New Winter Cocktails

In the summer months, we drink up to feel refreshed and inspire motivation to strut around the city’s hottest pool parties. But when the harsh winter chill sets in, we indulge to warm up and let loose within sleek, dim ultra-lounges. The San Diego lifestyle scene offers an entirely different vibe during the holiday season.

San Diego’s premier mixologists are embracing holiday scents and spices to craft warming spirits strong enough to get us through the season. Expand far beyond your bar routine with new winter cocktails from El Dorado, Alchemy, Burlap, Noble Experiment, Flavor Del Mar and Saltbox, among others. Who’s up for some ultra-sweet Brandy Milk Punch? More seasonal cocktails include The Ugly Sweater, Hibiscus Highlands Eggnog and Gingerbread Martini.

Warm up with one of the best winter cocktails in San Diego.

St. Lucia Sour at Saltbox

With all mustaches safely stored away, Saltbox’s Master Mixologist Erin Williams is now switching gears from Movember to the holiday season. Head to Saltbox within the Palomar Hotel and sip on the St. Lucia Sour, a festive spirit made with Chairman's Reserve Rum, Cointreau Noir, egg white, lemon, Chai Rye Bitters and Maple Flakes. The St. Lucia Sour is sure to warm you up on a chilly winter night. More signature cocktails to try include the Mental Ward, a blend of High West “Bourye” Bourbon, pomegranate molasses, lime and sugar; and the Caucasion, a twist on the White Russian with Makers Mark Bourbon, Kahlua and fresh whipped cream. (pictured above)

Brandy Milk Punch at Noble Experiment

Just last week, Noble Experiment’s inventive bar master Anthony Schmidt took home his second consecutive title in the local Bartender Challenge hosted by El Dorado. Just days later, Anthony, along with the entire Noble Experiment team, introduced a new winter cocktail menu. This edgy speakeasy is considered the Mecca for handcrafted cocktails in San Diego, and the new spirits on this menu are guaranteed to keep you warm all season long. Indulge your sweet tooth with the Brandy Milk Punch, made with Cognac, milk, cane sugar and vanilla extract. More signature cocktails to try include the Rattlesnake, a bold blend of Rye, Absinthe, lemon, sugar and egg white; and St. Cecilia, made with Apple Brandy, ginger, lime, all spice, bitters and club soda.

The Ugly Sweater at El Dorado Cocktail Lounge

It may be hard to stray away from your go-to Moscow Mule drink order, but you should know that El Dorado is gearing up to introduce a new cocktail menu with even more options for holiday imbibing. The winter menu features five new spirits, and will be unveiled during the launch party on December 20th, during which you can try your pick for $5. Must-try cocktails include The Ugly Sweater, a refreshing blend of Laphroig, Applejack, lime mint and cucumber; Cyarlie Brown, made with Cynar, Rye, Antica and Orange Bitters; Winter in Sicily, made with Rye, Cacao, Averna and Orange Bitters; Charo’s Kick, a spicy blend of Tequila, Mezcal, lemon and Orgeat; and the Traditional Army & Navy, made with Gin, lemon, Orgeat and Ango Bitters.

Cinnamon Apple at Flavor Del Mar

Flavor Del Mar recently unveiled a winter menu crafted by new Executive Chef Brian Redzikowkski, and you can now pair your entrée with a new seasonal spirit. Inspired by the familiar spices of the holiday season, the Cinnamon Apple cocktail is made with Bacardi Oakhart Spiced Rum, house made cinnamon brown sugar syrup, unfiltered organic apple juice, fresh lemon and orange twist. More signature cocktails to try this winter at Flavor Del Mar include the Maple Citrus with Bulleit Rye Whiskey, maple syrup, lemon, Belle de Brillet Pear Cognac; and the Ginger Pear, a blend of Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka, Lillet, fresh ginger, D’Anjou Pear and lemon.

Beech Street Batida at Alchemy

On a cold winter night, seek warmth and rejuvenation within Alchemy, a neighborhood restaurant in South Park. Known for sustainable cuisine in a cozy setting that inspires community, Alchemy also serves an ever-changing menu of craft cocktails. Just in time for the holidays, Alchemy introduces three new spirits. Our top pick is the Beech Street Batida, an exotic blend of Leblon Cachaca, coconut milk, clove, Tru Hibiscus Liqueur, Peychauds and lime. More seasonal cocktails include Keeps Pleasure, made with Svedka Vodka, Carpano Antica Vermouth, apple juice and ginger beer; and Mulled Wine, a blend of medium bodied red wine, citrus and winter spices served hot.

Hibiscus Highlands Eggnog at Burlap

Serving Chef Brian Malarkey’s “Asian Cowboy” cuisine in an eclectic environment that offers the perfect mix of global sophistication and local cool, Burlap brings an entirely new flavor to the North County dining scene. Despite the distraction, you can’t overlook the unique menu of handcrafted cocktails. New for the holiday season is the Hibiscus Highlands Eggnog, which is named for Burlap's location in Del Mar Highlands and is made with Grand Centenario Roseangel Hibiscus Tequila, Organic Hibiscus Liqueur and house made eggnog.

Hot Buttered Rum at Brockton Villa

Your sweet tooth will go crazy for Hot Buttered Rum, a new holiday cocktail now available at Brockton Villa in La Jolla. Watch the sunset over La Jolla Cove as you cozy up in complimentary plush blankets (seriously!) and sip on Hot Buttered Rum, a warm winter spirit made with steamed milk, rum, cinnamon, a touch of butter and dusted with cinnamon.

A Port in the Storm at Island Prime

Enjoy your holiday cocktail with a view of the downtown cityscape across San Diego Bay at Chef Deborah Scott’s Island Prime and C Level. Daring drinkers can choose from three new winter cocktails, including our top pick, A Port in the Storm, made with Makers Mark Bourbon, shaken with port, pomegranate juice and black pepper bites. More seasonal cocktails to try include the Manzanita, a blend of Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka, sparkling apple cider, fino and vanilla; and the Occidental Sour, which features Barsol Pisco shaken with maple, lemon, egg white and cranberry bitters.

Gingerbread Martini at La Valencia Hotel

Sip your way to ultimate holiday cheer this winter at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. This historical hotel is embracing the season with two new cocktails, including the playful Gingerbread Martini, made with Stoli Vanilla, gingerbread, Liquor 43, cream and cinnamon; and the Cranberry Cooler, a sweet and spicy blend of Belvedere Orange, Amaretto, cranberry and cinnamon.

Winter’s Folly from Green Flash Brewing Co.

Need a break from all the sugary spirits? Kick back with a holiday inspired local craft brew, such as the featured Winter’s Folly from Green Flash Brewing Co. This warming brew is described as a malty winter seasonal with big flavor and body, a complex bitter balance and caramel notes. You can find Winter’s Folly served locally at Hamilton’s, Blind Lady Ale House or The Linkery, among other craft beer bars in San Diego.

DIY: Stoli Choco Raz Cake Martini

Are you an aspiring mixologist? Make your own holiday cocktail with Stoli Chocolat Razberi, Stoli’s decadent new winter addition. Impress your dinner party guests with a round of specialty cocktails or shots, such as the Stoli Choco Raz Cake Martini, Stoli Choco Raz Hot Chocolate, Stoli Choco Raz White Russian or Stoli Choco Raz Cake Shot. Check out these Stoli winter cocktail recipes and more on stoli.com.

Discover more new fall cocktails and follow our nightlife blog for tips and trends