Story & Photography by Jeanette Wages
‘Tis the season to be indulgent. Yes, New Year’s Resolutions are around the corner, but this is the time of year to enjoy life and be festive. Celebrate with a little decadence, courtesy of our favorite local restaurants!
Smoked Cinnamon Old Fashioned + Bourbon Pecan Pie
Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge
101 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
The smoked-cinnamon old fashioned with delicious tiki bitters gives you the warm feeling of the holidays while letting us pretend we are on a beach somewhere. This drink pairs perfectly with Vola’s somewhat non-traditional bourbon pecan pie. Don’t mind me humming, “All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan” while sipping this delicious beverage.
Naughty or Nice Martini + Thin Mint Ice Cream Pie
728 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Who doesn’t want ice cream pie all year round? It’s cozy enough inside Mason Social to savor every bite of their Thin Mint ice cream pie—with crushed candy canes for that truly festive feel. If you are feeling even the tiniest bit naughty, the “Naughty or Nice” martini—vodka, Baileys, chocolate sauce, peppermint schnapps and a candy cane—will put you right in the spirit. Just enough childhood reminiscence in a drink that’s definitely for adults only.
Where's My Head + Muscavado Spice Cake
606 N Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Let’s face it, the French have always known how to do desserts right—and Bastille is the place to find them! We ordered a pairing of the roulade de noisettes à la citrouille and muscavado spice cake alongside a “Where’s My Head,” a magical drink creation with a clove infused apple brandy, vanilla, bitters and a spiced pumpkin cream foam. So much pumpkin, so far from basic.
Caramel Apple Mulled Wine + Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake
3410 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 2230
Sit me by the fire-pit with these treats and I’ll forget it’s cold outside. Nutella swirled pumpkin cheesecake? I didn’t have to read past “Nutella” to know I needed this dessert in my life—and I wasn’t wrong. Pair with a caramel apple mulled wine, that I’m told will knock your socks off and warm your soul—there’s whiskey in it, so I’ll believe it’s true.
Tis The Season + Apple & Ricotta Donuts
106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
‘Tis the Season—yes, I’m using the cliché twice, but it’s only because it’s the name of this cocktail, which uses local MurLarkey cinnamon whiskey, amaretto and a hint of house-made sour mix. Pair this up with the apple and ricotta donut and you’re sure to have a better day.
Scotchtail + Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Bar
480 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
If you are a fan of sweet and salty, this is the dessert for you—chocolate and peanut butter topped with bacon…what else could you possibly need in life? Paired with the house scotchtail, which is featured in the Old Town Business Association’s “LaPhroaig Shop, Stroll and Sip” event, which will run until December 18th. Side bonus: the amazing winter wonderland igloo set up in the courtyard!