“How do I love thee?” Let us count the ways—a dozen doughnuts, a
handful of chocolates, two almond croissants, and three scoops of ice
cream. 

Okay, maybe that’s not exactly what Elizabeth Barrett Browning
had in mind. But sonnets aside, sweets and love are a natural pair any
time of year, especially in February when a gift of candy means more
than calories on Valentine’s Day. In fact, it’s the fourth biggest
holiday for confectionery purchases (after Halloween, Easter, and
Christmas), according to candyusa.com. With that in mind, we went in search of the best sweets that Baltimore has to offer.

A heart-shaped box might be nice, but there are lots of other ways to
woo your lover’s sweet tooth. Here are 50 of our favorite treats.

Annabel Lee Tavern

601 S. Clinton St., 410-522-2929.

There
is something about this Edgar Allan Poe-inspired tavern that makes us
want to curl up next to the fire and sip a decadent cocktail—and they
have plenty to choose from.

Editor’s choice: The Isadore with High Grounds coffee, Fireball whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and a whipped-cream topper.

B&O American Brasserie

2 N. Charles St., 410-692-6172.

This
hotel bar has been producing creatively crafted mixed drinks for
several years now, and its current menu—with sparkling punch bowls and
barrel-aged cocktails—is no exception.

Editor’s choice: The B&O Manhattan with Angels Envy bourbon, Port, angostura bitters, and (the kicker) maple syrup for a bit of sweetness.

Heavy Seas Alehouse

1300 Bank St, 410-522-0850.

This
Little Italy brewpub uses Heavy Seas beer in its cocktails in creative
ways, from Peg Leg liqueur in its Manhattan to Gold Ale in its shandy.

Editor’s choice: Root-beer float with two scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in a pint glass and covered with Peg Leg Imperial Stout.

RYE

807 S. Broadway, 443-438-3296.

The cocktail bar features plenty of after-dinner cocktails, like the creamy Toro Blanco and rich Black & Tan.

Editor’s choice:
Though it’s off-menu, we recommend ordering the Little King (which is
served as a shot) with Crown Royal, cold-brewed coffee, and maple syrup.

The Abbey Burger Bistro

1041 Marshall St., 443-453-9698.

Besides
the build-your-own burgers, what impresses us most about Abbey Burger
is the list of spiked milkshakes—with flavors like Berger Cookies and
PB&J.

Editor’s choice: The Incredible Hulk with pistachio ice cream, Grand Marnier, and brownie chunks.

Liqueurs & Alcohol

Baileys Irish Cream: 17% alcohol

Grand Marnier: 40% alcohol

23: Percentage more alcohol by volume in Grand Marnier versus Baileys Irish Cream.