‘Tis the season for drinking it all up! After a long day of gift shopping, holiday market perusing, and general merriment, why not indulge in a much-deserved drink at one of the many cheerful and delicious holiday pop-up bars in the D.C.-area. Here are a few that have our attention:
📍14th Street & Clarendon
This Cuban café and bar is serving a delicious lineup of tropical-inspired craft cocktails with really fabulous names. Try the Coquito shooter, a take on the creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink, made with rum, coconut, and warm spices. Cozy up with the Rum Cider, treat ‘yo self to the Churro Manhattan, or get your giggles in with their Mo-Ho-Ho-Ho-ito made with rum, mint, lime, pomegranate seeds, and sparkling wine. Plus, their holiday serveware is truly Insta-worthy.
📍 Silver Lyan, Penn Quarter
Starting Dec. 6, Silver Lyan is transforming its intimate and hidden space into a hi-fi listening lounge for the holiday season, showcasing cocktails and highballs in collaboration with House of Suntory Japanese Spirits. While DJ Trev Ski is spinning vinyl, snack on wasabi nori chips or jamón Ibérico.
📍 H Street Corridor
Head to this Afro-Caribbean restaurant and bar for the Santa’s Chalet pop-up Christmas cocktail bar. Try the Baby It’s Cold Outside cocktail with warm apple cider, cinnamon, star anise, and Skrewball Peanut Butter whiskey. Or The Grinch, with Vascano tequila, sour apple, lime, and triple sec. Plus, they’re offering s'mores! But they’re only available by the fire pit, of course.
The Winter Wonderland at Ambar. (Courtesy of Heather Freeman / Street Guys Hospitality)
📍 Clarendon
Located in the restaurant’s lower level, this Winter Wonderland pop-up at the popular Balkan restaurant will immerse you to a cozy, chalet-inspired forest dusted with fresh snow. They’re serving up new drinks for the season, including their Marshmallow Martini made with vodka, chocolate liquor, cacao powder, and of course, marshmallow.
📍 Adams Morgan
Would it even be the holiday season without the notorious and ever-popular Miracle holiday pop-up? Now in its fifth year in D.C., continue the tradition (or start one) of throwing back one (or two) of their Nice Shot or Naughty Shot.
The sweet potato old fashioned cocktail at the Blue Duck Tavern’s Fire Garden pop-up. (Courtesy of Heather Freeman / Park Hyatt Washington D.C.)
📍 Park Hyatt
The award-winning restaurant within the West End hotel is debuting its seasonal cocktails and a newly created outdoor oasis, the Fire Garden. Warm up with a Chai White Russian, or a classic Hot Toddy by the firepit, and snack on one of their many dishes, like the roasted bone marrow or apple pie for two. Seating is first come, first served, and blankets are provided.
📍 Union Market
Experience an unforgettable 90-minute visual European journey this month at the Snowglow pop-up. Feast on Alpine-inspired food and specialty cocktails within one of their three cozy-themed seating alcoves. Entrance costs $35.
The Midnight at Mykonos cocktail at Limani. (Courtesy of Laura Evans Media)
📍 The Wharf
Limani is turning its penthouse balcony into a Winter Wonderland with temperature-controlled igloos and a special holiday menu. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a life-size nutcracker, a sleigh that you take pictures in, and complimentary Greek cookies called koulourakia. Try one of their many speciality holiday drinks, such as the Spicy Dionysus, a festive mulled wine cocktail named after the god of wine.
📍 U Street Corridor
Get your hands on one of their limited-time seasonal cocktails, from Buddy The Elf made with Mezcal Verde, fig syrup, ginger liquor, and lemon, to the Mistletoe Mule with Smoke Lab Vodka, Aperol, lychee puree, lime juice, and ginger beer (and can also be made nonalcoholic).
📍 Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown
On Dec. 7, 14, and 21, sip on hot chocolate while enjoying live entertainment at this swanky hotel. Plus, Santa will be there! Bring your kiddos to receive a special gift from Mattel with a matching donation for a patient at the Children’s National Hospital.
