Now that the holidays have passed and the throngs of tourists have at long last subsided, you can enjoy two of New York’s most cherished winter pastimes—ice skating and drinking—in relative peace. The two go hand in hand like a set of pair skaters: after a long day of freezing off your extremities and falling on your ass, what better way to defrost and numb your battered body than with a steamy cup of hooch? Here’s where to find the ice beneath your feet and the fire in your belly.
The Pond at Bryant Park: For the third consecutive year, Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland of tented 
boutiques surrounding New York’s only free admission skating rink (though the skate rental will cost you). Non-skaters gather at Celsius, the rink side “Canadian lounge” (whatever that means, eh?) overlooking the ice, whose exterior deck features a heat-lamp insulated canopy where you can watch those suckers crash into one another from a smug, warm post. That isn’t the only way to indulge yourself: a roster of hot beverages, such as the cinnamon Schnapps-spiked Cinnamon Apple hot cider and the Canadian Curler of hot coffee and Appleton rum, are available inside the glass-enclosed lounge. 866-221-5157
Bar 44: Though we’re fairly certain restaurateur John McDonald wasn’t channeling an après ski lounge when he designed the newly revamped Royalton Hotel’s swank lobby bar, that’s the ambiance it assumes, what with all the bear-skin rugs and blazing cast-iron fireplaces. As you cozy up to the flames in a plush leather couch, sip a traditional hot toddy, warm mulled cider, or hot cocoa made with spiced rum for a true après skate experience. 44 West 44th Street, 212-944-8844,
More info on Brasserie 44 New York
Bookmarks: Cold winter days are meant for curling up by the fireplace with a good book, so no place could be more appropriate for defrosting than the Library Hotel’s rooftop bar. Pick a classic from the stacks surrounded by mahogany paneling and settle into a wicker chair by the hearth inside. Alternatively, the high-ceilinged greenhouse solarium and terrace offers room to read while sheltered from the elements by a sunroof that encloses the fully heated outside space. That’s not the only trick in this Grand Central-area hotel bar’s book: it’s Hot off the Press, made with mandarin orange spiced hot tea, Harvey’s Bristol Cream, and Goslings rum, tops off a day of skating with a storybook ending. 299 Madison Avenue, 212-983-4500,
More info on Bookmarks New York
Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center: The quintessential New York skating experience glides on through April 13th, though the Christmas tree (and tourists) will be long gone by then. 212-332-7654
21 Club: As classic an institution as the Rockefeller Center skating rink itself, this four-story townhouse that was once a speakeasy may be known for its secret wine cellar and collection of thirty jockey statues lined up outside, but what’s not well known is that the bar here serves up a mean hot toddy of whiskey, hot water, cloves, and lemon. Sip it near the wood-burning fireplace in the cocktail lounge made famous by Michele Pfeiffer and George Clooney in the movie One Fine Day. Just be forewarned that there is a dress code, so no spandex and bejeweled bodysuits allowed. 21 West 52nd Street, 212-582-
7200,
Fireside: Named for its massive floor to ceiling glass-enclosed fireplace, several fire boxes add warmth to an otherwise frigid design of marble and stainless steel at the lobby lounge of the Omni Berkshire hotel. Similarly, the only winter cocktails are those with no frills—the traditional hot toddy and customary Irish coffee—but they get the job done just as well. 19 East 52nd Street, 212-754-5011,
Wollman Rink at Central Park: Located near the southern tip of the park, this rink run by the Donald sees skaters year round, though ice queens and kings only reign through April before handing over their territory to warmer weather and their counterparts who prefer to roll with it. 212-439-6900,
Hudson Library Bar: If you like to drink your Irish coffee surrounded by beautiful people under 30-foot-high vaulted ceilings, then this more subdued Hudson hotel lobby bar (as compared to the star-magnet Hudson Bar around the bend) is for you. Melt into a buttery-soft tan leather wing chair by the fireplace while you peruse one of the many coffee table tomes lying around. If you’ve never been much of a gamer, here’s your chance to try a turn at the purple billiards table or warm up to a round of backgammon or chess. 356 West 58th Street, 212-554-6000,
Aquavit: If anyone knows frigid temperatures and how to remedy them, it’s the Scandinavians, so place your frost-bitten body in their capable hands at this modernist space devoted to the popular vodka-like spirit (usually infused with herbs or berries) of the same name. Though the aquavits displayed along the walls in the long lounge area are the house specialty, try the Swedish Glogg, made with brandy, red wine, and port for a true taste of comfort. 66 East 55th Street, 212-593-0287,
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers: Never a fair-weathered friend, this twin-rink facility on Pier 61 offers indoor skating 24/7 year round. 212-336-6100,
Brass Monkey: Don’t let the location of this Irish pub fool you: though it may be in the Meatpacking District, its exposed brick and rich dark wood interior contain none of the pretense that might be expected. Plain wooden chairs, tables, and two long bars set the stage for a straightforward, lackluster drinking experience, but—once again—this bar’s appearances can be deceiving. Instead, a bevy of inventive hot beverages thaw any skepticism to its core: along with the usual suspects of hot toddies, Irish coffees, and hot ciders with spiced rum come the Carrot Cake coffee (coffee, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Goldschlager, and cream) and the Chocolate Cake coffee (citron vodka, Frangelico, coffee, and cream) both served frothy and as delicious as they sound. 55 Little West 12th Street, 212-675-6686,
More info on Brass Monkey New York
Mocca Lounge: By day, this European import functions as an espresso bar serving up artisan coffee. By night, its apple-green walls and red banquettes transform into a hip lounge specializing in alcoholic coffee-based concoctions. Though located further downtown in TriBeCa, the specialty winter cocktails, such as the Chocolate Snowball (Swiss chocolate, coconut, Godiva white chocolate liquor, milk and milk froth) and the Espresso Correto (Sambuca or Frangelico with fresh Espresso, topped with milk froth) might just be worth hitching a ride on the Zamboni to get to. 78 Reade Street, 212-233-7570,
