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13 winter cocktails to keep you warm and fuzzy

That tingly sensation you feel? That's the spiked cider talking. Head to some of LA's best bars for stellar winter cocktails to curb the chill.

Written by
Erin Kuschner
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It's time. Time to give up those summer cocktails with their citrusy profiles (and, hopefully, baby umbrellas) and embrace the hot, cinnamon-infused libations of winter. In an effort to stay warm this season, we scoured LA's best bars to find the drinks that make you want to curl up by the fire and get toasted. Santa would be so proud. If beer's more your thing, here are 12 seasonal brews from local breweries.

RECOMMENDED: The best cocktail bars in LA

Photograph: Courtesy 1886

Spiked Egg Nog at 1886

Egg nog around the holidays is a staple, and at 1886—arguably the best spot in Pasadena for craft cocktails—the spiked version is a must-try. Cognac, simple syrup, heavy cream and one whole egg are mixed together, then topped with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. $12

Photograph: Eric Shani

Shill at The Roger Room

Warm your hands around the Shill, a hot cocktail served at one of LA's best watering holes. La Fee absinthe, mint rose tea and crème de menthe are all key players, along with amaretto, honey, cinnamon and clove. $16
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Photograph: Mariah Carrillo

Winter Wondermint at Bacari PDR

Clear as ice, the Winter Wondermint at Bacari PDR is made with gin, crème de cacao, Wondermint peppermint liqueur and a luxardo cherry garnish. It won't melt, but you'll drink it fast all the same. $10
Photograph: Courtesy Gracias Madre

Not Your Madre's Eggnog at Gracias Madre

Gracias Madre's beverage director, Jason Eisner, has taken your childhood eggnog and made it full-grown, with coconut milk, vegan caramel agave, homemade chocolate bitters, Eisner's own masala chai blend, and the kicker: mezcal. $15
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Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Mary Funkin' Poppins at The Church Key

Of course The Church Key has a drink called the Mary Funkin' Poppins. Move past the kitschy name and sip on an intriguing mix of Buffalo Trace bourbon, green Chartreuse, earl grey tea and honey. It helps the medicine go down. $13
Photograph: Courtesy Magnolia House

Night Cap at Magnolia House

It may sound like a pre-bedtime beverage, but the fig-topped cocktail is made with eye-opening coffee bean Cynar, as well as blanc vermouth and fresh fig bitters. $10
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Photograph: acuna-hansen

Tipple Tree at Tipple & Brine

Like a snowglobe come to life, the Tipple Tree swirls with cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white, and is topped with speckles of freshly grated nutmeg. $7
Photograph: Courtesy Thirsty Crow

Spiked cider at Thirsty Crow

Crafted by Monica Olive, the spiked cider at Thirsty Crow almost makes you wish you were stranded in a log cabin somewhere, getting drunk off rum and the holiday spirit. The mug is filled with Sailor Jerry rum, butterscotch and hot apple cider, and it smells like Christmas morning. $12
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Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Kalimotxo at Power House

Hollywood mainstay Power House has reinvented itself in the past couple months, and with that comes a brand new cocktail list. To warm up on a chilly LA evening, try the Kalimotxo: mulled red wine, Coca-Cola, orange and cookie spice. $9
Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Butter D's at Wildcraft

Butter D's is the winter cocktail you want to wake up to. Spiced-infused rum, herbed butter and brown sugar laden, it's almost like you're drinking a spiked pancake. $10
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Photograph: Courtesy Rustic Canyon

A Lovely Pear at Rustic Canyon

Pear and ginger-infused rum, Park VS Cognac, wildflower honey, fresh lemon and Scrappy's cinnamon and cardamom bitters all make an appearance in this cocktail that reminds you of a day spent at an orchard. $15
Photograph: Courtesy Ink

Ink Nog at Ink

Michael Voltaggio bumps eggnog up a notch with Ink Nog, a unique take on the classic. Candycap mushroom-infused rum, bourbon, Cynar, spiced rice and cashew milk, condensed milk syrup and candycap mushroom bitters somehow result in this luxuriously smooth concoction, topped with grated nutmeg. $15
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Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Smokey Toddy at Ray's and Stark Bar

Laphroaig whiskey, honey, velvet falernum and lemon add spice to the traditional hot toddy at LACMA's Ray's and Stark Bar, where you can do some serious people watching while treating yourself to an afternoon drink. $12
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