JD William’s Whiskey Bar
What’s better than the sweet sharpness and fullness of whisky to warm your core on a fresh Amsterdam winter night? Nestled amongst the quaint and cobbled streets of the Jordaan (a tempting 5 minutes walk from the Pure Boats’ dock), J.D William’s keep their beautiful exposed brickwork bar fully stocked, guaranteed to lure you in with its enticing orange glow of whiskies from around the world. Their whisky cocktails and Asian-inspired small plates are served in a chic and cosy setting: you can even bag a spot by the open fire if you’re lucky! Pure Boats’ pick is the classic Old Fashioned of course.
Stamppot at Moeders
One remedy for the colder, wetter winter in Amsterdam is without a doubt the Dutch’s favourite winter dish: stamppot! Stamppot is a hearty combination of rich mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and the option for sausage, served with lashings of gravy. Try out a local favourite, Restaurant Moeders, and see if you’re a fan of this traditional winter warmer!
Dutch Delicacies
Despite the fact that the Dutch perhaps aren’t so internationally renowned for their cuisine, they are passionate about their many delicacies, or ‘hapjes’. Traditionally, ‘olieballen’ – deep fried sweet dumplings dusted with sugar – are served as a New Years Eve treat, but you’ll often find them in the many winter markets in the lead up to Christmas. Bags of pepernoten and letters made from chocolate to gift to your nearest and dearest are a classic sweetener in the lead up to Christmas. Of course, don’t miss out on the opportunity for some of the best pancakes! One of our favourite spots at Pure Boats is the cosy and traditional interior of Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs.
Cosy up by an open fire
Lion Noir is a spectacular bar and restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam perfect for a romantic winter’s evening. Bag yourself a spot by the open fireplace to cuddle up with your espresso martini — a definite Pure Boats favourite! Lion Noir is a modern French restaurant with a cocktail bar and hidden courtyard garden in the middle of Amsterdam. Unique setting, modern dining experience. Try their espresso martinis!
Ice skate in the open air
Not only does Museumplein host the beautiful ICE winter market over Amsterdam winter months, but also a large open air ice rink. Skate among the Rembrant’s and Van Gogh’s under the glow of the strings of fairy lights, and warm up afterwards with a mug of warm gluhwein served with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange. It doesn’t get much more wintery or delightful than that!
