As if there weren’t already ample excuses to imbibe this time of year (holiday parties bookending every week, your insane aunt who will undoubtedly comment on your relationship status at Christmas dinner, general hibernation preparation, a cold walk...), we’re about to add three more to the list.

When it comes to seasonal beverages, winter takes the cinnamon-infused, peppermint-laced, nutmeg-topped cake. And as much as we love our indulgent lattes and artisanal hot cocoas, nothing gets the skin tingling quite like their grown-up counterparts, from spicy mulled wines to icy winter juleps.

For the #WeTheNorth contingent of cocktail enthusiasts, here in Toronto there’s a fixture we dash to as fast as our dogsleds will take us* whenever we need a stiff one: The Drake and its many outposts. (Not to be confused with rapper Drake, who is also a Toronto fixture and likely also makes a solid Old Fashioned.) We asked the Drake mixologists to shake us up a few of their signature holiday cocktails—and divulge a few secret recipes. Because every holiday host should have a drink called Flannel Pants in their repertoire.

*Kidding—we also have cross-country skis.

—Chelsey Burnside