In Southern California, the weather may not be frightful, but our winter cocktails are still very much delightful. During the “chilly” months, snuggle up to these 12 warm-you-up drinks made with seasonal surprises.
Winter 75 at Café Pinot
Café Pinot’s lead bartender Lauren Lindstrom created a cool take on the classic French 75 for the season. The Winter 75, made with Absolut Elyx, lemon juice, lavender syrup and sparkling wine for a crisp cocktail that kicks off the new year right.
700 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, patinagroup.com/cafe-pinot, @cafepinot
Walnut Manhattan at The Bellwether
Studio City’s neighborhood favorite, The Bellwether, is serving up a winter take on an old classic cocktail. The Walnut Manhattan is concocted with Nux Alpina walnut liquor, which is a double-distilled grape brandy infused with green walnuts, herbs, spices, then mixed with Buffalo Trace, Punte e Mes and bitters. Trust us, you’ll go nuts for this one.
13251 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, Thebellwetherla.com, @thebellwether_la
Just the Sizzurp at Estrella
The only thing better than warm pancakes in the morning is the Just the Sizzurp cocktail, available at Estrella on Sunset. This savory Viva XXXII tequila-based sip is mixed with maple syrup, a dash of orange bitters, a dash of Angostura bitters and shaved fresh cinnamon on top. Served in a Nick and Nora glass, this drink is perfectly finished off with a real pancake garnish. What a way to start the day!
8800 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, Estrellasunset.com, @estrellasunset
Winter Wonderland Fizz at State Fare Bar & Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Dream of a real winter by the fire out in the desert with the Winter Wonderland Fizz cocktail, found at State Fare Bar & Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. This boozy take on the classic 1934 season song is made with Plymouth Gin, heavy cream, agave, orange blossom water, topped with club soda and an orange peel.
68900 Frank Sinatra Dr., Rancho Mirage, Ritzcarlton.com, @ritzcarlton
Hunter S. Thompson at The BoardRoom at The Music Center
This winter, go gonzo at The BoardRoom with their Hunter S. Thompson cocktail. Created by lead bartender Christina Russo, this literary libation is made with coffee-infused Don Q Anjeo, Licor 43, whipped cream and lemon zest. Just like its namesake suggests, this is bold, creative and hella strong.
135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, patinagroup.com/the-boardroom, @boardroom_la
Tea Party at Ray’s & Stark Bar
“Spill the winter tea” with friends over spiked tea at Ray’s & Stark Bar at LACMA. Their Tea Party cocktail, made with gin, scotch, applejack brandy, sweet vermouth and chamomile tea spiced syrup, is a zesty sipper that will coat your throat with warmth.
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, patinagroup.com/rays-and- stark-bar, @raysandstarkbar
Rickshaw Mule at Blind Dragon
A good mule is always in style, no matter what season. For the colder months, head over to Sunset hotspot Blind Dragon and order their Rickshaw Mule, made with Jack Daniels, Amaro Nonino, ginger beer, agave, lime and Angostura bitters.
9201 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, Blinddragon.com, @theblinddragon
I’m Dreaming of a White Russian at The Front Yard at The Garland
The holidays may be over but you can keep the snowy spirit alive with the I’m Dreaming of a White Russian cocktail at The Front Yard inside The Garland. This sweet and creamy hotel bar cocktail is made with eggnog, molasses, ginger, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, vodka, Kahlua and then garnished with a full cinnamon stick.
4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, thegarland.com, @thegarland
Tom’s Glühwein at YNK
Never heard of “Glühwein?” In German, it roughly translates to “glowing-wine,” which we know you can get onboard with. Found at YNK (You Never Know) in Irvine, this warm, mulled mixed drink is made with red wine, star of anise, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger root, demerara sugar, orange and grapefruit. It’s flavorful, festive and totally fantastic.
18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, Ynk-irvine.com, @ynklounge
Hot Tin Roof at BOA
Until it’s actually warm out again, you can get the heat from the Hot Tin Roof drink from Sunset’s premiere steakhouse BOA. Made with Hilhaven Lodge Whiskey, apricot, peach and chipotle shiso leaf, this cocktail with give you just the kick you need this winter.
9200 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, Boasteak.com, @boasteakhouse
The InCider at Toca Madera
You know what they say about an apple a day. We’ll take ours in a cocktail. Toca Madera’s The InCider is made with Casamigos Reposado, ginger, lemon and apple cider for sweet, tingly taste.
8450 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, tocamadera.com, @tocamaderala
Campanula Sour at Sapor Restaurant
This season, Koreatown’s craft cocktail hotspot Sapor Restaurant is pouring their Campanula Sour made with house-infused grapefruit vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon, house made red bell pepper juice and fresh mint. This one is super fresh!
3600 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, saporrestaurant.com, @saporrestaurant
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