Warmed from Within

By Kelly Westhoff

Minnesota Palate,
January/February 2004

Baby, it's cold outside—and W.A. Frost has just what you need to warm the soul, nose and feet. Every winter Frost's bar serves up a specialty menu of hot drinks, and this year the list boasts both traditional and unique finds.

Order the Wassail Bowl and you will be served a steaming glass of rum-spiked cider that wafts orange and cinnamon. One whiff and the drink will call up memories of snug holidays and crackling fires. But don't drink it just yet—it's hot! Instead, sit back and take in your surroundings; Frost's bar is just as warm as its winter drinks.

There is a true coziness to this space. Perhaps it comes from the golden light of a stained glass window, or the earthen hues of an exposed brick wall. Maybe it's the deeply stained bar, or the original tin ceiling. Let your eyes linger on the two women carved from wood behind the bar. They are sensuously smooth and shine as if they were just oiled.

Make it at Home: Wassail Bowl

Batch Recipe. Makes one generous gallon.

1 gallon apple cider
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1 3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cup dark rum
1/3 cup triple sec
1 cup brandy

Pour apple cider with spices into a non-reactive saucepot. Bring the pot to a boil and remove from heat. Immediately add the brandy, rum and triple sec. Garnish individual glasses with a slice of orange or stick of cinnamon.

If it's time for another drink, try the Mulled Wine, a cabernet that has been simmered with cranberry juice and brandy. It's served hot as well and arrives steaming trails of sweet and spice. One sip and this wine lover was wondering why she'd never tried mulled wine before.

A long-time Frost bartender invented and christened Tom's Jamaican Coffee. With whipping cream on top and chocolate sprinkles, this drink looks just like a mocha from the corner coffee shop. And while you may be tempted, this espresso ain't to go. It's fortified with rum and guaranteed to wake up any weary travelers.

Of course if hot drinks aren't your style, there's still plenty to choose from. The beer list is long in domestics and imports. Hard ciders await and martinis await, too. The wine list has earned Wine Spectator recognition and you can order by the bottle or glass. Even a selection of Grappas line a shelf behind the bar...and one shot of that wicked liquid is sure to heat you up.

So as the nights get colder and the snow whips round your windows, head your chilled bones in the direction of W.A. Frost for a great warmer-upper.

If you go

Where

W.A. Frost
374 Selby Avenue, St. Paul
Cathedral Hill neighborhood
651-224-5715
www.wafrost.com

Bar Hours

Sun.–Thurs. 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Fri.–Sat. 11:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Parking

Street parking or area lots

Drinks to Try

Wassail Bowl
Mulled Spiced Wine
Tom's Jamaican Coffee