Alas, our summer has come to an end. Memphis has been plunged into a cold, grey, soggy start to November. And, thanks to the time change, it's now dark at 5 p.m. That's depressing.

But I found something to take the edge off: South of Beale's glorious combination of two winter favorites, hot chocolate and booze.

SOB's spiked hot chocolate ($7) doesn't mess with the fancy stuff (i.e. whipped cream flavored vodka); it's just a tall glass of cocoa, steamy hot water and a generous pour of 360 Double Chocolate Vodka. It tastes a lot like the time I went to Winter Park, Colo. and watched other people ski.

Best of all, it's strong enough that if you have more than one, you might forget how cold it is outside. Just, make sure you have a ride home, ok?

Go there:

South of Beale