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Best Places For Holiday Cocktails In Los Angeles

harlowe bar 610 header
(credit: 1933 Group)

With the month of December bringing us the final holidays of the season, unfortunately, they're also the most stressful holidays of them all. Between shopping, party planning, gift wrapping, cooking and baking, it's easy to lose the joy when you're stuck in a sea of traffic or fanning the smoke away from the smoke detector. Fortunately, along with the holiday stress comes the much needed holiday-inspired cocktails. With a pinch cheer, a dash of merry and perhaps a whole lot of alcohol, take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. Check out these five places in Los Angeles for their holiday cocktails to bring back the joy. And, for more ideas, visit our list of the Best Fall/Winter Cocktails in Los Angeles

harlowe
(credit: William Bradford)

Harlowe
7321 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 876-5839
www.harlowebar.com

There never seems to be enough time to get everything done during the holiday season, but at Harlowe, you can turn back the hands of time to Hollywood's Golden Age with vintage decor and turn-of-the-century portraits on every wall. While stopping in for a cocktail may not check things off your to-do list, you might find some gift inspiration at the bottom of Harlowe's delicious Ye Old Nog libation (El Dorado 12 yr Rum, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, egg, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg and Angostura bitters).

Related: Best Christmas Eve Dinners In Los Angeles

Firefly patio
(credit: Firefly)

Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1833
www.fireflystudiocity.com

Holiday shopping is exhausting, so taking a little time for yourself to recharge is always a good idea. While on Ventura Boulevard, head over to Firefly in Studio City and reboot with its signature holiday cocktail, Terroir Rouge. This invigorating libation takes the tartness of cranberries, the crisp botanicals of Terroir Gin and integrates fresh ginger, muddled cranberries, cinnamon and a splash of tonic for the seasonal boost you need.

sassafras
(credit: Sassafras)

Sassafras
1233 N Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 467-2800
www.sassafrashollywood.com

It can be easy to lose the holiday spirit amidst all of the present shopping and accumulating debt. At Sassafras, spend a couple of bucks on yourself and regain some of that holiday cheer with its "Miracle on 34th Street"-inspired cocktail. The 34th Street Flip is the perfect blend of Nocino Walnut Liqueur, East India Sherry, bourbon, egg, simple syrup, cream and nutmeg that will absolutely put a rosy glow on your cheeks as you remember "Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind."

The Tasting Room Glass - Four Seasons Westlake
(credit: The Tasting Room / Four Seasons Westlake)

The Four Seasons Hotel The Tasting Room
2 Dole Dr.
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 575-3000
www.fourseasons.com

'Tis definitely the season for wine lovers, especially if you're a fan of mulled wine. The Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake has opened its new wine tasting bar, The Tasting Room, and is serving its special holiday mulled California wine made with Malibu Family Wines (Semler and Saddlerock). Enjoy the winter aroma and savory flavors while surrounded by the luxury that only The Four Seasons can offer.

The Bungalow
(credit: Chris Weeks)

The Bungalow
101 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 899-8530
www.thebungalowsm.com

Living in Los Angeles, it's hard to get into the holiday mindset when it's mid December and still 75 degrees and sunny. For those and other unseasonably warm days, trot off to Santa Monica not just for your shopping needs but also to The Bungalow for some of the best sangria ever created. Enjoy the perfect blend of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon with St. Germain, Oro Pisco and agave nectar with fresh fresh fruit that will absolutely get you in the spirit. It is red, after all.

Related: Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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