Happy Hour: Sun Liquor's eggnog is a holiday star

HAPPY HOUR |

Sun Liquor has become, hands down, the best neighborhood bar in Seattle. It has also evolved in the last two years. The hipsters and the cocktail geeks come. Bartenders, too, hang out here after work or on their days off. Those same bartenders also bring bartenders from out of state here to show a snippet of insider Seattle.

But you should know: The regulars hate outsiders, especially Belltowners, for gentrifying this bar. But never mind that.

Sun Liquor is one of the city's favorite hangouts on Christmas for the young and hip — and also for those already sick of their visiting in-laws.

Sun Liquor makes some mean cocktails, reasonably priced (most around $5-$6) during happy hour. It also makes the best eggnog in Seattle, one of the finest I've ever tasted.

It's less fluffy, with layers of flavors and a smooth finish. It goes down easy. Too easy. A few of these and you are getting north of 2,000 calories and a buzz. It's made with Hennessy cognac, Bulleit bourbon and rum.

The secret to Sun Liquor's addicting eggnog — made by barman Erik Chapman — is that it gets aged for a month in jars and stored in the back of the fridge.

The eggnog ($5) is offered only on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The cocktail geeks are already giddy over a second bar, called Sun Liquor Distillery, that will open at East Pike Street and Belmont Avenue in January. Small batches of different apple brandies, gins or liqueurs will be made every week from the on-site distillery. It's one of the most anticipated cocktail-den openings of 2011.

Sun Liquor, 607 Summit Ave. E., offers happy hour 5-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays when specialty cocktails are $2 off. Open at 7 p.m. Christmas Day (206-860-1130 or www.sunliquor.com).

Tan Vinh: 206-515-5656 or tvinh@seattletimes.com