The local cocktail scene is fire, and during the holiday season restaurants are leveling up with themed—and lavishly decorated—pop-up bars. We dare you to feel grinchy while sipping handcrafted cocktails from a ceramic Santa boot, a glass snowman and other selfie-worthy drinkware. Get festive at these spirited spots.
Advent Calendar of Bubbles at Pirouette
This Ballston cafe and wine shop will open a different bottle of sparkling wine every day from now until Christmas, with free tastings Tuesdays through Friday from 5-6 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Saturdays. // 4000 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Après-Ski Pop-Up at Water Bar
Step in from the cold at this glass-box gem in National Landing’s Water Park and cure what ails you with a Penicillin (Monkey Shoulder scotch whiskey, ginger-honey syrup and fresh lemon juice) or warm your insides with a Spiced Hot Toddy (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, lemon, honey, hot water, cloves and cinnamon). For the designated drivers, there’s a Not Toddy with zero-proof bourbon, and hot chocolate. Hungry? Build your own charcuterie board and share a plate of wagyu birria empanadas or truffle fries. For dessert: chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, Rice Krispie treats, marshmallows, shortbread and pretzels. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Blitzen Bar at Makers Union
The year-old gastropub in National Landing is celebrating the season with the Blitzen Bar, open through Dec. 25. Come for the merry décor and stay for the 12 cocktails mixologists have whipped up. They include Frosty’s Merry Margarita (Hornitos Plata Tequila, triple sec, white cranberry juice, lime and cream of coconut), Candy Cane Colada (Cruzan Light Rum, Peppermint Schnapps, pineapple juice, Coco Real syrup, grenadine and crushed peppermint) and Gingerbread Lane Espresso Martini (Absolut Vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, espresso, gingerbread syrup and whole milk). For something sans spirits—but full of holiday spirit all the same—ask for the Hallmark Christmas Movies Are Superior or Buddy The Elf, What’s Your Favorite Color? // 1450 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Clarendon Pop-Up Bar at Clarendon Ballroom
Winter Wonderland returns to the ballroom, where the multiple levels are decked out in holiday lights and the bars are serving specialty cocktails with DJ beats. Open Friday and Saturday nights with no cover charge. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Holiday Bar at Colada Shop
Now through Dec. 31, give your holiday some Cuban flair with eight seasonal beverages at Colada Shop’s Clarendon cafe. Transport yourself to warmer climes with the Coquito Shooter, a blend of rum, evaporated and condensed milk, coconut, and warming spices. Or sip on a Rum Cider, served warm and infused with pineapple syrup, apple, and lime. The Churro Manhattan features bourbon, sweet vermouth, spiced syrup and a churro palmerita cookie. For something fruity, try the Apple Guava Mule made with vodka, apple-guava purée, lime and ginger beer. // 2811 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Joy on the Avenue
Del Ray’s festive pop-up bar is back for its fourth year, serving up 10 different on-theme “Gettin’ Lit” cocktails through Jan. 5, 2025. Toast the season with We Forgot Kevin! (Tito’s vodka, St. Germaine, cranberry juice, lemon, angostura butters, jalapeño honey syrup and ginger beer) or the Four Wisemen (Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, smoked cinnamon simple syrup, orange bitters, orange peel and a smoked cinnamon stick). If you get noshy, nibble on Buddy the Elf Sliders, Nachos Navidad or Rudolph’s Bavarian pretzel. // 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Winter Wonderland at Ambar
The downstairs lounge at this Balkan restaurant has been transformed into a snow-dusted forest, complete with chalet-inspired décor. In the cozy 50-seat dining room—or at the five-seat bar—you can enjoy four new cocktails: the Café Zagreb (vodka, cold brew, coffee liqueur, tahini whipped cream and sesame seeds); Balkan Hot Toddy (rakia/Johnny Walker Red, lemon juice, and honey); Smoked Side Car (plum rakia, maple orange syrup, and lemon juice); and the Marshmallow Martini (vodka, chocolate liqueur, marshmallow and cacao powder. The drinks and decorations will be available through Jan. 31, 2025. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)