Holiday Drinks

Sometimes you just have to get out of the house for a little holiday cheer--alcoholic or not.

* One Pico: The loveliest, quaintest, coziest lobby/lounge around is at Shutters on the Beach; with low ceiling, big couches, blazing fireplaces and subtle holiday decorations, this may be the best place to slip away to and enjoy a Kettle One or Belvedere vodka martini, or some wine. And it’s even open today. (Martinis, $6.75-$8.75; wines by the glass $6-$9.) One Pico in Shutters on the Beach Hotel, 1 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 587-1717.

* The Dresden: There’s no special holiday grog at this kitsch palace, but there are the Blood and Sand cocktails, a Polynesian-type, rum-based drink whose recipe is an old family secret. Sip it while listening to the famed duo of Marty and Elaine sing ballads and jazz. (Blood and Sand cocktail, $6.) The Dresden, 1760 N. Vermont Ave., (213) 665-4294. Closed today.

* Vida: A bit of ironic cheer can be had in the Mandarin Roadkill With Iced Cranberry, a frozen cocktail concocted from freshly made tangerine and cranberry juice and the bartender’s choice of liquor. (Roadkill, $3.50.) Vida, 1930 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, (213) 660-4446. Closed today.

* El Carmen: “We are the place for a good stiff drink over the holidays,” they say at this reconfigured tequila and taco bar, which is open today and serves with Noche Buena, a dark amber Christmas beer, and 150 tequilas. (Mexican beers $4; tequilas $4.50 to $25 a shot.) El Carmen, 8138 W. 3rd St. (213) 852-1552.

* Maple Drive: “We used to make mulled wine,” says chef-owner Leonard Schwartz, “but we ended up drinking it all ourselves.” Now chilled drinks straight up are in. (Cocktails, $5-$7.) Maple Drive, 345 N. Maple Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 274-9800. Closed today.

* Starbucks: For a little holiday pick-me-up, the now-ubiquitous coffee stores are serving eggnog lattes--a mixture of eggnog, nonfat milk and espresso . . . ! (Eggnog latte, $2.70 and $3.30; coffee, $1.25 and $1.45 by the cup or $10.95 per pound.) Starbucks throughout Southern California; some locations open today.

* Nic’s and the Martini Lounge: This new restaurant has a stylish lounge--after all, owner Larry Nicola anticipated the martini craze by a decade. Try the Rosebud, Belvedere vodka scented with pomegranate juice and rose water. (Rosebud, $7.50.) Nic’s and the Martini Lounge, 453 N. Can~on Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 550-5707. Closed today.

* Cinnabar: At the former Yee Me Loo bar, Kat Chin is serving “hot apple pie,” a bracing mix of hot apple cider and Tuaca topped with whipped cream. (“Hot apple pie,” $5.75.) Cinnabar, 933 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 551-1155. Closed today.