12 Days of Cocktails

We’re officially deep in December, so it’s time to no shame crank up those holiday jams and switch your season to winter. While pumpkin spice might still be in your flavor rotation here are some great cocktail locales to choose from when your craving something nog-gier for 12 days of cocktails!

Be on the look out for my days in red where you can save a little green.

Day 1: Nihon No Fuyu from Chaya ($17) 

Nihon No Fuyu, which means Winter in Japan is Chaya DTLA’s Japanese spin on the classic Egg Nog. It begins with rice apple milk, cinnamon apple tea, simple syrup, and the new Kikori Japanese Whiskey made with 100% locally grown rice from the rich volcanic loam and pure water of Kumamoto.

Day 2: Bettencourt from Here’s Looking at You ($15) 

Every Angeleno has a story and the cocktail menu at Here’s Looking at You is like your own personal Kerouac novel. I dare you not to find a drink that best defines the kind of you that’s walking through the jungle that day. For the holidays I can’t help but settle in with a Bettencourt, made with McKenna Bonded Bourbon, Corbin Cash Sweet Potato Liqueur, Jameson Caskmates Stout, and toasted marshmallow.

Day 3: Eggnog Martini from Sushi Roku ($14)

If you’re in the mood for something a little more on the classic side then head to Sushi Roku in Santa Monica. Their Eggnog Martini features Dekuyper Amaretto, Hennessy VS, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Head to the Pasadena location for $3 off specialty cocktails when you visit during one of their daily happy hours!

Day 4: Gentlemen’s Breakfast from Officine BRERA ($16)

You had me a bone marrow infused bourbon! This new standout in Downtown’s Arts District actually infuses the bourbon themselves in house! Other ingredients in this caveman cocktail include Amaro Averna, walnut, angostura bitters, and an orange peel

Day 5: Handsome Devil from Here’s Looking at You ($15)

Yes we’re back in Ktown, but cocktail directors Allan Katz and Danielle Crouch just have too much good stuff to offer. This time make a date with a Handsome Devil stirred up with dried cherry, raisin, apricot, date-infused Ron Prohibido 12 & El Dorado 8-yr Rums, Alessio Sweet Vermouth, and orange bitters.

It should remind you a liquid fruitcake…and isn’t that how most handsome devils really are :)?

Day 6: Mistletoe from Katana ($16)

I can’t think of a better place to get kissed under the Mistletoe by a stranger than West Hollywood’s long standing hot spot Katana. Just maneuver the crowds with this warm mix of Whiskey, apple cider, ginger, serrano chili, lavender bitters and a cinnamon stick garnish over your head and see if you get lucky.

Day 7: Vin Brûlée Bellini from The Restaurant at Mr. C. ($16.95) 

A twist on the Cipriani family’s signature Bellini, the Vin Brûlée Bellini is made with a reduction of Speri Valpolicella Ripasso, cinnamon, clove, peppercorn, star anise, and orange.  Then a splash of the reduction is added to a glass of Mr. C Prosecco, and finished with a dash of lemon juice.

Day 8: Whisky, Spice and Everything Nice from ROKU ($15) 

The Whisky, Spice and Everything Nice crafted with Bourbon, lemon, Allspice, and egg is everything you love about the holidays poured into a glass. The only naughtiness I see is that this isn’t available on Roku West Hollywood’s happy hour menu.

Day 9: Sweater Weather from Faith & Flower ($14) 

As the weather starts to cool down it’s fun to warm up inside with something that makes you want to kick back in a leather chair with a good book and your sleeves pulled over your hands. If a barstool will suit you then head downtown to Faith & Flower for a  Sweater Weather cocktail made with Stolen Smoked Rum, Pernod, Absinthe, Creme de Cacao, cream, & egg.

Day 10: Holiday Road from All’Acqua ($14) 

Day 11. Three Spirit Eggnog from Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse ($14) 

If you’re waiting on a visit from the ghost of cocktail’s past then look no further than downtown LA and  Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse. Their Three Spirit Egg Nog is a take on the traditional egg nog with a Dickensonian twist. It’s made with Aged Rum, Cognac, Pear Brandy (the three spirits), along with House made Egg Nog, and a Star Anise.

Day 12: Mexican Hot Chocolate from Citizen ($12)

If you really want to take this article seriously then head over to Citizen in Beverly Hills for their 12 Days of Cocktails! Beginning on December 13th there will be a new $12 cocktail every day to help you countdown to Christmas. December 20th features a Mexican Hot Chocolate made with Anejo tequila, cinnamon, orgeat, Mexican chocolate, and hot milk.