Where to Find Festive Whiskey Cocktails in LA | Eater

"The most expert holiday hack of all? Skipping the TSA line altogether and opting for a staycation, especially if it involves booking a night or two at Le Méridien, which is perfectly situated between the Los Angeles County Arboretum (and their magical yearly Lightscape) and Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. While the location is prime, you’ll find you might not even need to leave the hotel property to eat and be merry, with all the on-property dining options a short elevator ride away. But don’t let a hotel reservation stop you from a good time. Even if you live nearby, you can’t go wrong with dining at any of the restaurants, especially with a Black Barrel Manhattan in hand. Slide into one of Mélange’s swanky turquoise velvet booths to pair this cold-weather cocktail with a ribeye, pop in for a quick afternoon tea or something a bit stiffer at the High Tea Lounge, or enjoy a night cap at the modern Longitude 118 cocktail bar. It might just become your new holiday tradition." - Mackenzie Filson