A lot of people associate Lillet with summertime. But this winter, I’m finding a Lillet on the rocks with a twist to be one appetizing aperitif—it’s like a little hit of sunshine just when you need it most.

Hailing from Bordeaux, home of the world’s best wines, Lillet is a blend of wines fortified with fruit liqueurs. The french drink it about 30 minutes before dinner; I find it’s the perfect way to usher in a visit to Toulouse Petit, the frankly fantastic new New Orleans-themed restaurant on LQA.

Also try Toulouse’s Vieux Carré—a classic New Orleans cocktail made from rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters.

Another recent discovery: the happy hour at Lottie’s Lounge in Columbia City—in addition to drink specials, the restaurant takes $2 off the entire food menu (have a sandwich made with bread from across the street at Columbia City Bakery, the best in town inmyhumbleopinion ). This is a classic case of bar food that is way better than it has to be or you expect it to be. HH is 4-7 daily.

Finally, everyone I know has warm drinks on the mind, I just read about two at the Saint that sound worth a try. The first is the Cafe Manana—Caffe Vita, tequila oro, amaretto, and Grand Marnier, topped with agave nectar whipped cream. The second is the Campanill: tequila reposado, Punt e Mes, and Aperol, rimmed with ground Arbol peppers and sugar.

So, what are you drinking?