The Venice Whaler (10 W Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292; 310.821.8737)
After a chilly (yes it can get chilly) walk on the Venice Boardwalk, snuggle up with a large mug of theWhaler Hot Toddy made with brandy, honey, fresh cranberries and mint or the New Year’s Nog, crafted with brandy and fresh nutmeg. Both by Anthony Settecase
Magnolia House (492 S Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.584.1126)
Stay awake on New Year’s Eve with this eye-opener. The Magnolia House Night Cap Cocktail (by Evan Zimmerman) shakes up coffee bean Cynar, blanc vermouth and fresh fig bitters. The Americano (by Colin Shearn) was designed with Campari, Sweet Vermouth, seltzer and an orange garnish, this little sister to the classic Negroni cocktai.
MURPH’S (14649 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403; 818.986.9999)
The Oil Change is one of the crowd favorites on MURPH’S signature cocktail list for the winter. It’s a blend of bourbon, fresh ginger, honey and lemon.
The Raymond 1886 (1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136)
The Lebowski Achiever (by Brady Weise) first made its debut on the 1886 Bar menu in Winter of 2011. Now it has returned as one of 1886’s “Greatest Hits,” offering you a White Russian-inspired concoction with vodka, crème de cacao, coffee stout and fresh cream. The Huckleberry Sour (by Peter Lloyd-Jones) is a sweet-twist on a more traditional bourbon sour made with fresh huckleberry jam, fresh lemon and the perfume of a singed rosemary sprig. The Apple Pie Hot Toddy (by Chris Hoey) features a pie crust-infused rye whiskey, with a jolt of lemon and brown sugar that is served up piping-hot, topped with a green-apple foam.
solita TACOS & MARGARITAS (24201 Valencia Blvd., Suite 3470, Valencia, CA 91355; 661.291.1399)
The Horchata Cocktail (by Colin Pflugradt) combines solita Tacos & Margaritas house-made horchata with tequila, a Bailey’s-like tequila cream liqueur and freshly ground cinnamon.
Tipple & Brine (14633 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403; 818.528.2550)
The Tipple Tree (by AJ Korchak) is crafted with cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and freshly grated nutmeg. Ring in the New Year with the New Year’s Sour (by Daniel Ponsky) crafted with whiskey, lemon, simple sugar, bitters and a cabernet float.
Tunnel Bar (14633 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; 828.528.3434)
Tunnel Bar’s new seasonal cocktail, The Candidate (by Daniel Ponsky) is made with rye whiskey, honey and grapefruit juice.
Roger Room (370 N La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.854.1300)
The Straw Man, (by Tai Bennett) features Twelve Five Rye, spiced pumpkin purée, Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Bitters, and garnish with rosemary and orange peel.
Photo: Whaler Hot Toddy; New Year’s Nog
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Venice Whaler
