, graham cracker, peppermint and farmhouse chocolate ice cream.”

True ice cream lovers know it is a year-round treat and for them, the Creamery has concocted the Holiday Cheer Shake. It comes with mint or cinnamon honey ice cream and is topped with a Christmas tree cookie and candy canes. 

    Bonsai's take on the traditional Moscow Mule, the Hoonin' Mule is made with sugar wash and other fresh ingredients. (Photo provided)
  

    Bonsai Brewing Project serves up seasonal brews like the Black Dynamite all year. (Photo provided)
  

    Clydesdale Creamery's Specialty Hot Cocoa, shown in a to-go cup with fire-roasted marshmallow cream. (Photo provided)
  

    Spotted Bear Spirits' winter seasonal whiskey sour, the Daisy May. (Photo provided)
  

    Clydesdale Creamery's Holiday Cheer Shake. (Photo provided)
  

    Folklore Coffee's seasonal Gingerbread Latte is a warm holiday treat. (Photo provided)
  

    All the flavors of eggnog in a delicious coffee drink. The Classic 'Nog Latte is available at Folklore Coffee. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)