It’s the most wonderful time of the year — for those who cherish seasonal beverages that are spiced, spiked, and lit aflame. WTOP has compiled a few of the many momentous, area beverages worth searching for, from a Bailey’s hot cocoa flight at Urban Roast to a nonalcoholic gingerbread latte at Compass Coffee.
Stay cozy this holiday season by enjoying one (or more) of the following five seasonal drinks. See the video below for more details.
Baileys hot cocoa flight at Urban Roast
916 G Street Northwest, Suite C-2, Washington, D.C.
Perfectly outfitted for the winter season, this D.C. cocktail bar has decorated its holiday-themed space for selfies and memorable moments with friends and colleagues. One of the flights you can’t miss while here is the spiked hot chocolate flight with Baileys flavors like s’mores, salted caramel, red velvet and apple pie.
Holiday Spiked Chai at Miracle at Death Punch Bar
2321 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
For the third year in a row in D.C., Miracle, a global Christmas pop-up franchise, is inviting the public to enjoy themed beverages and an upper-level space decked out for decking the halls.
Death Punch Bar has several drinks perfect for lovers of all kinds of liquors, but the Holiday Spiked Chai stands out from the pack. The spiked tea includes brandy, Jamaican overproof rum, coffee liqueur, amaretto, almond milk, egg white, tiki bitters, nutmeg and, of course, chai.
Gingerbread latte at Compass Coffee
Multiple locations
With several locations in the D.C. area, Compass Coffee is celebrating seasonal flavors in a variety of drinks: peppermint mocha latte, maple latte, but the best of the best has to be the gingerbread latte. At first sip, the gingery notes are just a subtle kiss of sweetness, but by the end of the cup, the spice levels enhance into a delightful hug in a mug.
Youngblood campfire s’mores martini at Joy on the Avenue
2312 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, Virginia
Joy on the Avenue is a holiday pop-up located in Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray neighborhood. It’s a bit of a walk from the nearest Metro station, which is Braddock Road, but for those in search of a festive atmosphere, this is your best bet.
The menu includes both sweet and savory nibbles like “Nachos Navidad” and “Warm Santa Cookies.” For those in need of something to quench their thirst, there are also several options, including the “Gingerbread G&T,” the “Noggy or Nice?” and WTOP’s favorite, “Youngblood Campfire S’more Martini.”
This last cocktail is toasted tableside with a freshly roasted marshmallow garnish overtop a mix of vanilla vodka, heavy cream and crème de cacao.
Shotnorah at Ivy and Coney
1537 7th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
With eight shots of liquor included, the Shotnorah is best served with friends ready to get lit. In an email to WTOP, Chris Powers, co-owner of Ivy and Coney, said that the standard Shotnorah is $20 for Manischewitz, but “folks are also welcome to order any liquor of their choosing at menu price.”
All proceeds from Shotnorah sales will go to HIAS, which is Ivy and Coney’s charitable partner this year.
