The Twelve Cocktails of Christmas

I generally associate the holidays with mulled wine, but few things are as celebratory as martini glasses. Considering it was the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition a few days ago and that FDR marked the occasion with martinis at the White House and that many of these libations are made with premium vodkas, one can't help but fall to their seasonal charms.

Helix Lounge is running The 12 Days of Helix, now through the end of winter. The menu features a cocktail for each verse in the popular song. The Partridge in a Pear Tree (Grey Goose La Poire, Sence Rose Nectar, splash of Triple) is the most interesting mix, but Six Geese A-Layin (Grey Goose dirty martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives) wins the word play award.

Domaso at the Hotel Palomar - Arlington will host a gingerbread extravaganza (complete with class) this Sunday, December 14th. In Alexandria, Jackson 20 and the Grille at Morrison have special Christmas eve menus. Urbana in Dupont Circle is having a "Stocking Stuffer" lunch special for $11.95 throughout December. Poste, my favorite of the Kimpton Restaurants, will host its annual Gingerbread House Contest. You can enjoy eggnog, Swedish hot wine (glogg) and hot chocolate while you ogle at the masterpieces.

Take a break from the same-old office party libations and enjoy!