Destination: Cocktail

By Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times

Dec. 23, 2011 12 AM PT

With the New Year just around the bend and the holiday party season nearing an epic close, what better way to ready yourself for the cold winter to come than by cozying up by your gas-burning L.A. fire log with a delicious heated cup of alcohol and spices. Ray’s and Stark Bar, the artsy den of libation at LACMA, has just the thing: a cleverly named drink called Bobbin’ for Bourbon, which combines apple-infused bourbon (yum!) with tart lemon juice, raspberry tea and a tingly rush of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Bobbin’ for Bourbon

2 ounces apple-infused bourbon*

3/4 ounce spiced simple syrup**

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

2 ounces raspberry rooibos tea

Combine all ingredients in a mug, top with fresh whipped cream and freshly grated cinnamon.

*Apple-infused bourbon: Cut fresh apple slices and let sit in bourbon for 72 hours.

**Spiced simple syrup: 1-part water, 1-part sugar, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg. Bring water and spices to a boil, stir in sugar until completely dissolved. Let cool.

Ray’s and Stark Bar, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (323) 857-6180; https://www.patinagroup.com.

— Jessica Gelt