There are plenty of Denver bars to warm your soul on a cold night.

Despite what folks outside the city might believe, we know Denver doesn't get socked in during the fall and thaw out on the opening day of baseball. There are times, however, when it feels like we're setting records for cold, snow and weird sort-of-dark evening hours. So how do Denver adults keep warm and stay social? After the blizzards last year, the cold-weather classics were joined by some hot newcomers — drinks and bars, and bartenders determined to help us through it.
First, there's the Corner Bar at McCormick's. When it snows the Corner Bar offers Irish Coffees for $1. Yes, you read that right, $1, and they're fantastic. Started as a promotion years ago, and so popular it was kept around. Mayor John Hickenlooper pops in sometimes during a flurry. This simple classic is a delicious mix of good, hot coffee, a sugar cube and a healthy pour of Jameson Irish Whisky. While you're there, check out the million-dollar stained-glass windows and the happy hour menu.

For a step off the gastronomic beaten path, duck into Zengo for their Tequila Toddy. Originally concocted by a former manager, it's never been a regular menu item, but it's "in-the-know" popularity remains constant. Poured as a traditional spiced toddy with cloves and citrus (usually blood oranges), it then gets two renegade additions. The skilled bartenders here bypass the traditional whiskey and instead add Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Tequila and Grand Marnier. They say when they deliver it you should let it steep for another minute and drink slowly. I suggest listening to the first and challenge you to follow the second.

For the pure pleasure of watching the snow and having a drink, there are few places in the city as well situated as Peaks Lounge in the Hyatt Regency at the Colorado Convention Center. Their 27th-floor location and wrap-around windows allow guests to feel as if they're floating on a snow cloud. While they have eight hot drinks on their specialty bar menu, my favorite is the unfortunately named Chocolate Coffee Kiss, a wonderful mix of Kahlua, Bailey's, Grand Marnier and hot chocolate. There's not a bad seat in the house, but try to grab a seat near the far corner, you'll see what I mean.

Neighborhood bars tend to bring in more business when the weather is inclement since folks don't have too far to go. As a fantastic representation of this, The Tavern Uptown notoriously stayed open all the way through the bad weather last year, bringing much needed cheer to the locals. Even though they don't specialize in hot drinks, they will do all the classics, but go there when the snow's knee deep and get their Bloody Mary Brunch and your whole body will warm up quite nicely.

Sometimes when the weather turns ugly and you can't stand another night at home, a mug of something with a special kick is better than any scarf out there.