Birdie G's Sweater Weather
In the spirit of the holiday season, L.A. restaurants are mingling cheer and creativity to fashion marvelously imaginative winter cocktails. Read on for where to find the very best.
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Website/ Various
At A.O.C., guests can imbibe specialty drinks showcasing the bounty of the seasonal harvest and cooler weather. Ignacio Murillo has curated a vibrant cocktail roster including the Fiesta Oaxaca with mezcal, mole liqueur and chocolate bitters; the Imperio Azteca made from tequila, poached spiced apple and lime; the bourbon Kentucky Milk Punch with clarified mil; and the Marzapán Espresso Martini.
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Website/ 2421 Michigan Ave 90404
The bar at Birdie G’s always dresses up for the holidays, but this year they are taking yuletide decor and drinks over the top. Among their themed concoctions is bar manager Stephanie Reading’s Don’t Knock the Nog, amped up with four kinds of rum, wintery spices and candy cane rims. Also on the agenda: hot and heartwarming whiskey drinks plus seasonal selections with Hannukah flair.
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Website/ 9500 Wilshire Blvd 90212
The Beverly Wilshire takes making spirits brights seriously as proven by its new holiday cocktails. It pleases the crowds who prefer light, bubbly concoctions, as well as fans of spirit-forward cocktails with the La Belle Spritz, Merry Maple Sour, Sparkling Sidecar and the Gin & Jam.
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Website/ 4604 Eagle Rock Blvd 90041
You’ll want to start singing Christmas carols the moment you walk into Capri Club at this time of year, which will only be furthered fueled by its cocktail menu. Warm your belly with Bobby It’s Cold Outside, an ice-cold mug of pilsner and a Ferrari shot, or savor a craft cocktail like the Uncle Nearest Whiskey-based Pear Tree or Awful Good Girl with Amaro Angelino, St. Germaine, house red bitter and sods.
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Website/ 22878 Pacific Coast Hwy 90265
Down by the ocean, Carbon Beach Club at Malibu Beach Inn has two new cocktails for celebrating winter. Combining eggnog’s creamy richness with coconut and cognac, the New Possibilities mixes sweet familiarity with tropical notes and spice. Meanwhile, the Sandalwood Smoked Negroni artfully channels a classic cocktail using liquid smoke, barrel-aged gin, Italian liqueurs and aromatic bitters.
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Website/ 10250 Santa Monica Blvd 90067
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse puts its own special spin on customary festive libations. Its Maple Bourbon Sour brings together smooth Whistlepig bourbon with amber maple syrup and effervescent foam. For an inspired twist on a yuletide treat, Santa’s Sleigh Ride stirs together Jack Daniel’s original and honey-flavored whiskies, fresh orange juice and mulled wine.
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Website/ 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd 90210
With the holiday musical Love Actually Live underway at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, two specialty cocktails are being poured to toast the cast. Access Hollywood pro Pia Days has concocted the Southwest-style Love Actually using mezcal, prickly pear, lemon and agave. And mixologist Feisser Stone of Barlingual has whipped up the tropical You Are Perfect Mule with whiskey, apple cider, citrus and ginger beer.
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Website/ 370 La Cienega Blvd 90048
This Beverly Grove bar may be a cozy watering hole year-round, but it feels especially festive during the winter because of its seasonal cocktails. Consider The Dame with Remy VSOP, cherry juice, lemon and prosecco; the vanilla and nutmeg-enlivened Spiced Mule; the espresso-driven Black Dahlia or Scarlet Aperol Fizz.
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Website/ 1 Pico Blvd 90405
Down the road in Santa Monica, luxe beachfront hotel Shutters on the Beach has put its own boozy, creamy spin on the Mexican drink Rompope. Food and beverage director Owen Edson’s version utilizes horchata and heavy creme plus aged rum for a sweet creamy treat with hints of spice and vanilla.
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Website/ 655 N Harbor Dr 90277
Sea Level Restaurant and Lounge located in Redondo Beach makes it easy to get into an aquatic state of mind with their trio of signature sea-themed winter cocktails. Imbibe island warmth with the Santa Catalina mixed with rum, peach liqueur and blood orange. Sip shoreline nostalgia from the Anchor’s Away blending Jack Daniel's with lemon and honey, and soak up Golden Hour vibes through spirits combining whiskey, apple cider and acai.
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Website/ 8440 Sunset Blvd 90069
In Los Angeles, the winter season doesn’t mean you have to give up poolside hangs. Lounge on a daybed and breathe in the city views while sipping on Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles’ seasonal cocktail lineup. There’s the sour apple-flavored Whiskey Business and mezcal-based Old Spice, but we recommend the Mintini to really get in the holiday spirit. The Titos cocktail is made with Bailey’s vanilla mint liquor and Kahlua and comes served with a can of Bomani Cold Buzz.
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Website/ 120 Colorado Ave 90401
Rising just before the Santa Monica Pier, newly opened restaurant The Surfing Fox has devised the mistletoe-inspired libation Under the Mistletoe for spreading Christmas cheer. Vodka joins forces with cranberry juice, triple sec, lime and housemade cranberry-rosemary syrup, topped off with foamy egg white froth. It joins a spirited lineup of holiday-ready cocktails for the season.
With so many wonderful winter options, imbibers looking to celebrate the season with flavor have manifold motives for making the rounds of L.A.’s merry watering holes.
See also: 10 L.A. Restaurants Where You Can Eat And Enjoy Live Music
Photography by: Taneeshia Warren for Birdie G's
