Right around the corner, on January 24, is the 2015 Polar Bear Plunge event at Sandy Point State Park, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Special Olympics. We here at Drink Baltimore applaud all “Plungers” for taking a dip into the ice cold Chesapeake Bay in the name of a good cause, and thereby suggest that you reward yourselves heartily afterwards with some warmth from the inside out. Pop by after the Plunge for a brew or two at any of these spots not far from Sandy Point. Cheers!

Boatyard
This casual spot is a longtime favorite for seafood in the Annapolis area, but their drink list is pretty stellar, too. Grab a pint from the lengthy beer list or try a glass of red or white from their fairly extensive selection. We, however, think that wading in water in freezing temps has earned you the right to something to really warm you from the inside - say, some bourbon or scotch - and Boatyard most definitely delivers on that front too. (400 4th St., Annapolis; 410-216-6206)

McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar
From a quality selection of beer on tap to 12 oz. bottles, cans and even a handful of large format beers, if you can’t find a beer you like on this list, it doesn’t exist. Hunker down at the bar, or find a table to enjoy your drinks and order some oysters from the raw bar so fresh that you’d believe you might have swam with them earlier in the day. (8 Market Space, Annapolis; 410-263-5700)

Pusser’s Caribbean Grille
We can think of no better drink to warm you up after a cold dip in the Bay than a Pusser’s Painkiller. This customizable (levels 2, 3 or 4, depending on the amount of pain you have to kill) cocktail is the way to transport yourself, at least mentally, to a far warmer place. (80 Compromise St., Annapolis; 410-626-0004)

Rams Head Tavern
In the heart of Annapolis, this tavern serves up locally brewed Fordham Brewery’s beers on tap and makes some of the most creative beer cocktails we’ve seen. Ice cold water wasn’t enough to wake you? Try the M(oak)a martini, with Three Olives Triple Shot espresso vodka, butterscotch schnapps and Dominion Oak Barrel Stout. We also like the idea of warming up with a little spiciness in the Reveling Ram, with Broker’s gin, habanero simple syrup, grapefruit juice, Rams Head IPA and freshly squeezed lemon, topped with soda. (33 West St., Annapolis; 410-268-4545)

49 West Coffeehouse, Wine Bar and Gallery
This downtown Annapolis spot is an all-day eatery and drinks joint with food spanning from breakfast through dinner, and the drinks doing the same. Feel weird drinking before 5? Um, why? But, seriously, if that’s the case, warm up with some straight coffee or a latte. Like to look like you’re a teetotaler while you’re really boozing it up? Order off the “Coffee With a Kick” menu with additions from rum to vodka and amaretto to Bailey’s. There are also a bunch of martinis and plenty of wine and beer to choose from, as well as high quality choices in the rum, bourbon, scotch, and tequila categories. (49 West St., Annapolis; 410-626-9796)

RiverBay Roadhouse
Right in Cape St. Claire, this is likely the closest place to pop into after the Plunge. Grab a seat at the bar and choose from about 30 beers, between draft and bottle, and a fairly extensive menu from bar bites to sizable entrees. Tip: Saturday is steak night, so arrive after 4 PM and grab a table in the family friendly restaurant to enjoy the special of the week. (1347 Cape St. Claire Rd., Annapolis; 410-757-2919)

Photo via Plunge Maryland