San Diego’s premier mixologists are embracing holiday scents and spices to craft warming spirits strong enough to get us through the season. Expand far beyond your bar routine with new winter cocktails from El Dorado, Alchemy, Burlap, Noble Experiment, Flavor Del Mar and Saltbox, among others. Who’s up for some ultra-sweet Brandy Milk Punch? More seasonal cocktails include The Ugly Sweater, Hibiscus Highlands Eggnog and Gingerbread Martini.

Warm up with one of the best winter cocktails in San Diego.

St. Lucia Sour at Saltbox
With all mustaches stored away, Saltbox’s Master Mixologist Erin Williams is now switching gears from Movember to the holiday season. Head to Saltbox within the Palomar Hotel and sip on the St. Lucia Sour, a festive spirit made with Chairman's Reserve Rum, Cointreau Noir, egg white, lemon, Chai Rye Bitters and Maple Flakes. The St. Lucia Sour is sure to warm you up on a chilly winter night. More signature cocktails include the Mental Ward, a blend of High West “Bourye” Bourbon, pomegranate molasses, lime and sugar; and the Caucasion, a twist on the White Russian with Makers Mark Bourbon, Kahlua and fresh whipped cream.

Brandy Milk Punch at Noble Experiment
Just last week, Noble Experiment’s inventive bar master Anthony Schmidt took home his second consecutive title in the local Bartender Challenge hosted by El Dorado. Just days later, Anthony, along with the entire Noble Experiment team, introduced a new winter cocktail menu. This edgy speakeasy is considered the Mecca for handcrafted cocktails in San Diego, and the new spirits on this menu are guaranteed to keep you warm all season long. Indulge your sweet tooth with the Brandy Milk Punch, made with Cognac, milk, cane sugar and vanilla extract. More signature cocktails to try include the Rattlesnake, a bold blend of Rye, Absinthe, lemon, sugar and egg white; and St. Cecilia, made with Apple Brandy, ginger, lime, all spice, bitters and club soda.

The Ugly Sweater at El Dorado Cocktail Lounge
It may be hard to stray away from your go-to Moscow Mule drink order, but you should know that El Dorado is gearing up to introduce a new cocktail menu with even more options for holiday imbibing. The winter menu features five new spirits, and will be unveiled during the launch party on December 20th, during which you can try your pick for $5. New cocktails include The Ugly Sweater, a refreshing blend of Laphroig, Applejack, lime mint and cucumber; Cyarlie Brown, made with Cynar, Rye, Antica and Orange Bitters; Winter in Sicily, made with Rye, Cacao, Averna and Orange Bitters; Charo’s Kick, a spicy blend of Tequila, Mezcal, lemon and Orgeat; and the Traditional Army & Navy, with Gin, lemon, Orgeat and Ango Bitters.

Check out all new winter cocktails and more on DiscoverSD.com