Forget the hot chocolate—if you are in need of a holiday beverage with a little kick, plenty of Arlington bars and restaurants have seasonal cocktails and other hard drinks worth savoring this winter.
Ambar
Spare yourself the airfare to Serbia for the holidays and let Ambar bring the Balkan experience to you. Through the end of January, the Clarendon eatery is serving a drink called the Christmas in Belgrade, which is a hearty concoction of bourbon, spiced pear puree, walnut bitters that’s topped with cinnamon and dehydrated pear. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Assembly
The Rosslyn food hall is serving up peppermint lattes and gingerbread macchiatos, alongside churro doughnuts and pecan twists. For something harder, look no further than an espresso martini, the Figgy Bourbon Fizz or the Hardywood Park Christmas Pancakes stout. // 1700 N Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Clarendon Pop-Up Bar
Winter has crept indoors at Clarendon Pop-Up Bar, where holiday decor and synthetic-snow-covered greenery abounds. On Friday and Saturday nights through January, warm up in the Winter Wonderland-themed venue with the Jingle Juice Punch (made with White Claw hard seltzer), ornament shooters or the Polar Express, which is a blend of blueberry vodka and blueberry Red Bull with a frosty shimmer. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Neighborhood Provisions
You can load up on eats for the holidays at Neighborhood Provisions (we’re eyeing the stuffed Medjool dates), but there are also plenty of libations to be had. From a sparkling holiday wine four-pack to a 30-day-aged egg nog, find beverages to instantly upgrade your home celebrations. // Check website for pick-up locations
Pamplona
The holiday decor is out in full force at this Clarendon tapas outpost. And while you’re snapping selfies below the string lights and oversized ornaments hung from the ceiling, sip on eggnog-tinis (infused with Stoli vanilla vodka and amaretto) or the Cinnamull (MurLarkey cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, ginger beer). // 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
The Pinemoor
You may know them for their addictive popcorn or their ancho-braised short rib Benedict, but the Pinemoor is also a great neighborhood spot for seasonal cocktails. On their menu, you can find the Noggin’ But a Good Time—a mix of Catoctin Creek rye, 1757 Brandy, cream, egg yolk, house syrup and allspice—or the Poinsettia, made with St. Germain, Belle Isle moonshine and house-made cranberry coulis. // 1101 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Punch Bowl Social
Grab some straws for the Home for the Holidays seasonal cocktail at Punch Bowl Social; the shareable punch blends brandy, whiskey, amaretto, apple cider, lemon juice and aquafaba. Or, if you’ve got a hankering for tequila, try the Night in Jalisco, imbued with allspice dram. // 4238 Wilson Blvd. Suite 1180, Arlington (Ballston)
Rako
This recent addition to Courthouse is offering two gift sets for the season. Select a coffee holiday set ($79.99) of six 4-ounce jars of internationally sourced coffees and coffee brewer’s logbook. Or opt for the coffee and wine package, which adds a bottle of natural wine for $99.99. // 2016 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
The Salt Line
Pair the stuffies or crudos at this Ballston seafood depot with one of a handful of warm beverages. Keep things traditional with a brandied apple cider or hot toddy, or try the The Smoking Bishop: mulled wine infused with cognac, demerara and citrus. If you’re debating between hot chocolate and a nightcap, get both! The Livin’ La Vida Cocoa is served with churro marshmallows and a splash or two of añejo tequila. // 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
TTT
Find wintry drinks with seasonal fruit flavors at this Mexican eatery. Try the Cidra Sangria (white whine, mezcal, apple cider, simple syrup, spices), the Pomegranate Paloma (silver tequila, pomegranate-grapefruit seltzer, lime) or the El Jolly (mezcal, coffee-tinged tequila, vermouth, orange bitters). // 2900 Wilson Blvd. Suite 103, Arlington (Clarendon)
Whino
As you browse the latest in lowbrow street art at Whino, order a perked-up apple cider. The Under the Apple Tree mixes cider with Bulleit rye, Ramazotti Amaro, lemon juice and simple syrup. // 4238 Wilson Blvd. (second floor), Arlington (Ballston)