Brr! Temps lately have been dipping down to the 50’s, so you know it’s officially winter in L.A. Time to swap out those refreshing sippers for some warmer, richer libations.
With ingredients including maple syrup, smokey bitters and pumpkin spice, check out these 12 winter cocktails to try this season.
Break In Oaxaca at Socalo
Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken’s recently-opened Socalo, and all-day California Canteen and Mexican Pub in Santa Monica. On the bar menu, check out the Break In Oaxaca, a craft cocktail made with chamomile infused Ilegal mezcal, licor 43, lemon, maple syrup, egg white, and xocolatl mole bitters. The smokey yet soothing flavor combination will keep you warm even on the most chilling west side evenings.
1920 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, socalo.com, @socalorestaurant
3 Sisters at Redbird
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Redbird is carved into one of the city’s most historic architectural gems, inside the former rectory building of Vibiana. Known for its creative cocktails, the innovative bar recently debuted You Are Here — the latest cocktail collection by Bar Director Tobin Shea. The new jaw-dropping 24-cocktail menu is an extension of Chef/Owner Neal Fraser’s culinary vision at Redbird, drawing inspiration from the multi-cultural influences of his native city of L.A., and Owner/Operator Amy Knoll Fraser’s eclectic approach to design. One of the standouts on the menu is the 3 Sisters made with El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, Siglo-Cero Pox, pumpkin seed orgeat, lemon, Aquafaba, pumpkin spic and Reisetbauer Carrot Eau De Vie.
114 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles, redbird.la, @redbirdla
Fool’s Gold at Salazar
Set on the Los Angeles River, Frogtown’s Salazar is famous for Executive Chef Jonathan Aviles’ Sonoran style BBQ, bringing elevated Mexican mesquite-grilled dishes to the eastside. Behind the bar, bar Manager Adan Maldonado has creates flavorful seasonal cocktails including the Fool’s Gold made with Reposado, St. Germain, lime, salted caramel and egg white.
2490 Fletcher Dr., Los Angeles, Salazarla.com, @salazarfrogtown
Canto Cardenche at Madre
L.A.’s beloved Oaxacan restaurant Madre is known for its innovative cocktails using mezcal and agave spirits. For the winter season, bar manager, Bryant Orozco is serving up his Canto Cardenche made with Sotol, Aloe Vera Liquer, Chepiche, lemon, honey and mint lime bitters
10426 National Blvd., Los Angeles, madrerestaurants.com, @madre_national
Everyone Knows Rose at Roger Room
Everybody Knows Rose is the collaboration between two amazing Roger Room bartenders, Bruce Hood and Sean Stewart. A seasonal take on a “Bee’s Knees,” it’s a simple and delicious cocktail infused with winter flavors of local Los Angeles gin from AMASS distillery, rosemary-infused wildflower honey, kumquat liquor, fresh lemon juice, garnished with a rosemary sprig and orange peel – perfectly capturing the essence of winter.
370 La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, Therogerroom.com, @therogerroom
Netflix and Chill at The Raymond 1886
One sip of the Netflix and Chill cocktail at The Raymond 1886 will have you wanting to cozy up by the fire all night. Created by Casey Levental, this tasty mulled wine toddy is definitely not short of spice and everything nice, as it is comprised of Glenfiddich 14yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky, homemade mulled wine with a torched proprietary winter spice blend, vanilla syrup, and an orange peel garnish.
1250 South Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, TheRaymond.com, @raymondrestaurant
Never Old Fashioned at Chez Jay
Chez Jay never goes out of style! The Santa Monica staple has around for 60 winters and this season, bartender Seth Bol created the Never Old Fashioned. The handsome drink is made with Slow & Low, orange, Luxardo cherry and bitters. Enjoy it fireside in The Backyard of the restaurant.
1657 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, ChezJays.com, @chezjay_sm
Cold to The Touch at Pinky’s
It may be winter but Pinky’s, the new cocktail bar and nightlife destination from the team behind Atrium, transports guests to a lush convivial Miami-esque setting. Beverage Director Jordan Young oversees the clever and tongue-in-cheek bar program cocktail program which includes the Cold To The Touch with Mulholland Vodka, Lillet Rose, Ume infused Junmai Sake, Grapefruit Cordial and Sparkling Yuzu garnished with candy “glass.”
1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, pinkyslosfeliz.com, @pinkyslosfeliz
The Green Virgin at Brunos Italian Kitchen
Just south of L.A., Brunos Italian Kitchen in Orange County is serving up a handful of winter cocktails. The Green Virgin is a great aperitif to sip on prior to sitting down for your holiday feast. The well-balanced herbal flavors from the gin, chartreuse yellow liqueur, and rosemary syrup are complemented with citrus notes from the lemon juice and a hint of sweetness, and the extra virgin olive oil with egg white leaves a soft lingering mouthfeel that makes you crave another sip. Distinguished by its soft green color and herbal aromatics, this olive oil-based cocktail is eminently drinkable and very festive.
210 W. Birch St., Brea, brunositaliankitchen.com, @brunositaliankitchen
Lost in Dublin at WeHo Bistro
Find your way to Weho Bistro to get Lost in Dublin. Jimmy Seargeant and Wrennie West’s winter is made with Gunpowder Irish Gin, Dolin Dry vermouth, house-made grapefruit shrub, burnt rosemary and soda water, is the perfect seasonal pick-me-up.
1040 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, WeHoBistro.com, @wehobistro
Yujean’s Elixir at Bone Kettle
Serving original Southeast Asian cuisine in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Bone Kettle, is the perfect place to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. While you are there, check out the Yujean’s Elixir. This traditional drink is made with bourbon-infused sake, smoky orange bitters and lemon.
67 North Raymond Ave., Pasadena, BoneKettle.com, @bonekettle
Espresso Martini at Ocean Prime
Need a pick-me-up? Head over the Ocean Prime in Beverly Hills and sip their new Espresso Martini made with a blend of Belvedere Vodka, Espresso and Café Liqueur, served with or without cream.
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, Ocean-prime.com, @oceanprimebh
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