Watch CBS News

Best Holiday Drink Ideas From Los Angeles Mixologists

the grill on the alley header
(credit: The Grill On The Alley)

December is a busy month with holiday gatherings and parties. It's time to set your menus, open up your spirits and say good tidings to your guests. From the bars of the best mixologists in Los Angeles, enjoy a creative offering of cocktail recipes to impress and to serve friends and family.

martini and olives
(credit: The Grill On The Alley)

The Grill on Hollywood

Hollywood & Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 856-5530
www.thegrill.com

Mixologist Shaw Jones from The Grill on Hollywood is shaking up the season with three holiday-inspired drinks. His Memphis roots give his cocktail suggestions a warm and spirited edge at The Grill. Bartending for 20 years, Jones is a certified mixologist and works as an actor in his spare time. Sister to Beverly Hill's world-famous The Grill on the Alley, the bar in The Grill on Hollywood features old Hollywood photos and an extensive wine list set in a sophisticated atmosphere with dark wood booths and tables.

Holiday drinks created by Shaw Jones, The Grill on Hollywood

Candy Cane Martini

1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
2 oz vodka
1-1/2 oz cream
garnish with shaved candy cane for a little extra holiday cheer

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into chilled martini glass, straining off the ice. Garnish and serve.

Cinnamon Espresso Martini

Ingredients:
1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps
1 oz espresso
1 oz Godiva
1-1/2 oz cream
cinnamon stick garnish

Directions:
Combine ingredients, stirring with cinnamon stick.

Hazelnut Hot Toddy

Ingredients:
1/2 oz Godiva
1/2 oz Frangelico
1 oz cream
hot water to fill
cinnamon stick garnish

Directions:
Combine ingredients and stir with cinnamon stick.

Related: Spice Up Your Holiday Meal With Sur La Table's Peppermint Caramels

The famous Nick Vitulli
(credit: The Famous)

The Famous Craft Cocktail Bar

154 S. Brand Ave.
Glendale, CA  91204
(818) 241-2888
www.thefamousglendale.com

Nick Vituli, who got tired of pouring Jack and Cokes, took the bull by the horns to learn more about the second-oldest profession in the world. After learning to bartend in NYC, he made the move west to L.A., and he is now known for creating some of the best drinks in town. Vituli is head program developer at The Famous in Glendale, which is located in Glendale's historic Huntley-Evans building across from the Americana At Brand shopping center.

Holiday cocktails created by Nick Vituli, The Famous

Live Young, Die Fast

Ingredients:
3 to 4 basil leaves
3/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
3/4 oz black pepper syrup
1-1/2 oz St. George Terroire gin

Directions:
Press the basil into the lime juice in the mixing tin. Add syrup and gin. Ice, shake and double strain into a coup glass/top with fresh cracked pepper. Smack a basil leaf and garnish.

This Could Be Love

Ingredients:
1 Gilway Demerara sugar cube
1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
2 dashes Jerry Thomas' bitters
3 drops Jamaican Jerk Bitters
2 oz Larceny Bourbon

Directions:
With a toddy stick, make a paste out of the sugar cube, cinnamon syrup and bitters. Add the bourbon. Ice and stir old-fashioned style. Strain in a rocks glass over new ice. Top with freshly ground nutmeg.

Armageddon

Ingredients:
1/2 oz Leopold's New England cranberry liqueur
3/4 oz fresh pressed apple juice
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
2 tsp sugar
1-1/2 oz. Oxley gin
Lemon twist

Directions:
Combine cranberry liqueur, apple/lemon juices and gin in a mixing tin. Ice, shake, strain into coupe glass and add lemon twist.

Related: Your Holiday Party Survival Guide Is Here

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.