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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355 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
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. Ethiopian specialties at Elfegne in Adams Morgan include not only smooth and fruity brews but also spiced black tea and a revised take on Irish coffee.
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2420 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Pumpkin spiced frappe. Brown butter chai latte. Maple cream cold brew. If any of those mouthwatering drinks piqued your interest, run don't walk to Bitty & Beau's. The "human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop" offers an all-around warm experience thanks to not just its seasonal beverages but its focus on fostering community through radical inclusivity.
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3207 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20007
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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555 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
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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2917 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
The Salamander Hotel's newly reimagined 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.
1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
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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675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Escape the hustle and bustle of Georgetown's main avenues and duck into Dog Tag, a non-profit bakery and cafe on quaint Grace Street. Inside, you'll find locals sipping coffee, reading the paper or ogling the pastry counter. Pick up a snack and sample the crown jewel of the sweater-season menu: the caramel apple latte.
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3206 Grace Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
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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1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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. Our favorite cozy option is the Rum Cider, served warm and infused with rum, pineapple syrup, apple and lime. These specials are available at the 14th Street and Clarendon locations, with prices start at $12.
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1405 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
The Salamander Hotel's newly reimagined 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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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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3333 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010
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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1601 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
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.
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916 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Check out even more hot spots decking the halls this holiday season, like Death Punch, Penn Social, Wunder Garten, Duke’s Grocery and Westin City Center. Folks across the District can eat, drink and be merry with festive beverages like hot buttered rum, mulled wine, hot chocolate and more.
Ready for more? Explore the District's top hot chocolate spots and coffee shops.
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