Photo by yospyn

Drink of the Week: The Lion’s Tail
Where: Bourbon Steak, The Passenger

Like death and taxes, the holidays are one of life’s certainties. This often means navigating a traveler’s nightmare, frantically shopping for the right gift, and spending an alarming amount of time with family. For those of us who grew up in more northerly places, it can also be hard to get into the spirit when there’s not a snowflake in sight. Whatever your holiday woes, the Lion’s Tail will fix you right up.

Sweet and spicy, the Lion’s Tail is an old-fashioned elixir of bourbon and allspice dram. Allspice, normally the purview of gingerbread or pumpkin pie, gives the drink its warmth and depth. Lime and a dash of bitters keep it from becoming too cloying. The result is a strong, wintry drink worth cozying up to on a (not-so-) cold December evening. You can order a Lion’s Tail at Bourbon Steak or The Passenger, or make it yourself using Passenger cocktail wizard Derek Brown’s recipe.

Small Bites

Boxing Day Brunching:
Can’t bear the thought of eating Christmas leftovers? Urbana will be serving up a Boxing Day brunch on Dec. 26. As a bonus, enjoy a free bottomless bellini if you bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the Children’s National Medical Center. Brunch will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Behold the Miracle of Oil:
Dino is offering a special Hanukkah dinner through Dec. 27. Feast on staples like potato latkes, matzo ball soup and roasted chicken. The meal is $45 and includes dessert.

Tacos out, Tacos In:
Tomatilla Taqueria, the pop-up lunch stand operating out of the Big Hunt’s front window, has filled its last tortilla—for now. According to the Post, the owners will be joining forces with Tacos Impala, which is set to open a location on H Street NE in spring 2012. They’ll be joined by fellow their fellow taco slingers at Sol Mexican Grill; the food truck is also opening up a brick and mortar restaurant along H Street.