Deadly Nightshade perfected by Alex Barbatsis, shot by Jenn Wong

A speakeasy bar dishing off thematic holiday cocktails is just what Los Angeles needed during this busy time of the year. Located in Highland Park, dead smack in the middle of LA, Good Housekeeping will be pouring Holiday cocktails for its Nightmare Before Christmas Pop-Up occurring every Wednesday, for the remainder of Holiday season. So if you haven’t stopped by to check out Bar Director Alex Barbatsis 's cocktails yet, it’s time you do so.

The pop up kicked off with a big Halloween Bash on October 31 as Alex came dressed in full Jack Skellington suit, making him the perfect subject of a 2 hour demo session featuring his new menu. For the opening act, Jack Skellington delivered the Carnival of Souls featuring Tequila, Bubble Gum Syrup, Lemon, Sparkling Rosé and Cotton Candy as a garnish.

Next it was time for Egg Nog and since no holiday menu is complete without Egg Nog, Alex dialed up his special version featuring Smith & Cross Rum, High West American Prairie Bourbon, Eggs, Sugar, Heavy Cream, Milk, and of course, Pumpkin Spice.

Minutes after, we easily moved through our tasty Oogie Boogie, (a potion comprised of Sweet Potato Shrub, Rhum Jm, Meletti and Lemon, before the Deadly Nightshade presented itself, amid a giant cloud of smoke. It was the perfect night cap and even though it was our last, it took the crown as the One Cocktail to Try (we realize not every night is demo night so choose wisely!), Served under a cloud of Mint and Applewood smoke, it perfectly mixes Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Campari, and Brovo Rosé Vermouth.

The pop-up drinks were impressive and unexpected. The decor and staff are feeling the holiday spirit so head to Highland Park on a Wednesday night and pay them a visit. Also, don't forget also to grab a bite at Cafe Birdie next door, one of our favorite spots for food... oh, and did we mention they have their own cocktail menu?

Special thanks to Way of the Wong for the amazing photos. Make sure to follow her on Instagram

About Good Housekeeping

Good Housekeeping, as the name would imply, is rooted in the classic and clean. Borrowed from a time when hosting was an art, a simple experience, from ambiance to service to cocktails, that leaves the guest free from worries and inhibitions. Recently named “Best New Cocktail Bar” by LA Weekly, it is located behind Cafe Birdie in Highland Park, serving timeless cocktails without pretension, focusing on service, and leaving all the magic to the magicians behind the bar. Bar Director Alex Barbatsis helms the cocktail programs at Cafe Birdie, Good Housekeeping and Bar Angeles. Brought to you by Esprit de Corps Hospitality, restaurateurs Wade McElroy & Russell Malixi (Horse Thief BBQ and Bar Angeles), this neighborhood bar is open 7 p.m. - midnight on Sunday - Thursday and 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Friday & Saturday.