Sonoma County may not experience drifting snow, but we do have blustery days with sideways rain which undoubtedly make us crave warm winter drinks. Here are some of the best cups of cheer for the dark days of winter.
Best Eye Opener
Café de la Olla
This teacup-sized Roseland coffee kiosk opened a year ago and has gained a cultish following for its café de la olla — a cinnamon- and piloncillo-infused Mexican brew traditionally simmered in a clay pot for a deep, earthy kick. Top with cold foam for a sweeter sipper. 959 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. 510-695-1875, cafe-de-la-olla-llc.square.site, instagram.com/cafe_de_la_olla
Best Tea
Patisserie Angelica
Slip in for a simple cup or go all-in on the full tea service — warm scones, tiny sandwiches, the whole fairytale spread — at this tucked-away patisserie. The tea list is stellar, including the Mariage Frères Montagne d’Or, a floral, fruity black tea that’s a passport stamp in a cup. 6821 Laguna Parkway, Sebastopol. 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com
Best Spiced
Quail & Condor
True chai is supposed to wake you up with its punch of pepper, cardamom, and ginger, but most store-bought blends have gone soft and sugary. At Quail & Condor’s new café, the made-in-house chai remembers its roots, with a kick of masala spice instead of Grandma’s treacly pumpkin spice. 44 Mill St., Unit J, Healdsburg. 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com
Best Candy in a Cup
Fleur Sauvage
Master chocolatier Robert Nieto’s European-style drinking chocolate is less Swiss Miss and more Willy Wonka chocolate river — rich, creamy, and thicker than Augustus Gloop. This is the stuff chocolate cravings are made of. 370 Windsor River Road, Windsor. 707-892-2162, fleursauvagechocolates.com
Best Hot and Healthy
Petaluma Coffee & Tea Company
The smell of freshly roasted coffee hits you at the door, but don’t skip the milk-and-turmeric latte — spicy, earthy, and a sunny yellow reminder of warmer days ahead. 212 Second St., Petaluma. 707-763-2727, petalumacoffee.com
Best Ancient Blend
Sonoma Eats
Champurrado, a Mexican-style hot chocolate made with milk, sugar, and corn masa, is a cold-season staple. Hand-frothed like it has been by generations of abuelitas, it’s like a pair of knitted mittens for your soul. 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma. 707-343-1141, sonoma-eats.com