Home is where the heart is during the holiday season, and it’s also the setting for many holiday culinary traditions.

When it comes to libations, on the other hand, ’tis the season for going out for casual get-togethers with family and friends, often gathered around beverages — hot or cold, alcoholic or caffeinated or both.

In the spirit (and spirits) of holiday celebration, I scoured my favorite haunts to bring to you a round-up of some recommended drinks to make this season particularly jolly, bright and, of course, tasty.

Our regularly scheduled programing of comprehensive restaurant coverage will return next week, but until then, we at The Gazette lift our glasses to all our readers and heartily wish them “Cheers!”

Cocktails

Warming Favorite: Shuga’s

702 S. Cascade Ave., 328-1412

The holidays are often kid-centered, but Shuga’s reveals a few great reasons that being an adult with mature tastes is great this time of year. Instead of going straight for the sweet tooth, their hot cocktails include a fantastic Wine Barrel Cider ($8). Winter’s answer to sangria, the mixture of apple cider, spices, brandy and red wine is sweet, tart and refreshingly dry, the beverage equivalent of a fireplace’s warming glow. In close second, Maggie’s Toddy ($9) is calming and even wholesome with its lemon-ginger tea, Grand Marnier and honey. Plus, Shuga’s, situated in it’s funky and artsy Victorian, is a cozy venue for rendezvous or small gatherings.

Martini Favorite: Rabbit Hole

101 N. Tejon St., 203-5072

The Rabbit Hole’s drink menu has always been impressive, and yet no specific holiday-themed menu was offered on my visits. When we expressed interest, however, one of the friendly bartenders whipped up something grand: a holiday Peter Cottontail ($12). The white-chocolate martini was spiked with peppermint schnapps, sprinkled with earthy nutmeg and garnished with a candy cane. While not revolutionary, the result was rich, cakey and celebratory.

Suds Favorite: Bristol Brewing

1647 S. Tejon St., 633-2555

Bristol’s Venetucci Pumpkin Ale was especially popular and quick to sell out this year, and if you missed out, don’t make the same mistake with the Christmas Ale. Brewed with cardamom, cinnamon and cloves, the beer has a huge spicy nose, and the molasses component makes it an especially rich ale. It’s the beer incarnation of a holiday spiced cider, and it’s going fast. Christmas Ale is sold out at Bristol’s tasting room, but is still available at participating liquor stores ($4.00-$5.99 per pint bottle) — while limited supplies last!

Sparkling Favorite: The Blue Star

1645 S. Tejon St., 632-1086

The lively and colorful atmosphere of The Blue Star is an ideal setting for a cheerful holiday gathering, and the wine list is usually a local favorite. For the holiday season, however, I especially enjoyed the Perfumed Pear ($10). Champagne provides a light, bubbly base for sweet Amaretto and sweeter “pear lavender honey,” which are then cut with a dash of lemon juice. It’s a creative drink that suits the season generally and the festive spirit of New Year’s Eve particularly.

Coffees and Teas

Favorite Coffees and Teas: Montague’s

1019 S. Tejon St., 520-0672

In my opinion, Montague’s offered the largest and most appealing holiday menu of drinks — especially teas, including Cranberry, Christmas Mint, Jack Frost and Gingerbread teas from Eastern Shore Tea Co. I found the Gingerbread to be rich, spicy, and downright delicious when you add a dash of cream and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The sweet eggnog lattes are dandy, but I’d order the tongue-tickling cinnamon latte again in a heartbeat. Plus, Montague’s cozy, warm décor and lighted holiday pine boughs exude a feeling of peace and goodwill — an ideal backdrop for a holiday get-together. 

Honorable mentions

Agia Sophia

2902 W. Colorado Ave., 632-3322, agiasophia coffeeshop.com

• Offering eggnog lattes and eggnog chai lattes

• Great pumpkin spice latte with real squash flavor that, while sweet, is also wholesome and satisfying

• Bonus points for great quiet, calming atmosphere

Pikes Perk

Multiple locations, 635-1600, pikesperk coffee.com

• Various peppermint drinks

• Offering eggnog lattes and eggnog chai lattes

• Ask for a shot of flavoring for more variety

Starbucks

Multiple locations, starbucks.com

• Dozens of holiday drinks, varying by location

• Nice peppermint and white lattes

Find Bristol Brewing Christmas Ale at liquor stores while supplies last Photo by PHOTOS BY KATE JONUSKA

Agia Sophia gets extra points for atmosphere Photo by

Shuga’s Wine Barrel Cider will keep you warm. Photo by