4 Excellent Holiday Cocktails

For those of us who aren't opposed to a little drinkie-poo now and again, the holidays are a great time to try out some new flavor combinations. These four cocktail recipes, from local restaurants, will fit into your bar cart rotation from now through New Year's.

These first two come from WP24 Restaurant, which is located on the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton downtown. (It has a great view.)

Poinsettia

1 ½ oz Vodka

½ oz simple syrup

½ oz lemon    

1 ½ oz cranberry juice

Top with Prosecco

Orange peel garnish (optional)

Bellini in a Pear Tree
Prosecco
(the bar uses Nino Franco)

2 oz pear puree

Cranberry garnish
(seen here on a rosemary skewer)

Tortilla Republic, a Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood, has created a couple of hot, spiked drinks for your winter enjoyment.

Hot Dancing Chihuahua

2 oz mezcal

6 oz chipotle-spiked hot chocolate

½ oz Maraschino liqueur

Whipped cream dusted with cocoa powder

Orange peel twist

Pear Hot Scotch

2 oz Glenlivet 18

6 oz hot pear cider

Whipped cream

Cinnamon stick