Red Lion Pub

A cold front in Houston is an amazing, amusing event. With the temperature only in the fifties, we get out our overcoats and recipes for chili, chat up strangers on the marvels of fall, collectively sigh and pretend that global warming is just a bullshit theory. A nip in the air also brings out my addiction to fireplaces, and the Red Lion Pub (2613 S. Shepherd, 713-782-3030) offered just the fix. Sipping a mean Keoke Coffee served up by lovely lass Torie, I sat by the British pub's fireplace, admiring its wood-paneled interior, many Brit beers on tap and red-leather booths. Buzzed and a bit bored by this Hallmark moment, I was going to head home when I started a fascinating conversation with Lisa and Jenny, the delightful redheaded sisters sitting next to me. These hip siblings were cocktail aficionados who knew about Houston's bar scene, had a no-fear attitude when it came to trying new drinks and were familiar with this column — bonus round for me. After talking about music, food, friends, alter egos, jobs and weddings, we exchanged phone numbers and promised each other a girls' night out — bonus round for all. Cold weather, it seems, can also blow in new friends. Right on, sisters!

1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream liqueur

1 ounce Frangelico hazelnut liqueur

4 ounces coffee

Whipped cream

Caramel sauce

Mix Baileys, Frangelico and coffee in a glass coffee cup. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. Pretend it's cold outside.