The holidays are a wonderful time for drinking. But also after and before the holidays and all the other days.
Twelve Beers of Christmas at Fat Angel
Holiday cheer is being served by the pint at Fat Angel, where you'll find a dozen delicious seasonal brews on the 12 Beers of Christmas menu. Aptly named beers include Santa's Little Helper, a bourbon barrel aged imperial stout from Port Brewing (CA); Reindeer Droppings, a spiced English amber from Ridgeway Brewery (UK); and Bad Santa, a Black IPA from Pelican Brewing (OR). Be sure to check out Fat Angel's non-traditional Christmas tree, trimmed with polaroid images of guests such as Conan O'Brien. // 1740 O'Farrell St. (Western Addition), fatangelsf.com
Dapper Holiday Party at The Dorian
Red bow ties, turtlenecks, and Christmas sweaters are encouraged at The Dorian's Dapper Holiday Party, slated for Thursday, Dec. 22, from 8pm to midnight. The second annual holiday soirée features specially-priced eggnog, hot toddies, and brandy and whiskey ciders in The State Room, as well as a jazz duet in the Drawing Room, mistletoe in the photobooth, and a possible appearance by Santa in The Study. Free tickets are available online. // 2001 Chestnut St. (Marina), doriansf.com
Spiked Hot Chocolate at Gather
When it's too cold to drink outside in San Francisco, escape to Berkeley, where it's always five degrees warmer. Brave the bridge or tunnel to enjoy the patio and outdoor fireplace at Gather, where you can sip on a steaming cup of Chocolate Truce, made with hot cocoa, Green Chartreuse, and absinthe-scented whipped cream. // 2200 Oxford St. (Berkeley), gatherrestaurant.com
On Christmas Eve, Finn Town is spicing up the season by offering a free Fireball to everyone wearing red. Show up between 5pm and 1:30am with a red hat, scarf, lapel pin, socks (or anything else for that matter), and get a complimentary shot of house-made Fireball with the purchase of any menu item. // 2251 Market St. (Castro), finntownsf.com
Barrel-aged beer lovers, rejoice! Sonoma County's Bear Republic Brewing Company has started the Wild Club, which you can join for free to get first dibs on and exclusive access to special brews and events throughout the year. To become a Wild Club member, just pay for a beer shipment when it becomes available in February, April, September, or December. Members get exclusive access to Wild Club beers, first access to purchase library beers and magnums, private tours and invitations to brewmaster dinners, and discounts on shipping. This month's Wild Club offerings include Barrel 188: This Little Figgie, a golden ale barreled in December 2014; and 'Twas the Beer Before Christmas, a reddish-black, barrel-aged blend of Bear Republic's Old Baba Yaga, Tartare Noir, Tartare Apricot, and "Epic" huge brown ale. // 345 Healdsburg Ave. (Healdsburg), bearrepublic.com
