Sip Delicious Winter Cocktails at Northern Virginia Bars and Restaurants

Celebrate the season with a festive libation from NoVA establishments.

By Priya Konings • Posted December 2, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.

Courtesy El Mercat

The holidays are all about food, friends, fun — and of course, seasonal beverages. Many of our NoVA restaurants and bars are serving up festive libations to celebrate the season. Here are five of our favorite winter cocktails.

Blitzen Bar at Maker’s Union’s Blitzen’s BLITZED

This grey goose l’orange-sparkling wine-raspberry puree concoction is the just one of the many themed beverages at this Maker’s Union’s holiday pop up bar. There’s also Tiny Tim’s Hot Chocolate, for something sweet, and ‘Twas the Sip Before Christmas for a seasonal twist on an espresso martini. Visit Blitzen Bar throughout the month of December to sample all the offerings on their holiday menu. 1450 South Eads St., Ste. 65, Arlington; 42841 Creek View Place, Ste. 145, Ashburn; 1811 Library St., Reston

Colada Shop’s Coquito

Coquito is the ultimate staple of the holiday season. At Colada Shop it is a creamy, heady potion made with rum, condensed and evaporated milk, coconut, and spices. Enjoy it with an order of churros. 244 19th Court, Suite 35, Arlington; 2811 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington; 2920 District Ave, Fairfax

El Mercat’s Winter Daiquiri

This cocktail is a little sweet, a little spicy, and very merry — just what the holiday season is all about. Spiced rum is combined with fresh lemon juice, ginger syrup, and pineapple juice (which is actually a winter fruit) for a smooth, easy drinking beverage. 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington

Trattoria Villagio’s Spiced Red Sangria

Comprised of cabernet sauvignon, apple cider, and brandy which is combined with maple syrup and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this boozy sangria is the perfect drink for the holiday season. 7145 Main St., Clifton

Timber Pizza’s Apple Cider Old Fashioned

For a seasonal twist on a classic this holiday season, try Timber Pizza’s apple cider old fashioned. Crafted with Woodford Reserve bourbon, apple cider, a splash of maraschino cherry, fresh orange juice, and a few drops of bitters, this cocktail delivers a beautiful balance of sweet and spiced flavors. Multiple locations

Feature image courtesy El Mercat

Priya Konings

Contributing Writer

Priya Konings is a food and travel writer and photographer residing in the Washington, DC area. Her passions include writing and photography, traveling the world, and eating delicious vegetarian fare both locally and globally. Her work has been published in Resy, Northern Virginia Magazine, Washington City Paper, The Dining Traveler, District Fray, and Brightest Young Things, in addition to other publications.