Bar Pendry © Liz Clayman
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In the nation’s capital, ‘tis the season for a hot beverage in-hand.
Elegance with a touch of mischief – that's what you'll get at the Pendry's boozy Saturday afternoon tea service. The waterfront hotel's cozy lobby bar reveals a refined menu with combinations like warm apple cider with black tea and gin-spiked green tea with spiced honey. Seasonal takes on sweet and savory high tea tarts are brought out on tiered cake stands for a full, modern experience. Be sure to check their site for the most current sampler menu and specialty tea events.
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Elfegne
DC is known for its stellar Ethiopian food, but have you tried Ethiopian tea or coffee? If you've never had the chance to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, let us assure you: it is the perfect way to warm up from the inside out when the weather gets cool. Elfegne or Sidamo are perfect places to start.
Beer garden season lasts all year long at Wunder Garten. The outdoor space in NoMa & Union Market transforms for winter with fire pits, hot chocolate, twinkling lights and a Christmas tree lot next door. The stuff of aprés-ski dreams.
Head to the roof of Union Market to enjoy the backyard atmosphere of Hi-Lawn. Take in gorgeous views of the city while enjoying seasonal dishes and drinks like tasty hot cider, Irish coffee or toddy. During the fall and winter, look out for pop-ups that bring European-style coziness to the modern neighborhood.
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Equal parts DC landmark and operational restaurant, Old Ebbitt Grill has impressed diners in the heart of the District for decades. While the institution is known for its classic American fare, we recommend you indulge in a hot, seasonal cocktail. One fan favorite over the years is the Baltimore Caffe, which combines Peloton de la Muerte Mezcal, Giffard Crème de Cacao, Giffard Crème de Pampelmousse Rosé and lemon. One sip will leave you feeling toasty and warm inside.
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The courtyard of Dirty Habit, situated within the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, transforms into a ski chalet wonderland. The patio has been flipped for winter with fire pits, heaters, festive décor and seasonal libations. You'll have no trouble staying warm with drinks like the Grape Reverie, a cabernet sauvignon mulled with cognac, cranberries, masala chai and honey. Treat your sweet tooth to a Naughty & Nice – salted dark hot chocolate with rum and toasted marshmallow.
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Styled after classic French cafes, Le Diplomate offers a uniquely European experience in the heart of DC. As the holidays approach, accompany your onion soup gratinée, steak frites or bouillabaisse with a selection from le robust cocktail list such as the Cidre Epice, a warm spiced cider drink equipped with spiced rum.
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L'Annexe
Settle into sophistication at Georgetown's L’Annexe, a European-style cocktail bar where visitors can sip cozy cocktails surrounded by antique books – and the colorful jars of house-infused spirits that anchor each drink. The Enough Already is a festive balance of sugar and spice, with vodka, espresso, cinnamon, chipotle, red chili, vanilla, almond notes and chocolate bitters.
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Coquito Shooter. Mo-Ho-Ho-Ho-ito. Churro Manhattan. Apple Guava Mule. If any of those festive drinks piqued your interest, add Colada Shop's Havana-style holiday pop-up to your itinerary.
When the weather gets brisk, this Georgia Avenue space is equipped with fire pits, heaters and a selection of hot drinks including a boozy peanut butter whiskey hot chocolate. Hello, decadence! Another seasonal option is the house mulled cider with either rum or whiskey.
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The Salamander Hotel's lounge does afternoon tea with a sleek, modern feel. You're in for all the essentials: delicate pastries, teeny tiny sandwiches, festive champagnes and a catalog of tea that, in line with Salamander's focus on wellness, includes a number of organic and biodynamic blends. Check their events calendar for dates and seasonal services.
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This hot spot goes all out for the holiday season. Sit around the outdoor fire pits to indulge in six varieties of s'mores or snag a seat inside with three rooms decorated floor-to-ceiling in festive adornments. Featured cocktails include an apple pie White Russian, four flavors of espresso martinis and a Bailey's hot chocolate flight.
